how to build a float

How to build a float

Do you have a Theme to follow?


• Height restrictions• Width of roadway restrictions• Turning radius restrictions• Overall length including vehicle for

towing• Sound volume restrictions• Use of water or other substances• Throwing or distribution of candy or

other promotional materials


Does the float need to be approved by parade committee?

Items you can use; shoebox, some magic markers, floral wire, floral foam, tin foil, or legos

How to build a floatDesign:

Design your ideas on shoebox top or make simple drawings


Will there be on your float?

Trailer

Flat rack

Chassis

movement

What type of platform?

Don’t skimp on quality! To be durable, parts must be heavy duty.

This prevents a break down during the parade.


Make a materials list

• Foam• Paper Mache• Floral sheeting• Unshrunk Muslin.

• Moving parts• Motors (gas or electric)• Sound system• Power supply• Necessary hand and

power tools.

• Staple gun• Staples• Nails• Wire• Lumber• Any special

materials required

How much do you want to spend?


From the materials list you can develop a budget.

Wood $xxx.xxFabric $xx.xxGlue $xx.xxPaint $xxx.xx_____________Total $xxx.xx

Power tools and equipment Electrical / electronics

Sound / lightingHydraulicsPainting


What are the capabilities of your builders?

Develop a time line for construction.

One to eight weeks.

Try to be done in 6.


How long will it take?

Proper size and are very important.


Find a place to work.

ventilation

If you use a lowboy trailer you may have to build a sub structure to elevate the platform for the float.


Construct:

• Extend 12 to 16 inches beyond the side frame on an angle. This allows the tongue to turn.

• If you are going to reuse or transport the float, use hinges to attach pieces that can be folded for travel.

• Cover the floor with sheeting or artificial grass.

• Cover this material with a paint drop sheet to protect from drippings.


Build the platformConstruct:


Form the shapes using:• Pencil steel• Foam• Chicken wire • Window Screen• Wood

For more complex units with movement or if you are building over a chassis you may need someone with welding skills and a knowledge of mechanics or hydraulics.

Construct:

Test and double test all mechanical or moving parts and have access to the mechanical area.

Make sure all electrical and hydraulics are installed and tested prior to covering framework with chicken wire or material.


Construct:

Attach floral sheeting; paper Mache, floral sheeting or Muslin and fringe/ festoon to sides.

Use staples, double face tape or glue.

If you are using paper Mache or Muslin you will have to cover the side with chicken wire or screen.


Construct:


Construct:Cover with:

• Floral sheeting • Floral sheeting is best

attached with staple or double-faced tape.

• Paper Mache or Unshrunk muslin

• If you use paper Mache or muslin, use wallpaper paste glue

If you are using spray foam, use a fine nozzle and shape as close as possible. If your shaping foam by sanding make sure to wear breathing masks.

Do your final shaping of the material and paint unless you are covering with floral sheeting.

Remember, muslin will shrink once it becomes wet. It will tighten between the contact points.

You may also apply the muslin in strips by dipping them in a bucket of the glue mixture as you would paper mache.


Construct:


Final Assembly:

1. Put all parts in place2. Place props3. Apply lettering4. Add finishing touches

Take Pictures!!

Float kits are available from a number of companies; several do specialized foam molding and some even rent units.


One of the newer innovations is an inflatable that covers the rack or chassis.

This is a list of companies I have used or have knowledge about.

Stumps, White Bear Lake, MN. www.stumpsparty.comVictory Corps, Minneapolis, MN. www.victorycorps.comBlain Kern Artists, New Orleans. www.kernstudios.com

Associated Attractions, Chicago. [email protected] Inflatables, Detroit, MI. www.fablulousinftatables.com

Lawless Industries Ltd. www.paradefloats.comCRS enterprises, Duluth, MN. [email protected]

You will find many others by using a search engine on the internetlook under parade floats.



SHOWCASE

how to build a float

Documents

floral wire

floral sheeting paper

floral foam

use staples

shaping foam

double test

spray foam

double face tape