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 How to build a float 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 float Design: Design your ideas on shoebox top or make simple drawings

How to build a float 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. How to build a float 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? How to build a float From the materials list you can develop a budget. Wood$xxx.xx Fabric$xx.xx Glue$xx.xx Paint$xxx.xx _____________ Total$xxx.xx

Power tools and equipment Electrical / electronics Sound / lighting Hydraulics Painting How to build a float What are the capabilities of your builders?

Develop a time line for construction. One to eight weeks. Try to be done in 6. How to build a float How long will it take?

Proper size and are very important. How to build a float 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. How to build a 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. How to build a float Build the platform Construct:

How to build a float 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. How to build a float 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. How to build a float Construct:

How to build a float 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. How to build a float Construct:

How to build a float Final Assembly: 1.Put all parts in place 2.Place props 3.Apply lettering 4.Add finishing touches Take Pictures!!

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

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. Victory Corps, Minneapolis, MN. Blain Kern Artists, New Orleans. Associated Attractions, Chicago. Fabulous Inflatables, Detroit, MI. Lawless Industries Ltd. CRS enterprises, Duluth, MN. You will find many others by using a search engine on the internet look under parade floats.

SHOWCASE