Getting glitter to stick inside a balloon is a popular way to add sparkle to decorations and party favors. While various techniques exist, one key step involves distributing the glitter inside the balloon, often achieved by shaking.
Preparing Your Glitter Balloon
The process typically involves getting the glitter inside the balloon first. Once the glitter or confetti is in the balloon, it needs to be spread out along the inner surface.
According to part of a video titled "HOW TO: CONFETTI BALLOONS", after adding the confetti (or glitter) into the balloon, you should:
"give it a good Shake. So that the confetti gets distributed around the Moon [Balloon]."
This crucial step, described in the reference, helps to move the glitter from a pile at the bottom and disperse it around the inside of the balloon.
The Role of Shaking
While the reference highlights shaking for distribution, this action serves another important purpose in making glitter stick to the inside of a balloon: creating static electricity.
When you vigorously shake an inflated balloon with lightweight particles like glitter inside, the friction between the glitter, the air, and the balloon's inner surface generates a static charge. This charge causes the glitter particles to become attracted to and cling to the inside surface of the balloon.
Therefore, giving the balloon a good shake, as suggested in the reference for distribution, also facilitates the static electricity needed for the glitter to stick effectively.
Steps to Get Glitter to Stick
Here's a simplified breakdown incorporating the shaking method described in the reference:
- Add Glitter: Carefully funnel or pour glitter into the deflated balloon.
- Partially Inflate: Inflate the balloon slightly and tie off or hold the neck closed temporarily. This provides air and space for the glitter to move.
- Shake Well: As noted in the reference, "give it a good Shake" to distribute the glitter around the inside. This shaking action generates static electricity.
- Fully Inflate: Inflate the balloon to your desired size and tie it off securely.
- Enhance Static (Optional): For extra sticking power, gently rub the inflated balloon against a static-generating surface like hair, wool, or carpet.
Why This Method Works
The primary reason this method is effective is the principle of static electricity. The lightweight nature of glitter makes it easily susceptible to electrostatic forces.
| Action | Purpose (Based on Reference & Common Practice) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Put Glitter In | Get material into the balloon | Glitter is now inside |
| Shake Balloon | Distribute glitter (as per reference) + Generate static electricity | Glitter spreads out & clings to the sides |
| Inflate Fully | Give the balloon its shape and tension | Glitter remains stuck on inner surface |
Shaking is the key action mentioned in the reference that contributes directly to the process of getting glitter inside and prepared to stick, primarily through generating static electricity alongside distributing the particles.
