(1)   The outer straps of the Matrix may be camouflaged with paint or covered in ribbon.

        *   To paint the plastic straps of the Matrix we recommend that a light coat of spray adhesive be on the surface as a primer and that the paint be applied in as light a coat as possible to get the necessary coverage. Do not use thick coats of a hard enamel paint.  It will easily chip off when the Matrix is bent during assembly. 

        *   Number 40 ribbon is wide enough to cover the parallel straps on the outer edges of the characters.  Apply spray adhesive to the back side of the ribbon and apply the ribbon like tape over the Matrix once the balloon assembly is finished.

(2)   Install all the balloons so that the knotted end of the balloon is on the back side of the display and then trim off the excess neck of the balloons.  It is helpful for the knot to be very tight. so that it is less likely to come undone when you trim the balloon neck close to the knot.  For a neater presentation, you may massage the balloons to leave the knots centered on the back side of each balloon.

        *   There are techniques that allow you to massage the balloons so that the knots are hidden between balloons.  The process is time consuming, but it would be worthwhile if guests circulated on both sides of the display.  Contact us at Rouse International if you have an interest in learning these techniques.

(3)   If the balloons and framework are held straight while under construction, the results should be relatively flat characters. If the results are not flat enough to meet your needs there are techniques which may help:

        *   One, is to simply bend the character in the opposite direction.  The idea is that you will stretch the display and it will bounce back into a compromise position close to the one you want.

        *   A second is to individually massage balloons that are uneven and out of line.  Each balloon should have its center of mass centered between the two frameworks.  There should be three small bulges in each balloon, one at each end and one in the center between the straps. The diameter of each bulge should be very close to the same. 

If the framework is bent then you should be able to find balloons that have smaller bulges on one end of the balloon than the other. Once you get them close to equal, the framework should be close to flat.

(4)   You may find it worth while to keep some extra balloons of the various sizes inflated and stored near the display under similar conditions to that of the display.  If you should need to replace balloons later, they will be readily available and oxidized about the same as the ones on display.  This will give a more even appearance to even a repaired sculpture.

(5)   The instructions for the individual characters point out where the sculpture parts are joined by placing empty loops over balloons that are already held in place by other Matrix straps.  There are two other joints where we recommend cable ties (zip ties / electrical ties).

        *  Place the joined "DL" on a table above the joined "20".  Slide the parts together so that they look like the official logo.  Use cable ties to connect the straps from the "D" to the straps for the "2" where the two characters touch. Do the same thing for the "L" and the "0".

You may get by with just one cable tie at each connecting point, but the connection will be stronger and more stable if you connect both front and back straps from one character to the other.