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How to Make a Metal Mesh Sphere

Often used as decoration or to hold plants in a garden, spheres made of metal mesh add a unique look to your household. Metal mesh, sometimes called hardware cloth, is a pliable material that is shaped at your discretion. Although it may seem complicated, making a sphere out of metal mesh is accomplished by using an inflatable ball.

Things You'll Need

  • Inflatable beach ball or exercise ball
  • Release agent
  • Metal mesh
  • Scissors
  • Metal glue or epoxy
  • Brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inflate a beach ball or exercise ball. Use a heavy-duty ball made of thick material.

    • 2

      Apply release agent to the entire surface of the ball per the manufacturer's instructions. The release agent will prevent the metal mesh and glue from sticking to the ball.

    • 3

      Cut sheets of metal mesh into strips with scissors. Depending on the size of the ball, the strips will be cut to a different width. The strips should be about one-third the width of the ball.

    • 4

      Wrap the ball in the metal mesh strips. Start with the first strip in the middle of the ball, running vertically. Place a second strip so it overlaps the first strip. Repeat this process until the entire ball is covered with metal mesh strips, with the exception of the top. Leave a hole big enough for the deflated ball to fit through on the top of the ball.

    • 5

      Apply metal glue or epoxy to the top of the overlapping edges of the metal mesh sheets with a brush. Apply to each sheet as you lay it on the ball.

    • 6

      Dry the glue for one hour.

    • 7

      Deflate the ball by uncapping the air vent or by piercing it with the tip of the scissors. Pull the deflated ball through the opening in the metal mesh.

    • 8

      Lay a metal mesh strip across the opening and adhere it to the rest of the ball with metal glue or epoxy. Let the glue dry.