Balloon Basics 101
BALLOON FACTS
If you’ve never inflated a balloon before-don’t worry. You’ll feel like a pro in no time. Here are some basic facts.
Quick Access: Foil Balloons :: Latex Balloons :: Helium Cylinders :: Purchasing Helium :: Balloon Arch Assembly :: Balloon Rings :: Clik Clik Systems :: Zoom Inflator :: Transport & Safety
FOIL BALLONS
Must be 18” or larger to float when filled with helium.
All 18” and larger foil balloons have a self sealing valve. That means no need to tie knots.
When attaching ribbon to a foil balloon you want to attach it below the valve so you don’t break the valve which can cause leakage.
When foil and latex balloons are filled with helium, the balloon will expand and contract with the temperatures. Hot temperatures will cause balloons to expand and occasionally pop. Cold temperatures will cause balloons to shrink. Altitude will also affect balloon float time. For best results and long lasting good looks protect inflated balloons from extreme temperatures, high wind and other weather related elements.
If your foil balloons are starting to droop you can perk them back up with an extra shot of air or helium.
LATEX BALLONS
Latex balloons come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are inexpensive and many decorators mix foil and latex balloons together. We sell high quality 11” latex balloons and generally don’t recommend using smaller sizes when inflating with helium. Average float time for a helium filled 11” balloon is 8-10 hours.
HELIUM TANKS—WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Select your tank size based on how many balloons you’ll be filling and the frequency of your events. Below each tank picture in our online catalog there is a list of how many balloons each tank will fill. You’ll also want to note the weight of the tanks so that you’ll be able to transport them with ease.
Helium tanks require an inflator, also called a regulator, to inflate balloons. We recommend the dual inflator, which can fill both latex and helium balloons. Click here for more information. Tanks ship empty. You’ll need to find a helium supplier in your area that will fill your tank . Helium prices vary from region to region. Local welding supply and gas supply shops generally sell helium.
Helium tanks are a terrific solution for restaurants, apartment complexes, real estate offices, doctors' offices, banquet halls, charity functions, social groups, and church groups.
PURCHASING HELIUM
Many businesses rent large steel helium tanks (290 cu. ft) from gas companies or helium delivery services. In order to qualify for this type of service there is generally a minimum required amount of helium you’ll need to purchase in order to be put on a delivery/pick up route. Check you yellow pages under helium.
A growing trend is to purchase a helium tank. Inflate & Create sells several sizes. For businesses we recommend the 125 cu ft. tank. It is light-weight aluminum (40 pounds) and can fill 250 18” foil balloons. Tanks ship empty and will need to be be filled and refilled by a local gas supplier or welding supply shop. The filling and transporting is the responsibility of the company or person who owns the tank. Aluminum tanks should last a life time with proper care and 5 year hyrdrostatic testing.
Helium cylinders require balloon inflators, also known as regulators, to transfer the high pressure gas from the tank into the balloon. The inflator actually “regulates” the gas pressure as not to explode balloons with too much pressure. Think of your outdoor water spicket. Turn it on and water gushes out. Attach a hose with a sprayer and the water sprays out in a more controlled manner.
ARCH & COLUMN ASSEMBLY
Click here to for a chart which displays how many balloons you'll need to order to complete foil and latex arches and columns, then view the video below for a primer on arch and column assembly.
BALLOON RINGS
CREATE A TOPIARY BALL WITH THE NEW ZOOM INFLATOR
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Helium is a compressed gas so you’ll want to keep your helium tank secured. You’ll need to think about how you’ll use your tank and if you’ll be moving it from place to place. If you'll be keeping your tank in the same location, a single or dual wall bracket can be attached to a wall and the chain would keep the tank from tipping. If you have a large tank and you’ll be moving it frequently for different events or to different locations, then you’ll want to consider a hand truck with chain. The cylinder safety stand is another option. It is light-weight and portable and keeps your tanks secure at any location.
IMPORTANT
Helium tanks and inflators come with directions and warnings. You must read and understand them fully before inflating balloons or working with helium. Helium is a compressed gas so it must be secured to a safety stand or to wall to prevent it from falling over.
Helium is a non flammable gas. Helium can cause asphyxiation and death if inhaled. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND EDUCATED YOUR STAFF. DO NOT-UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES INHALE HELIUM.
