Proper Care of Balloons

CARE AND HANDLING:  Un-inflated latex balloons should be stored in a cool, dry place in closed containers or bags.  Exposure to light and air over an extended period will cause balloons to become stiff, brittle, and discolored.  Inflating balloons close to the time of your event will ensure that they will look their best and stay floating the longest.

An inflated balloon is subject to conditions, which can cause breakage or reduced float-time.  Change in temperature, air movement from wind or fans and high humidity – both indoors and outdoors can create a hazy film on the balloon surface.

Proper Latex Balloon Inflation:  A balloon is fully inflated when it just starts to change shape from a round to a gentle light-bulb shape.  Tip:  If balloon is slightly over-inflated and then reduced slightly in size before closing, it is stretched and will be less likely to break from handling and outdoor conditions.

Latex Balloons and the Environment:  Latex balloons are a totally natural product made from the sap of rubber trees.  They biodegrade from exposure to ultraviolet light and ozone, and have been proven to decompose in nature at a faster rate than oak leaves.

Proper release of balloons requires that no ribbons or plastic closures be used.  Once released, balloons travel high into the sky and shatter from the cold temperatures and lack of air pressure. The small fragments that do float back to earth are widely dispersed to decompose with other natural materials.

Helium Inflation, Float-Time and Imprint Area

The following list is a guide for average float-time, by balloon size (hand tied with a ribbon attached). Also listed is the approximate number of balloons that a full-size, 244 cubic foot tank will inflate. It is always best to inflate balloons the day of the event. Imprint area tells you the approximate size to expect on your finished and inflated balloon and Art Size is what you need to provide for production.

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