Balloon Basics Guide

LATEX BALLOONS

Latex balloons are manufactured using 100% natural latex or latex combined with man-made agents. Latex is a porous material, so it does not retain helium for as long as foil balloons. Latex is biodegradable and will naturally decompose over time. Latex balloons 9" and larger will float when inflated with helium. A rubber tilt valve or brass push valve with speed tip on the regulator should be used to inflate latex balloons. Remember that, unless you are using a computerized inflation machine, regulators do not have automatic shut-off capabilities for latex balloons. See page 3 for more information about regulators.

EXPERT ADVICE Helpful tips from industry leaders Latex balloons should be inflated until they are oval but not in a pear or light-bulb shape.

b + B ® exclusive!

9749902 Hand Air Inflator Plastic. For use with 5", 6", 260, + 350 latex balloons + any size foil balloon. 121/4"H x 2"Diameter

Under Inflated Properly Inflated

Over Inflated

PROPER INFLATION Choosing the proper inflation method is crucial. Whether you call it a tip or a valve, make sure to use the correct one for the balloons you intend to inflate.

Rubber + Tilt LATEX BUBBLES™ ORBZ™

Brass + Push FOIL

Brass + Push LATEX BUBBLES™ ORBZ™

Plastic + Push FOIL

Plastic + Push LATEX

SEALING Latex balloons can be sealed by hand-tying or by using sealing discs or clips. Hand-tying is the most popular method, since it has the tightest seal and gives the balloon the common finished look most people are accustomed to. However, if there is a large number of latex balloons to inflate, using sealing discs or clips is sometimes the more efficient option. Whether hand-tying or using sealing discs or clips, ribbon or string can be attached at the same time the balloon is sealed. This saves time and ensures a secure tether. AIR-FILLED LATEX BALLOONS Small balloons are not able to accommodate the helium required to become buoyant. Any latex balloon can be air-filled, but use helium only with 9" + larger.

SD302 Sealing Discs

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS Many consumers today seek to prevent damage to our environment. We are dedicated to helping you provide your customers with environmentally-responsible information and products. Here are some environmentally-friendly pointers: Š Coating latex balloons with HI-FLOAT ® solution extends float time. Š Natural latex balloons biodegrade at the same rate as oak leaves. Synthetic latex is not biodegradable. Š Weighting each individual balloon prevents random float-aways. When an event is over, properly dispose of both latex + foil balloons by popping them to release the helium and disposing of in a waste receptacle. Š As latex balloons degrade, a natural process called oxidizing occurs. The balloons can appear cloudy or dull. The progression can be slowed by applying a solution to the outside of latex balloons, extending their original luster.

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