Not All Balloons Are Suitable For Filling With Helium!
We have been asked many times why balloons, often found in supermarkets, sometimes bear a warning that they are not suitable for helium-filling. Contrary to popular belief, they are not dangerous when filled with Helium. They don't float, contrary to popular belief. All balloons can be filled with Helium in theory, but not all will flow. To avoid disappointment, and unnecessary expense, continue reading to learn which balloons will float and which won't.
A rule of thumb is that small balloons won't float or for long periods. Because the balloon's weight and the amount of Helium you can put in it won't allow them to flow, even if they do float, that is not a good rule of thumb. When you want to make a balloon lighter than air, every gram counts. The size and type of the balloons will also play a critical role in how much weight they can lift.
Foil
Foil balloons are not subject to the same rule as small balloons. However, other factors can affect their ability to float. Standard foil balloons are 18 inches in diameter (round heart, square, square) and can flow with Helium. Any smaller than that is likely to float, particularly if the foil is shaped. Because foil is heavier than latex, it requires more Helium (and therefore the ability to hold the Helium) to lift it. Our 16-inch numbers, letters, and 14-inch animal foils can be used for air-filling. Their shape means that they have a smaller capacity to hold enough Helium to float, even though they are not as large as a standard foil balloon.
There are exceptions to every rule. Some of the more complicated foil shapes, such as the 34-inch Hashtag balloon, are dangerous. The Hashtag has multiple pockets that fill when the balloon is inflated. However, the balloon can't be filled with enough helium to offset the weight of the foil material. The percentage sign has a larger overall gas capacity and will float without any problems.
Another example is the Elf of the Shelf balloon. When inflated, this guy is 29 inches tall, but he is made of multiple smaller balloons that won't float. The whole elf balloon is too heavy due to the foil walls and has little gas capacity. It's okay; the Elf can be air-filled and looks adorable sitting on a shelf or mantelpiece.
Air Fill Label
Foil balloons have a flash that indicates the product is 'Air-Fill Only.' Notes are included in the descriptions of latex products, such as the 5-inch balloons. This blog should help you find the right balloons for you. However, if you have any questions about which balloons would be best for you, please get in touch.
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