Balloon How-To's / FAQ's

· Balloons are easy to fill with helium and all balloons are shipped DEFLATED!

• Where can I get helium?  Balloons can be filled for a small fee by your local party store, welding supply, industrial gas distributor, florist, or grocery store - the florist is generally the most expensive option.
  Balloons can also be filled by yourself with a helium tank that can be rented or purchased from local party stores - this method is generally cheaper than having someone else do it.
  
  
• How long will my balloons take to arrive?   It's best to always plan ahead for your parties and events, so be sure to have enough time for both the processing (approx. 3-5 days) and shipping times (approx. 2-7 days) before your event. 
  
  
• Mylar / Foil Helium balloons can be re-used! Once your celebration is over, you can insert a straw into the opening where you inserted the helium, gently press down onto the balloon until all the helium has escaped through the straw. Carefully fold the balloon and store. Do not crease the helium balloon or place other heavy objects onto it, this may cause holes or tears in the balloon and may also cause the paint to come off the balloon.
  
  
• How long will they float?   Mylar / Foil Helium balloons will float for 2-14 days, depending on the weather and other environmental factors.
  Latex balloons will float for 2-6 hours, depending on the weather and other environmental factors.
  
  
• Bubble Balloons are worth the extra money!  These new balloons are non-latex and hospital safe.  They blow-up much like a beach ball and cinch closed with string.  When inflating Bubble Bubbles, NEVER leave ANY wrinkles on the seam. Although the balloon will seem tight, continue inflating and stop just as the wrinkles disappear.  Secure the Bubble Balloon TIGHTLY with a Cinch Knot. Bubble Balloon Cinch Knot:
  1. Make a loop around your wrist and grab both tails.
  2. Use your other hand to pull the loop over itself and create a double loop.
  3. Put your thumb, index, and middle finger through the double loop so it will open and close on itself.
  4. Twist the neck of the balloon, pass it through the loop, and cinch tightly.
  5. Turn the balloon upside down, then pull the tails apart VERY tightly. Bring the tails around to the opposite side of the neck and tie twice. 
  
  
• Other Facts about balloons:
  
  
• The helium (or air) inside the balloons will expand if left in a hot area, be careful if you are filling up the balloons inside a cool area and then taking the balloons outside where it is hot. Direct sunlight will cause them to expand even faster. Balloons are fun and safe outdoors, just don't overinflate the balloons and the helium will have room to expand once the balloons are taken outdoors. Don't leave balloons in a hot car, they can blow up! This isn't harmful to the car, you just won't have a balloon anymore! (latex balloons are much safer in the heat than helium balloons as far as expanding and blowing up, but latex balloons may actually start to sink in intense heat!)
  
  
• The helium (or air) inside the balloons will constrict if left in a cold area. Don't worry, as soon as the air warms up they will expand back to their original size. (This happens within seconds and kids love to watch, it is like a magic show!)
  
  
• Balloons in very large bunches may lose their effectiveness. Try small to medium balloon bunches (about 5-8 balloons) scattered throughout the party area, this can pull the entire area together and create the atmosphere throughout!
  
  
• Balloons in very small bunches may lose their effectiveness. If you have less than 6 balloons, you may find one large bunch placed in a prominent location, will give the best impression! The prominent location for this balloon bunch may not be the corner table where the presents are. Choose a spot where people will notice the balloons when first arriving, this will help to set the mood of the guests!
  
  
• Mixing balloon types can be a great way to decorate with a lavish look and still watch the pocketbook. Using one large helium balloon with 5-8 latex balloons will create impressive balloon bouquets without too much damage to the pocketbook. Try puting the latex balloons about 1 foot above the one large helium balloon, or try the opposite. Put the one large helium balloon about 1 foot above the latex balloons, this has a dramatic effect and is a natural spotlight for the large helium balloon!
  
  
• Curling ribbon is needed to tie the balloons to either balloon weights or some other object once they are inflated. We sell the Curling Ribbon in different sizes and colors. The color of the curling ribbon is a 'personal taste' choice. Sometimes the ribbon matches the balloons or is a discreet ivory or white, this option is used in most weddings, anniversaries or other formal occasions. The curling ribbon can also be a bright color that contradicts the balloon color, this can be quite amazing and often is used in a more 'party' atmosphere.
  
  
• Inflated balloons need to be tied to balloon weights or some other object heavy enough to hold them down.
  
  
• Are the latex balloons biodegradable? Yes our balloons are 100% natural latex and will biodegrade. If balloons are released into the air, they will fall to the ground and biodegrade at the same rate as an oak leaf.  
  
  
• Our balloons are guaranteed to inflate and float properly! We use the highest quality latex and helium balloons. Anagram International and M&D Industries are two major balloon companies with the highest reputation that make only quality balloons. Qualatex is the name of our latex balloon manufacturer and is known throughout the industry as the latex balloons specialist! eTrickShop.com uses these balloon companies because of their reputable balloons.