HELPING YOU STAY INFLATED

At London Balloons, we use premium high-quality balloons, however, even the best balloons can sometimes be a little delicate.

Changing air temperatures, humidity, pressure and altitudes (even in high-rise buildings) can all affect a balloon's float time. Sometimes, a balloon may float for ten hours or less, and in some conditions, the same balloon may float for many days. Because of this, we are sadly unable to provide float time guarantees.

Balloons are made from porous materials - which means it is filled with thousands of microscopic holes. This means the air or helium will gradually escape over time.

However, there are ways you can make sure the balloons stay inflated for longer, such as:

• Double-stuffing: This is a service we provide, and essentially means we put one balloon inside another. This means the air will be slower to escape, and also makes the balloon more durable. However, this will increase the cost but is worth it if you need the balloons to stay up for any length of time. This method would typically be used in our installed balloon displays but can be used in helium.

• Hi-Float: A patented liquid solution that dries inside latex helium-filled balloons to form a coating that helps hold in the helium. This will cost an additional £1.50 per helium balloon, and will usually increase the balloons lifespan by an additional twenty-four to forty-eight hours. It is effective on balloons only when used indoors, out of direct sunlight, and when not exposed to sudden temperature changes. Float times may significantly reduce if the balloons are placed by open windows, air-conditioning vents, radiators and open fires.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR BALLOONS LOOKING SHINY

When balloons are kept outside it can cause the latex to oxidise - this means they lose their shine and start to change colour. They will take on a slightly matte, powdery appearance while clear balloons will go cloudy.

For your balloons to last as long as possible, try keeping them out of direct sunlight and in a cool environment.

However, for outdoor balloon installations, this isn’t always going to be possible.

So, to keep the balloons looking shiny, we can use a product called HiShine, which increases the shine on the balloons. This will incur an additional cost - so please ask for a quote during your initial consultation.

HANDY BALLOON INFORMATION

• Try and keep balloons away from direct sunlight - air/helium expands in the warm, so your balloons may burst if left in a conservatory, in front of a window, fire, or heater etc.

• Atmospheric conditions affect the float time of balloons - meaning your balloons may not float or stay inflated for as long as you would like them to. We always try our utmost to counteract these conditions. However, sometimes, sadly, it is not possible.

• Very low and high temperatures can also affect the float time of the balloons, so try and keep them away from the cold and heat sources. Air-conditioning and heating systems are helium’s biggest enemy, therefore we suggest making sure the venue is the right temperature.

• Use Hi-Float in helium balloons so they last longer.

• Spray Hi-Shine on latex balloons so the shine remains for longer, especially if the balloons will live outside.

• If you put your balloons in the car, flick on the air conditioning to a mid setting - remember, they don’t like too much heat or cold.

• Most balloons are made of natural rubber latex and could cause allergies, so please do keep this in mind.

• Inhaling helium might seem fun, but is very dangerous! It can deprive your body of oxygen and can result in fatality.

• Deflated balloons present a choking hazard for small children and animals. Please do not leave small children or animals unaccompanied with balloons.

• Do not release balloons outdoors, power failures can result if these balloons become entangled in electric lines and it damages the environment.

• Balloon producers are constantly changing the design and manufacturing processes of their balloons - which of course, has its upsides, however, unfortunately, this can affect the float time of balloons.