Balloons FYI
18" & larger foil, mylar balloons contain a self sealing valve
Latex balloons should be coated with Hi-float treatment to increase flying time
Your local party shop or florist will often fill balloons for a nomimal charge
Altitude & temperature effect how well the balloon floats
How much helium is needed for an 18" mylar balloon?
An 18" mylar balloon takes .45 cubic feet of helium.
How many 18" foil balloons will a standard helium tank fill?
A standard helium tank holds 291 cubic feet of helium and fills between 450 to 500 18" mylar balloons.
How long will an 18" mylar balloon float?
Average float time is about one week.
How long will an latex balloon float?
ULTRA HI-FLOAT™ and SUPER HI-FLOAT™ are non-toxic sealants that can be used inside latex balloons to increase the floating time. Both dry crystal clear and form a barrier to the helium inside the balloon. Only use ULTRA HI-FLOAT™ and SUPER HI-FLOAT™with latex balloons.
| Balloon Size |
Approx. CU. FT. of Helium Per Balloon |
Approx. Number of Balloons Per 242 CU.FT. of Helium |
Average Flying Time Helium Only* |
Average Flying Time Helium & Ultra Hi-Float™* |
Average Flying Time Helium & Super Hi-Float™* |
| 9" Round |
.25 |
900 |
12-16 hrs |
† |
† |
| 11" Standard Colors |
.50 |
485 |
12-24 hrs |
1-4 weeks |
4-10 days |
| 11" Metallic & Pearl Colors |
.50 |
485 |
16-18 hrs |
1-3 weeks** |
4-7 days** |
| 14" Round |
1.00 |
240 |
26-30 hrs |
2-5 weeks |
8-14 days |
| 16" Round |
1.50 |
180 |
30+ hrs |
3-7 weeks |
14-20 days |
| 18" Round |
2.00 |
130 |
36+ hrs |
3-8 weeks |
16-24 days |
| 11" Heart |
.30 |
843 |
8 hrs |
† |
† |
| 17" Heart |
.90 |
268 |
14 hrs |
3-8 days** |
2-3 days** |
| 16" GEO Donut® |
.70 |
340 |
22-26 hrs |
4-12 days** |
3-5 days** |
| 16" GEO Blossom® |
.60 |
400 |
18-24 hrs |
3-10 days** |
2-4 days** |
| 24" Round |
5.00 |
50 |
2-4 days |
4-10 weeks |
18-30 days |
| 3' Giant (inflated to 2.5' ) |
8.00 |
30 |
3-5 days |
6-20 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
| 3' Giant (inflated to 3' ) |
15.00 |
16 |
3-5 days |
6-20 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
*Please remember that these are estimates. Flying time will vary considerably due to factors such as latex quality, temperature, humidity, altitude, etc. Flying time estimates for ULTRA HI-FLOAT™ and SUPER HI-FLOAT™ are from the manufacturer.
**Pre-stretch these balloons with air before treating to get maximum floating life. †Neither ULTRA HI-FLOAT™ nor SUPER HI-FLOAT™ recommended..
If I fill a mini mylar (4 inch, 9 inch or 14 inch) will it float?
No, mylar balloons smaller than 18 inch will not float. They are intended for air inflation only. Mini balloons require use of an air inflator or pump, heat sealer and generally are attached to cups & sticks.
Link O Loons FYI
Uses as Single Balloons
Air filled link o loons hanging by their tails look as if filled with helium. This is cost effective and provides a longer flying time.
Avoid Fishing Line Decorating
Thanks to Link O Loons constructing arches without fishing line is possible. Easy to bag and transport with less chance of entanglements.
Simple Arch
Using a bag of Link O Loons (100 pcs) construct tow chains of 12 balloons. Tie the neck of first balloon directly to wieht then add the rest one at a time. Decreases worry of balloons flying aways. Join the tow chains tail to tail at the peak of arch. Collars of 5" balloons may be used. Adding collars will reduce flying time.
Collars add strength & beauty
Twist a cluster of 5" balloons around each join of Link O Loons. The chain gains rigidity and solid look. Use different colors for collars for a stunning look. Remember collars reduce flying time.
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