Tips for Maximum Float Life

In our book, a helium-filled balloon should last for days – not hours. That’s why there’s HI-FLOAT. Of course, float times vary depending on where and when your balloons are used. Check out our Tips for Maximum Float Life video on YouTube.

Weather and humidity are two important conditions to consider. In low-humidity weather (such as winter), float life will be longest. Typically, treated balloons float only one-fourth as long in summer as they do in winter because of higher heat and humidity.

Since you can’t control the weather, here are a few other suggestions for getting the longest float life possible with HI-FLOAT:

Add the full recommended amount of HI-FLOAT. The restriction clips that come with the pump dispenser ensure that the correct amount of HI-FLOAT is added to every balloon. Using less will shorten the balloons’ float time. Not adding the full recommended amount also makes it difficult to get an even coating inside the balloon and can cause balloons to look hazy.

Inflate the balloons fully. The balloon should be almost pear-shaped and should float upright when first inflated. If the balloon leans to one side or doesn’t float at all, add more helium. A balloon sizing device will help ensure that balloon are inflated to the correct size.

Keep balloons indoors, in a climate-controlled location. In hot weather, keep the balloons in an air-conditioned location so they can dry quickly. In cold weather, keep the balloons in a heated location. Float time data is for indoor, climate-controlled conditions.

In rainy weather, run the heater or air conditioner when inflating HI-FLOAT-treated balloons. High humidity can interfere with the drying time of balloons and will dramatically reduce a balloon’s float life. A room dehumidifier will also help avoid this problem.

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Use specially ventilated HI-FLOAT Balloon Transport Bags for transporting balloons. HI-FLOAT transport bags are ventilated, so air can circulate around the balloons and allow the HI-FLOAT coating to continue drying. Use of non-ventilated bags will delay drying of the HI-FLOAT coating and reduce float time.

Limit the total amount of time that balloons are in bags to 30 minutes. Do not place balloons in a hot vehicle; run the air-conditioner first.

Remember that float times for pearlized and metallic balloons are about a third less than for regular colored balloons. If you need the maximum float life, don’t use pearlized or metallic colors. Also, heart-shaped, Qualatex Geo Blossom^® and Qualatex Geo Donut^® balloons float for much less time than regular balloons. For additional instructions for treating these balloons, click here.

Hand-tie the balloons.