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Balloon Basics - Inflating and Tying Latex Balloons

Jul. 21, 2025

Balloon Basics - Inflating and Tying Latex Balloons

For many of you that regularly read the Very Best Balloon Blog, you probably already know all the basic techniques that we use. However, there are many that are new to the wonderful world of balloons, others that are self-taught, and those who might like a quick refresher!
I would like to start by saying that there are no right or wrong techniques, just those that might be a little easier or have benefits when working with multiple balloons. I know that I tie balloons a little differently from some of my ballooning friends, but like many, I was self-taught and don't feel the need to change my technique as it works really well for me.
Latex Inflation
When inflating Qualatex® round latex balloon(fr,ja,th)s, it is important to fill them until the balloon forms a teardrop shape. An over-inflated round balloon develops a pear shape, whilst under-inflated balloons are more round in shape.

This rule does not apply to the giant latex 30" to 36" balloons, which are produced on different forms* and should be round rather than teardrop-shaped.
Latex balloons may be filled with air, helium*, or balloon gas.* Balloons that are 9" or smaller are generally filled with air rather than balloon gas or helium as they have a very limited floating time, which is generally not suitable for decor.
Balloons filled with air do not float and stay inflated considerably longer (weeks rather than hours) than those inflated with balloon gas or helium.
Balloons inflated with balloon gas or helium are affected by extremes in temperature and altitude. Helium expands in the heat and contracts in the cold. On hot days, when moving balloons from a cool environment to a warm or hot one, ensure that you slightly underinflate your balloons to allow for expansion. It is better to pre-inflate your balloons to their full size first using air, and then re-inflate to a smaller size with helium. For example, an 11" balloon can be pre-inflated to 11", deflated, and then re-inflated to 10.75" or 10.5". By not pre-inflating your balloons you may find that they will still pop even when underinflated.
On a cool day, slightly overinflate the balloons when moving from a warm environment to a cooler one. In normal conditions, balloons inflated with balloon gas or helium should be inflated to their correct size to ensure maximum float time.
Personally, I would do some floating tests or trials when working in different temperatures to ensure that the balloons offer maximum float time in different conditions.
I recently wrote a blog, Balloons and the Great Outdoors, that may help you when working with balloons in different weather conditions.
Sizing Balloons
Sizing balloons is important for two reasons:

Very Best Balloon Sizer
Available at European Qualatex Distributors.

Ensuring that all your balloons are inflated to the same size when creating decor will offer a professional finish.
Balloons filled with balloon gas or helium will have the maximum floating time when inflated to the correct size.

You can use a sizing template to size a balloon. There are various options available to purchase, or you could make your own.

This helium chart shows each latex balloon size, the lift ability of each size of balloon when inflated with helium or balloon gas, how much gas each size of balloon takes when inflated to its correct size, and its average floating time. To download this chart, click HERE

Tying Latex Balloons
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, there are many different techniques. Especially when it comes to tying a balloon. However, there are a few things that we should never do:

Never pull on the neck of the balloon after tying it; this can cause friction and create microscopic holes in the latex causing the balloon to tear and deflate.
Never tie a ribbon onto an inflated balloon above the knot as this can also damage the latex.

In the video clip below you will see Luc Bertrand, CBA, of WaW Balloons in Vichte, Belgium, demonstrate how to tie latex balloons, and at the same time incorporate the balloon ribbon, making this a one-step process. Luc also shows how to successfully apply Hi-Float®* to a latex balloon and how to prepare large groups of balloons for transporting.
About Latex Balloons
Qualatex latex balloons are made from 100% pure natural latex. They biodegrade at about the same rate as an oak leaf. Qualatex balloons are available in more than 70 fantastic colours and finishes and range in size from 5" to 36" in the round shape. Qualatex also produces latex hearts, GEO® Donuts, GEO® Blossoms, Quick Links and 160Q, 260Q, 321Q, 350Q, and 646Q modelling balloons.

To download this chart click HERE Glossary of Terms

*A balloon form (or mould) is the metal shape that is dipped into liquid latex to produce the desired shape and size of a balloon.

*Balloon gas is a product that is often sold by helium suppliers. It is a mix of helium and air and is a recycled product collected from industries that use pure helium. The mix is approximately 98% helium and 2% air. Because air molecules are much larger than helium molecules, this can help to reduce the osmosis process by colliding with the helium molecules thus slowing them down. Balloons filled with pure helium will not float as long as a balloon filled with balloon gas, but to be honest, I am not entirely sure what the floating time difference is.
*Helium is an inert gas. An inert gas is a gas that has extremely low reactivity with other substances, therefore, it is impossible to cause fire or burn. It is the second lightest element next to hydrogen - unlike helium, hydrogen should NEVER be used for filling balloons as it is highly flammable and very dangerous.
Helium is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. WARNING; It is not safe to inhale helium from a balloon. Helium is an asphyxiant. Inhalation of helium can kill.

*Hi-Float is an aqueous solution containing a special water-soluble plastic. It dries inside the balloon to form a barrier coating which helps hold in the helium. This coating greatly increases the floating life of the balloon.

For full instructions on how to use Hi-Float for best results, watch this short video clip.
I hope that this brief introduction to inflating and tying latex balloons has been of help to some of you. This is the start of a series of Balloon Basics blogs that will be featured over the next few months.

In the UK and around Europe, Qualatex Europe runs a 1-day course for beginners.This full-day seminar embraces all aspects of the balloon business, including health and safety requirements, balloon inflation, bouquet construction and simple garland creation. It includes a comprehensive, full-colour manual that will be a valuable reference guide on float times, pricing, basic design principles, and more. To find out where and when the classes are being held, check out the Education Calendar HERE for full details.
The Qualatex Balloon Network℠ - QBN® program, is also a great way to learn the foundations of running a successful balloon business. This 3-part DVD program covers:

Balloon Basics
Balloon Deliveries and Bouquets
Balloon Decor

To find out more about the QBN program and the benefits of becoming a QBN member, click HERE

Happy Ballooning!
Sue
www.suebowler.com

Balloon Basics: Your Guide to All Things Balloons - Party City

Balloons have the unique ability to wow people of all ages. No matter the occasion, they are the quintessential party decoration that can add an element of excitement to every event. With all the different types and ways to use them, choosing the right balloons can be overwhelming. Fear not – this guide will cover the basics you need to get started!

Read more

We Love Balloons & The Environment

We all need to care for the planet. To live in harmony with the environment around us, we encourage responsible balloon use — and discourage outdoor release — to create a better world.

Balloon Responsibility

Here's how you can enjoy your balloons and keep them out of waterways and powerlines:

Inflate Safely-Never inhale Helium. Use a balloon pump or Helium tank to ensure you're inflating balloons correctly.
Don't Release Them-Attach a balloon weight after inflating balloons so they don't float away.

Pop & Toss-Once the party's over, deflate balloons first then discard.

Watch Your Little Ones-Uninflated or broken balloons can create a choking hazard. Make sure all balloon remnants are kept away from the kiddos.

Together we can take steps to protect the environment while responsibly enjoying and celebrating life's special occasions with balloons.

Selecting Balloons

The balloons you choose are typically influenced by a birthday celebration, theme party, or special event. Knowing what and who you're celebrating will help you determine the types and colors of balloons necessary for your creation. Not all balloons are created equal and there's a lot more to consider than you may think.

Balloon Colors

Balloon Arrangements

Before you dive in, gather some inspiration. This will help you determine what's needed to build your balloon creation. Below are four popular balloon decorations that will take your party to new heights.

1. Balloon Bouquets

A classic balloon decoration that never disappoints are balloon bouquets. The simplicity of a perfectly curated arrangement is the easiest way to add a festive touch to any party. These versatile decorations can be used as centerpieces, party decor, or as part of a gift. Instantly bring your theme to life by mixing latex and specialty foil balloons in your arrangement. There are many different design options depending on the space you are decorating. The chart below shows 5 to 12-piece balloon arrangements you can create but the options are limitless.

Inflation Basics

Helium

For latex and foil balloons to float, they need to be inflated with helium. Helium is colorless, non-toxic, odorless, tasteless and doesn’t burn. To fill balloons with helium, you can use a Balloon Time helium tank or go to your local Party City store to have balloons inflated. Save time by ordering balloons online and picking up inflated balloons in-store. Pick up balloons close to your party start time to ensure they are fully inflated and look their best. For best results using helium, view specifications below.

Latex Balloons

A standard 12-inch balloon is considered under inflated when it is round and over inflated when it is pear-shaped (where the balloon begins to bulb out at the bottom).
Float time of a helium inflated latex balloon can be increased with the use of a product called Ultra Hi-Float™.

Changes in temperature will cause the gas inside the balloons to expand or contract. Use the following tips for best results:

For more information, please visit Great Time.

In warmer conditions, slightly under inflate balloons.
In cooler conditions, slightly over inflate balloons.
Latex balloons will float longer in cooler conditions and shorter in warmer.
Light and humidity, combined with warmth, will cause the balloons to oxidize more quickly than cool, dry conditions. This is visible as a cloudy / dusty coating on the balloons and is more visible on clear balloons.

Foil Balloons

Standard 17-inch balloons are self-sealing and last up to a week when properly inflated.
17 inches is the minimum size required for a foil balloon to float.
Do not overinflate balloons. Leave creases in the outer edge around the seam to allow for the expansion.

Changes in temperature will cause the gas inside the balloons to expand or contract. Use the following tips for best results:

Do not expose foil balloons to extreme heat such as being left in a car on a hot day. They are likely to burst.
Balloons may appear to shrivel if filled in a warm room then taken outside into the cold. This will correct itself when the balloons are returned to a warmer environment.

Ultra Hi-Float™

To increase float time for latex balloons you can use Ultra Hi-Float™. This water-based solution contains a special soluble plastic which helps hold in helium. It is nontoxic, non-irritating, non-corrosive, nonflammable, and biodegradable. With Ultra Hi-Float™, latex balloons can last up to 24 additional hours.

Disclaimer: Although helium is not poisonous, it is an asphyxiant. If inhaled to completely fill your lungs, this can be fatal. Never inhale helium yourself or allow others to inhale it. Please note, the above figures are very general. The chart below gives details of approximate float times / inflation times based on the balloons being correctly sized and in constant conditions. Changes in temperature and altitude will affect the life of the balloon.

Inflate Your Balloons with Helium Tanks! Shop Now.

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