Download Latex Inflation Instructions

DELEGATE INSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
Latex Inflation Instructions
Latex Inflation
When inflating Qualatex Round latex balloons, it’s important to fill them
until the ideal teardrop shape is achieved, as shown in the illustration.
Overinflated Round balloons develop a pear shape, while underinflated
balloons are more round in shape. This 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 inflated with air or balloon gas. Air inflation is
preferred for latex balloons of 9" diameter and smaller because they
float for only a few hours when filled with balloon gas. Because latex
is a naturally porous material, balloon gas molecules pass through the
surface of the balloon, causing it to eventually deflate and descend.
Air-inflated balloons do not float, but they stay inflated considerably
longer than those inflated with balloon gas. This is because air molecules
are larger and move slower than helium molecules. Therefore, air does
not escape through the latex as quickly as balloon gas.
Balloons inflated with balloon gas are affected by extremes in temperature and altitude. Helium expands in the heat and contracts in the cold.
The rule is to slightly under inflate when moving them from a cool
environment to a warmer one (as the helium will expand). Slightly over
inflate them when moving them from a warm environment to a cooler one
(as helium contracts). Practice is the best method in determining proper
inflation.
When an 11" balloon is filled with balloon gas and is released
outdoors, it will rise to between 9,200–10,650 metres, where it
then freezes and bursts into tiny pieces due to decreased pressure. The
average height reached in tests is 9,945 metres.
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To inflate latex Hearts:
1. Grasp the base of the Heart to prevent inflation into the neck and
provide sufficient length for tying.
2. Inflate the balloon to its full, designated size. Do not inflate by
mouth.Use an air inflator or helium inflation regulator. NOTE: Do not
over inflate, as overinflation will cause the base, or tip, of the Heart to
inflate, losing the Heart shape.
3. Tie the balloon at the Heart’s base as high up on the neck as possible to maintain the Heart shape.
To inflate GEO Donut® and GEO Blossom® latex balloons:
1. Grasp the base of the balloon, not the neck. This will prevent inflation
into the balloon neck and ensure easier tying.
2. Inflate the balloon to its full, designated size. (Underinflated GEO®
balloons will have a greatly reduced float time.) Do not inflate by mouth.
Use an air inflator or helium inflation regulator. NOTE: GEO balloons
can be sized with a template just like Round balloons.Simply inflate the
balloon, slide it through the template, and release helium or air until the
balloon can be pulled through the hole.
3. Tie the balloon as high up on the neck as possible to maintain its
special shape.
TIP
For best results, first fully inflate GEO balloons and latex
Hearts with air, then deflate to stretch the balloons so
they can be inflated even larger the second time.
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There are many ways to tie a Qualatex® balloon, but remember
the two most important things:
1. Never pull on the neck after tying the balloon; the friction will
damage the balloon by creating microscopic holes in the latex or
even breaking the balloon instantly.
2. Never tie a ribbon onto the inflated balloon above the knot, as
this will damage the latex. Below is an example of a good way to
tie the balloon and ribbon in one procedure.
Tying Gas-filled Balloons
1. Use three fingers: thumb, index
and middle finger of the left hand
(if right-handed). Try to position
them on one line.
2. Position the ribbon between the
thumb and the index finger.
3. Take the neck of the inflated
balloon between the index finger
and the middle finger;
4. Stretch the neck downward,
then pull toward yourself and then
pull the neck over the nail of your
thumb.
5. Go left of the inflated balloon,
turn around the balloon (do not
insert your middle finger).
6. Put all the remaining latex
between your index and thumb.
Take care not to have latex sticking
out.
7. Once all the remaining neck is
in between thumb and index, make
a round shape with these fingers,
as you would do when you make
the sign “everything OK.” The
latex will roll from your fingers
and the balloon will pop off,
being closed around the ribbon.
8. Release as photo shows and
the balloon is tied with the ribbon
enclosed. At this point you may
wish to make another knot in
the ribbon to prevent the balloon
from sliding off the ribbon if
taken outdoors.
More ideas and instructions are available to
professionals at “Instruction Sheets,” “Balloon
Ideas,” and “Balloon Images” on qualatex.com.
USA ©2009 PBC
SK-PBC0810007
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