7 Things that Balloons do not like

Just like humans, plants and animals, there are some things that balloons do not like. These are the things that hinder in maintaining its “health” – that is to maintain its proper shape and form.

Like paper that does not like to be soak in water to maintain its solid state, other non-living things has their own foe that can change its physical form. Until now, there have been misconceptions that balloons can last for a very long time because it is elastic but the truth is that it really depends on how you handle them. After you read this blog, you might also want to check this video on how balloons are made and balloons are eco-friendly.

Balloons do not like these seven different things. We hope that this will reach to as many people as possible to give them an idea on how to maintain the balloons, especially if they are already inflated and decorated at the kiddie party venues.

1. Pointed Objects

Obviously, we all know that balloons do not like pointed objects. Sharp objects such as needles, knifes, thumbtacks and pens are enemies of balloons especially if they are inflated. Unless done on purpose, these pointed objects should be away from the balloons to make the inflated balloons last longer. It is also wrong to pinch the raw or un-inflated balloons because you will not be able to inflate them. The air will just go out of the hole or the balloons will burst while inflating it.

2. Heat of the Sun

One of the biggest threats to the health of the balloons is the heat of the sun. Under direct sunlight, metallic balloons can last longer compare to standard latex balloons but both will only last for a couple of hours during high noon, in a tropical country such as the Philippines. The heat for the sun will make the air inside the balloons become dense and it will react to the latex of the balloons. Once it creates a very small hole in the balloon, the balloon will burst.

3. Ink for Printing

Unlike other countries that use water-based inks for printing on the balloons, here in the Philippines, balloon printers in general are using gas-based inks that can react to the rubber of the balloons and make it thin. Once it is expose to direct sunlight or even under humid temperature, balloons can easily burst because the thin area will be easily torn apart. Some balloon shops uses a paint thinner to lower the viscosity of the ink, making it dry fast. Nonetheless, paint thinners are like kerosene that can also react to the rubber of the balloons. So, to make the balloons last longer, choose a plain balloon without print or use a water-based ink such as Tulco.

4. Gas and Kerosene

A volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons, gas and kerosene can burst the balloons in just a few seconds. Want to play a trick at someone holding a balloon? Swipe a small amount of gas using your fingers to the balloons, then wait for a few minutes and you will hear a kaboom. Doing this trick under the heat of the sun can only take a few seconds to make the balloons burst.

5. Fire & Flame

This is also pretty obvious that balloons do not like fire. The latex of the balloons will deform, which will eventually making it pop. Notably, you should keep the balloons inflated with hydrogen away from any fire and flame. Unlike helium, hydrogen is not only flammable but it is tagged as “explosive”. Meaning, if you bring the hydrogen-inflated balloon near a fire, it will burst then make a fiery sound. Check this blog about Hydrogen and Helium so you will have an idea.

6. Rough Surfaces

Rough, stony and uneven surfaces such as concrete of floors with no tiles, or grasses or sharp stones, will make the balloons deflated in a few hours, if not busted. This is because the rough surface can make a very tiny scratch to the balloons, without bursting it, but making the air inside the balloon to go outside of it gradually.

7. Stress

Both inflated and un-inflated balloons will deform or burst when subject to stress. It may be elastic but it cannot handle too much stress. Probably, the only time the balloons are stretch on purpose is during a balloon bursting game. During clean up, hotels and restaurants typically use pointed needles to burst all of the balloons if the clients and guests do not bring them home. Stretching them takes a lot of time and effort to do, especially if the supplier is only using high-quality balloons.

Inflated balloons can last 2-3 months when placed indoors, especially in a cold place, such as malls. When it is subject to stress or exposed to direct sunlight, it can burst easily. Take care of the balloons to make it last longer. Keep them away from the seven things above. Tell also your friends about it. Sharing can only take a few clicks.

This page is last updated on Jul 3, 2017 @ 10:48 am