Best of the Bunch Florist Wellington

Helium Balloon Float Time Guide

Helium Balloon Float Time Guide - Best of The Bunch Florist Wellington

How long do helium balloons last and float for?

Helium molecules are some of the smallest molecules on earth, so it is a challenge to capture them and to keep them in one place. Helium molecules slowly escape through the porous skin of any balloon which is the reason that helium balloons go down eventually.

We do however ensure that we keep those helium molecules inside our balloons for as long as possible by using only the best quality of helium materials, by using only high-quality pure helium gas and special balloon filling techniques by our qualified balloon technicians.

Below we provide an overview of expected float times for the different types of balloons - we hope this will help you when planning when you need to order and to have your helium balloons delivered.

Regular Latex Helium Balloons – how long do Helium latex balloons last and float for?

Latex is a natural material which is much more porous than the foil used for foil balloons. Helium begins to seep out from the moment the balloon is inflated. Because of this latex balloons historically have had a reasonably short float time. This all changed, with the introduction of a product called Ultra Hi Float. Ultra Hi Float is a special liquid plastic which we use to coat the inside of all our latex balloons to help prevent the helium from escaping. All of our latex balloons that we inflate with helium are treated with Hi Float to ensure a maximum float time.

For a standard 28cm (11") latex balloon you can expect a float time of between 1 to 2 days (sometimes they can last over one week) The large 60.9cm (24") giant latex balloons can have float time of between 5 to 10 days when treated with Ultra Hi Float.

We recommend inflating latex balloons with helium and having them delivered as close to the event as possible in order for them to look their best throughout the event

To achieve these float times balloons must be kept indoors, in a climate controlled location, with the heater or air-conditioner running. These estimates are based on typical indoor conditions. Float times will be shorter outdoors. Float times vary greatly based on factors such as humidity, temperature, altitude, etc. Balloons typically float for half as long in hot, humid weather or if directly under a cold air conditioner.

Confetti Filled Latex Helium Balloons – how long do confetti filled balloons last and float for?

Confetti filled latex balloons look beautiful when inflated with helium. Regardless of whether you choose to have the confetti pool at the bottom of the balloon, or stuck to the wall of the balloon - the end result is equally as dazzling!

Confetti balloons are harder to keep afloat because of the extra weight of the confetti and also because using Hi Float in them is not possible. I.e. the confetti is “loose” in the balloon so it moves around and pools in the bottom of the balloon so you cannot put Hi Float in as it is a liquid gel and will cause the confetti to stick to the walls of the balloon with a messy glue like streaking.

 

The smaller 28cm (11 Inch) Latex confetti balloons without Hi Float have a float time of around 8 to 10 hours.

The larger 60cm (24 inch) or 90cm (36 inch) Latex confetti balloons without Hi Float have a float time of around two to three days.

We recommend inflating latex balloons with helium and having them delivered as close to the event as possible in order for them to look their best throughout the event

To achieve these float times balloons must be kept indoors, in a climate controlled location, with the heater or air-conditioner running. These estimates are based on typical indoor conditions. Float times will be shorter outdoors. Float times vary greatly based on factors such as humidity, temperature, altitude, etc. Balloons typically float for half as long in hot, humid weather or if directly under a cold air conditioner.

Foil Helium Balloons – how long do Helium latex balloons float for?

Foil balloons float for longer periods of time compared to latex balloons when inflated with helium. Some of our customers have reported that their balloons stayed afloat for many days (sometimes weeks). Therefore we can inflate and deliver your foil balloons a day or two before your event.

The main reason why foil balloons last for this long period of time is the material they are made of which is foil (mylar). Mylar is a lot less porous than latex so does not allow the small helium molecules to escape as quickly as with latex balloons.


Float times vary between sizes and shapes of all balloons but the most common foil size is the 45cm (18") round or star shaped balloon, which can stay looking freshly inflated for around 5-7 days (sometimes they can last over two weeks)


Therefore we can inflate and deliver your foil balloons a day or two before your event.

To achieve these float times balloons must be kept indoors, in a climate controlled location, with the heater or air-conditioner running. These estimates are based on typical indoor conditions. Float times will be shorter outdoors. Float times vary greatly based on factors such as humidity, temperature, altitude, etc. Balloons typically float for half as long in hot, humid weather or if directly under a cold air conditioner.

We hope this guide will help you when planning when you need to order and to have your helium balloons delivered.

Best of The Bunch Florist Wellington