Whats the float time of a balloon?
Shortest Answer:
Long Answer:
It can be difficult to know how much helium a balloon can hold and for how long, but identifying the type of balloon can help determine this. It is important to note that there exist three distinct categories of helium balloons, namely latex, foil, and bubble. It is crucial to acknowledge that all three types have the potential to be helium grade, as long as they meet the necessary size requirements. The only reason a balloon isn’t helium grade is if the balloon is too small in volume.
Latex balloons and teardrop-shaped balloons (9-12 inches) can last 8-12 hours. Hi-Float can prolong latex balloon float time and is recommended. Customers can expect their Foil or Mylar balloons to float for 2-5 days, although it's not uncommon for them to last for several weeks. Enjoy any extra time beyond the expected 2-5 days as a bonus!
Bubble balloons are expertly crafted to retain helium for a span of 2-4 weeks. Their transparent structure showcases a see-through effect, crystal clear.
Other Variables to Consider:
When helium balloons deflate quickly, a lot of people assume it’s because it is “low quality”. However, there are a lot of variables that come into play.
- Heat shortens lifespan: under the sun, latex balloons may last only 4–5 hours and foil up to 24 hours.
- Cold shrinks balloons, but they re-expand once back in room temperature.
- Size, shape, quality, and accessories affect float time: e.g., confetti-filled latex balloons last shorter.
- Numbers, letters, or character balloons must be at least 24 inches or larger to float.
While it might be tempting to buy inexpensive balloons from online platforms, we advise against it based on our experience. Many customers bring in their balloons to inflate and we've found that many purchased from Amazon can be defective or may not meet helium-grade standards. For a reliable and high-quality experience, we recommend exploring our new balloon arrivals instead.
Getting the Most out of Your Helium:
There are several tips to prolong the float time of helium-filled balloons which includes using high-quality products, inflating your balloons as close to your event time as possible, and storing the balloons at a constant temperature.
As mentioned earlier, a sure way to extend latex balloons’ float time is to add a gel called Hi-Float by coating the inside of the balloon creating a membrane to prevent helium from escaping so quickly. With Hi-Float, your balloons should last twice as long as the standard time. Hi-Float can only be applied to latex balloons.
The One-Up Solution:
We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best customizable balloons and service. Whenever possible, we always recommend customers pick up their balloons on the day of their event to ensure top quality and maximum helium.
However, sometimes customers are hosting events hours away from the city. No worries, we always use Hi-Float regardless to help extend float times by more than 50%.
You're more than welcome to bring your own balloons, and we'll be happy to provide helium inflation for a fee based on the size of the balloons. Alternatively, you can also choose from our wide selection of balloon packages, fresh flower bouquets, and birthday cakes available for purchase.
We're here to help make your celebration as vibrant and delightful as possible! Discover more about how long helium balloons last or find out where to fill helium in Vancouver.
