17 Tips For Getting Balloons to Last Longer in Hot Weather

In warm weather, latex balloons will typically only last outside for a day. As you know, sun, wind and heat will biodegrade the latex. With that said, however, there are tricks you can do to raise your odds of getting them to last more than a day outside.

1) Use only high quality balloons like Qualatex. I've also heard that some people have used Bellatex and Tilly balloons with some success. Quality makes a huge difference.

2) Avoid using latex balloons whenever possible. After a few days outside, we have seen them completely disintegrate when touched.

3) Qualatex' Polyurethane Duo balloons are designed for outdoor use. They will last longer and look better for extended outdoor use than any latex or foil balloon. They are a bit more pricey but can really take away the headache of shrinking and disintegrating balloons. For larger Duo balloons like 18", it may be cost effective to rent them. The Duo balloons can also be used to leverage small latex balloons. Underinflate your smaller latex balloons and use the lift power of the big balloon to raise them.

4) Always underinflate to allow balloons to expand when absorbing heat. We've found the method that works best is to over-inflate the balloon and then release air until the balloon is slightly underinflated. This helps the balloon to breathe and expand more easily, and it is not as brittle. Underinflating does little good unless you overinflate first.

5) Use balloons two sizes larger than you would normally use.

6) Inflating balloons with the same temperature air as they will encounter outdoors can actually help to retain their shape better.

7) Helium does not work well outdoors in the heat. If you need to use helium-filled latex, try to use large balloons like 24" and inflate to only around 16". Over- inflate with air first, release the air and then re-inflate with helium. You don't want to waste your helium when you pre-inflate.

8) After your balloons are inflated, consider applying a product called "Balloon Shine." It can protect your latex balloons from the sun's UV rays. It's best to experiment with this days before to see if it will work.

9) While Hi-Float is used to make balloons float longer, it is not generally meant for outside use. If you want your balloons to float longer outside, you should plan on doing daily touch-up work to your balloon arrangements. Be sure to include this in your budget.

10) Balloons simply will not last outdoors overnight. As the cold air shrinks the balloons and then they expand in the sun the next day, they will pop like crazy. This can be avoided by simply bringing all balloons indoors in the evening.

11) Use white balloons as much as possible. They reflect the sun and fade less.

12) Avoid darker balloons. They will absorb heat and pop faster. If you need darker colors in your balloon decor, use ribbons to accent in a darker color.

13) Keep in mind that extreme heat speeds up the balloon leakage process. So, in temperatures close to 100 degrees, the helium will escape much faster, drastically reducing float time. If you can find a way to shade balloons, it can slow the process, somewhat.

14) Do not use water to cool down balloons. As the water dries on the latex, it becomes slightly sticky. Balloons can stick together causing them to pop as balloons they expand in the heat.

15) Mylar foil balloons last longer outdoors than latex. Just allow for normal expansion and shrinkage. The downside is that in the hot sun the foil will not hold its color or sheen. There will be a noticable difference by the end of the day.

16) Whenever possible, use some kind of framework to give your balloon decor structure that can withstand wind and heat. This can also be helpful for helium-filled balloons that will lose float time in the heat.

17) We've found that if balloons are going to pop in the heat and sun, the will usually do so within the first hour. So, you'll have a pretty good indication of whether it will work if you set up early.

While it can be difficult to do balloon decor outdoors in the heat, it is certainly not impossible. Just use the above tips to greatly improve your odds.

Passionate about advertising balloons, Kathryn Parisse is editor of The Balloon Newsletter. Subscribe and get answers to all your balloon decor, twisting, and advertising questions at aBalloonaDay.com.

---

Embroidery Thread Tips for Better Machine Embroidery Sewing

I have some tips for you to get better results... Read More

Airbrushing Does Not Have to be All Disappointment, Heartache, and Bloody Hard Work!

A smart, but irritating man once told me that Airbrushing... Read More

Embroidery Designs Digitizing Software

Embroidery Magic 2 software program was created with multiple function... Read More

Sharing Journals

Creating a journal or diary that combines scrapbooking and journaling,... Read More

The Easy Way to Make a Club Logo

Are you a member of a club or association? Have... Read More

Amish Furniture for Kids Summer Projects

Summer is coming, and the kids will soon be out... Read More

A Few Tips About Comic Book Bags

We store comics to keep them valuable. Air pollution, ultra... Read More

Craft Crocheting from Your Home

Crocheting is not only a craft but an... Read More

Comic Book Supplies, Necessities of the Serious Collector

If you want to keep your comic book collection in... Read More

Soap Making For Beginners ? Melt And Pour Process

As you will learn, soap making can be simple or... Read More

The Surprising Popularity of Cigar Smoking

The practice of cigar smoking has been on the rise... Read More

Learn Origami

Basic foldsMost of the designs that you will learn will... Read More

Depression Glass Companies

Just before the advent of the Great Depression, more than... Read More

Scrapbook Photographs -- How A Picture Can Be Worth A Thousand Words

For many people, photos are at the heart of their... Read More

A Scrapbook Page To Celebrate Your Childs First Haircut

Here's a great idea for making a special 'first haircut'... Read More

Beautify Your Stamped Cards with Creative Coloring

Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because... Read More

Depression Glass Trivia

Depression glass facts make for interesting conversation, especially when you're... Read More

Organize That Stash!

Do you control your stash or does it control you?... Read More

Creating Vacation Memories

My daughter and I recently had the opportunity to spend... Read More

Choosing The Right Mat Board Colour For Your Art Work

The framing industry has no books, no set theory, not... Read More

Tracing Your Family History

Let me say straight away that tracing your family ancestry... Read More

Preserving Thanksgiving Memories for Scrapbooking

Last year our family tried out a new way to... Read More

Sewing A Button On By Hand

I have so many people come into my shop saying... Read More

Gift Baskets - Create Simple Easy Gifts For the Person Who Has Everything!

Have you ever thought about giving a personalized Gift Basket?Is... Read More

How to Invest in Antique, Vintage, or Modern Jewelry

As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and... Read More

Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 1

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 1 - A Place... Read More

Creative Soap Crafts

Soap is a craft that is fun and easy to... Read More

Create A Gift Basket For A Cat Lover!

The choice of what gift to give your family and... Read More

Bookmarks As Unique As You

Racks and racks of bookmarks ranging from funny to inspirational... Read More

Mini Rc Cars

Did your heart ever palpitate for fast driving? Did you... Read More

How to Make Quilted Silver Beads

After making the leaf bead, I was impressed with the... Read More

Genealogy - Why You Should Get Involved in Your Family History

A few years ago I read a statistic that said... Read More

It is Possible to Create All Kinds of Items with Hobby Metal Casting

Hobby Metal Casting enables the home metal craft worker to... Read More