Buzz
Decorating with balloons is a fantastic way to bring a vibrant atmosphere to any event. Specifically, metallic balloons are made from multiple thin layers of metal over a nylon base. As a result, they are less porous than rubber balloons and can retain air much longer. You can easily inflate metallic balloons by mouth or using a hand pump. Simply insert a straw or nozzle into the balloon and blow it up until it's fully inflated.
Steps
Inflating Balloons by Mouth
Locate the air intake valve on the outside of the balloon. All metallic balloons have an air intake valve about 2.5-5 cm long, designed for inflation. It is usually located on the outside, near the bottom of the balloon, and reinforced with 2-3 layers of plastic.
- For example, a standard metallic balloon typically has its air intake valve near the tie-off point.
Insert the straw into the hole to inflate the bubble. You can use any standard straw for this task. Once you locate the air inlet, separate the two plastic layers and slide the straw between them. Continue pushing the straw until it pierces the inner adhesive layer, about 2.5-5 cm from the hole's edge. You'll feel the adhesive give way as the straw penetrates.
Pinch the straw and the air inlet to prevent air from escaping as you blow. To secure the straw, use your fingers to grip both sides of the air inlet. Maintain this grip while you inflate the bubble.
Blow into the straw to fill the bubble with air. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly through the straw. Repeat this process until the bubble is fully inflated. The number of breaths required depends on the size and shape of the bubble.
Remove the straw and pinch the adhesive to seal the bubble. Once the bubble is filled with air, use two fingers to press the air inlet and gently pull out the straw. This action will automatically seal the bubble, as the air inlet is designed to self-close. You can then attach the bubble to a string, stick it to a surface, or hang it from a tree.
Use a pump
Purchase a pump with a small nozzle for optimal results. If you want to inflate bubbles effortlessly, opt for a hand pump featuring a narrow nozzle. A smaller nozzle makes it easier to insert into the air inlet.
Insert the pump nozzle between the two plastic layers of the air inlet. The air inlet is a small component on the bubble that allows you to inflate it. Typically, there are two plastic layers inside the air inlet. Slide the pump nozzle between these layers to pump air into the bubble.
Grip tightly around the pump nozzle to prevent air from escaping. Use one hand to hold the air inlet firmly, ensuring the air stays inside. This allows you to pump air into the bubble without any leakage.
Pump air into the bubble. Use your dominant hand to press the pump up and down repeatedly, filling the bubble with air. Continue pumping until the bubble is 98% full.
Remove the pump nozzle and pinch the air inlet to seal it. Once the bubble is nearly full, use your fingers to press the air inlet and gently pull out the pump nozzle. This action will automatically seal the bubble.
Inflating balloons with helium gas
Insert the helium tank's pump nozzle into the balloon's inflation hole. The inflation hole should snugly fit around the pump nozzle, which should be about 2.5-5 cm long. This part is known as the inflation hole.
- While inflating the balloon, hold the inflation hole tightly.
Press the helium tank's pump nozzle to slowly fill the balloon with gas. To inflate the balloon, simply press down on the pump nozzle while holding the inflation hole firmly. You'll notice the balloon gradually expanding. Keep pressing the pump nozzle until the balloon is fully inflated.
- Hold it steady as the air can escape quickly.
Remove the pump nozzle from the balloon once it's fully inflated. A balloon is fully inflated when the center feels firm but the edges still have slight wrinkles. At this point, just pull the pump nozzle out of the hole. The balloon will self-seal due to the adhesive layer inside.
Helium-filled balloons can last for 3-7 days. Using helium is a more convenient way to inflate metallic balloons, though they don't last as long as those filled with regular air.
- You can tie ribbons to the balloons for decoration at events like birthday parties, retirement parties, and weddings.
What You'll Need
Blowing Up Balloons by Mouth
- Metallic balloons
- Straw
- Lung power to blow
Using a Pump
- Metallic balloons
- Hand pump
Inflating Balloons with Helium
- Metallic balloons
- Helium gas tank
Tips
- If the balloon has a small hole at the top, you can thread a string through it to tie.
Warnings
- Metallic balloons are non-biodegradable as they are crafted from synthetic materials.
