Race Car Foil Balloon? The 165 New Answer

key concepts

physics

Kinetic energy

potential energy

conservation of energy

Newton’s laws of motion

introduction

Turn a pile of junk into a toy car – and watch it take off! In this activity, you will learn some physics concepts and use recycled materials to build a toy car powered by a balloon. You can even find a friend, build two cars and compete against each other. Whose car drives the fastest?

background

It may not seem like it at first, but a simple balloon car is packed with physics and engineering concepts! When you inflate a balloon, it stores potential energy in the form of stretched rubber and the compressed air it contains. When you let go of the balloon, that energy is converted into kinetic energy—the energy of motion—as the balloon zooms through space. Some of the energy is also converted into heat by friction. According to the law of conservation of energy, the total energy is conserved. Energy never “goes away” – it just changes into a different form.

Another way to think about the balloon’s motion is to use Newton’s third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When you blow up a balloon and then release the nozzle, the rubber contracts and forces the air out of the nozzle. This means there must be an equal and opposite reaction – the air pushes back on the rubber and propels the balloon forward. This principle is used in real rockets and jets, which shoot a high-velocity stream of gas out the back of their engines, propelling the vehicle forward. In this project, you use this principle to build a toy car that is propelled forward by the flow of air escaping from a balloon as it is deflated.

The car also contains a simple machine: the wheel and the axle. This invention has been around for so long we take it for granted—and many of us ride wheeled vehicles every day. However, you will see that getting your wheel and axle to turn smoothly is crucial to getting your balloon car to run!

materials

plastic bottle

Four plastic bottle caps

wooden skewer

Two straws

balloon

tape

Scissors or sharp knife (Allow an adult to use this tool or supervise your use.)

An adult helper

preparation

Cut one of the straws in half.

Glue both pieces of the straw to one side of the water bottle.

Cut the wooden skewer in half and insert each piece through one of the straws. These form your axes. (Have an adult help you.)

Have an adult use scissors to poke a “+” shaped hole directly in the center of each plastic bottle cap.

Press each bottle cap onto the ends of the wooden skewers. These form your wheels.

procedure

Place your car on a level surface and push it vigorously. Make sure the car rolls easily and coasts a little before stopping. If your car gets stuck or doesn’t roll smoothly, make sure that: your axles are parallel to each other; the hole in each bottle cap is centered; and the straws are firmly glued to the water bottle and won’t wobble. You can add some glue if tape is not enough.

Glue the neck of the balloon around one end of the other straw. Wrap the tape very tightly so the connection is airtight.

Cut a small hole in the top of the water bottle, just big enough to put the straw through.

Push the free end of the straw through the hole and out of the bottle opening.

Attach the straw to the bottle with tape.

Blow through the straw to inflate the balloon, then place your finger on the tip of the straw to trap the air. What do you think will happen when you park the car and release your finger?

Place the car on a flat surface and release your finger. What happens?

See what adjustments you can make to keep the car going.

What happens if you keep inflating the balloon?

What happens if you adjust the direction the straw is pointed? Does it work best when the straw is pointed straight back?

Extra: There are many different ways to build a balloon car. Turn this into a construction project and try to build your car with different materials. For example: what happens if you use a cardboard box for the body instead of a plastic bottle? What happens if you use different diameter straws? What about different materials for the wheels and axles? Get some friends and try to build different cars and race each other. Which materials work best?

Observations and Results

When you inflate and release a balloon, it shoots randomly across the room. However, by gluing the balloon to a straw and attaching it to the body of your car, you can control the direction of the air escaping. If the end of the straw is pointing backwards, the air will push your car forward as described by Newton’s third law of motion. Your design is most efficient when the straw is pointing straight back and not down or to the side. The more you inflate the balloon, the more potential energy it stores, which in turn, according to the law of conservation of energy, is converted into more kinetic energy – making the car go faster.

Your car may not work perfectly on the first try, especially if the axles are not parallel or the wheels wobble. Too much friction can cause the wheels to get stuck and the balloon won’t be strong enough to push the car forward. Test drive your car to make sure the wheels spin freely and the car rolls easily when you push it. If not, you may need to make some adjustments to your theme. Also, make sure that no air escapes from the balloon where it attaches to the straw, and tape it more tightly if necessary.

More to discover

Balloon-Powered Car Challenge by Science Buddies

Newton’s Laws of Motion, by Physics4Kids

Under Pressure: Launch a Balloon Rocket by Scientific American

Science activities for all ages!, by Science Buddies

This activity is brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies

Foil balloons, which are identical to Mylar balloons, are one of the most popular options. These balloons come in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, characters and more. For example, you can buy foil balloons as letters that correspond to a child’s birthday. In other words, if you have a son or daughter who turns three, you can go with a balloon in the shape of the number three.

These balloons are made of nylon with a metallic coating. When sold without paint, graphics, or lettering, they have a shiny silver finish, but usually have unique designs. As a non-porous material, when filled with helium, they can easily last several days, if not weeks, indoors.

How to inflate foil balloons

Similar to how latex balloons are filled, a professional company that sells mylar balloons attaches the small opening to a valve, which inflates them with helium when turned on. In order for these balloons to stay afloat the longest, they should be fully inflated.

How to tie foil balloons

The way mylar balloons are tied off is also similar to latex balloons. Once these balloons are filled with helium, the opening is sealed with a crimp band. This ribbon comes in multiple colors that can be mixed or matched to complement the color and design of the balloons themselves.

Proper disposal

Unfortunately, while Mylar balloons are fun and beautiful, they are not biodegradable, meaning that once released into the air they will not break down over time. This means that when people release these balloons, they often pollute both land and water. The good news is that foil balloons are both recyclable and reusable. If the balloons you bought are in good condition, after deflation, you can fold them up and store them until another opportunity arises. Then simply take the balloons to a florist or balloon shop and have them inflate them with helium. However, if you don’t plan on reusing Mylar balloons, they can be recycled. Most curbside recycling companies will accept Mylar, but if they don’t, you can find a local recycling center that does. Because these balloons are made of synthetic material, they should never be thrown away or left in the air. Unfortunately, while Mylar balloons are fun and beautiful, they are not biodegradable, meaning that once released into the air they will not break down over time. This means that when people release these balloons, they often pollute both land and water. The good news is that foil balloons are both recyclable and reusable. If the balloons you bought are in good condition, after deflation, you can fold them up and store them until another opportunity arises. Then simply take the balloons to a florist or balloon shop and have them inflate them with helium. However, if you don’t plan on reusing Mylar balloons, they can be recycled. Most curbside recycling companies will accept Mylar, but if they don’t, you can find a local recycling center that does. Because these balloons are made of synthetic material, they should never be thrown away or left in the air.

In contrast to latex balloons, foil balloons have a very dense cover. Such balloons are not afraid of high humidity and withstand all climate and temperature changes. Therefore, foil balloons have a distinct advantage over traditional latex balloons. A tinfoil balloon can keep you happy for 1-3 weeks, but it takes much longer to decompose. So best be innovative and give your balloons a second life. Keep in mind that the recycling time of Mylar balloons can depend on the film type and even the design, so different balloons will not mold in the same way. With the holiday approaching, few think about what will happen to the balloon after the party. If you’re a keen environmentalist, don’t worry as Mylar balloons are eco-friendly and you can use them without fear of harming nature. How to Properly Deflate Mylar Balloons Small foil balloons are usually filled with air. Giant balloons are inflated with helium and sealed with an inner flap. You can use the second option a couple of times, but to do that you need to know how to deflate a mylar balloon. Get a cocktail straw to release helium. Follow the tips below to deflate foil balloons: 1. Pierce a balloon flap with a straw. 2. Gently and gently push it a little deeper into the product. It is important not to damage the walls of the ball and flap. Otherwise you cannot reuse it. 3. Release the helium from the balloon. To release all the gas, press the balloon in different places. 4. If the gas does not come out completely, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Use it to suck out any remaining helium. The deflated balloon should be as flat as a piece of paper. Releasing the helium is only half the battle. If you want to keep your decoration for a long time, you should store it properly. Do not fold deflated balloons as you may tear or break the fold lines. Separate one balloon from the other with sheets of soft paper. If you neglect this condition, the balloons will stick together even if the temperature rises even slightly. It will damage them. Place the foil balloons unfolded and horizontally in the storage. Make sure the air temperature is not too high. When your balloons are no longer fit for their intended purpose, you can reuse or recycle them. Looking ahead, we’ll answer a possible question: “Is mylar recyclable and safe?” Yes, it is. Read on for practical ways to reuse and recycle balloons. Cool Ways to Reuse Mylar Foil Balloons If your balloon is unsuitable, don’t rush to throw it out. You can use it to make home decorations with your own hands. Stop asking the question, “Can you reuse Mylar balloons?” over and over again. Catch some great ideas: 1. Wall Decor This foil craft is suitable for those who want to decorate the wall but don’t like pictures and photographs. Here you need to use your imagination and decorate it to your taste using household materials. 2. Decorate Christmas toys You can also use old Christmas decorations, wrap a shabby ball in foil and hang it on the tree. 3. Nursery Decor Wrap old perfume bottles and other cosmetic jars with this material. The craft will be on the children’s desks, symbolizing the ancient wizard’s magic flasks that keep ancient secrets and magic. 4. Fancy costume If you have enough old foil balloons, you can make an interesting outfit for a girl. This can be a dress of an extraterrestrial guest or a fairy. For boys, you can sew some kind of chain mail to turn him into a knight. Optionally, parents can make a robot costume out of cardboard boxes and then stick the film on the back. 5. A greeting card They say that the best gift is one that you make yourself, so take some time to create an excellent handmade product. If you want to make a card with your own hands, you will need cardboard. Glue the foil to the cardboard and let it dry. Don’t forget to write a nice wish on the inside of the card to make it more impressive. 6. Gift wrapping You don’t have to spend money on gift wrapping. Just disassemble the balloons you have in your mezzanine and wrap gifts for your friends in original packaging. 7. Picnic Blanket When you cut and staple balloons together, you make a great blanket for outdoor family gatherings. 8. Raincoat If you can sew and like to sew, you can sew your child a colorful and original raincoat. Kids love to be bright and trendy, so make your son or daughter happy by creating a nice rainy-weather outfit.

If you are interested in quality balloons for an upcoming occasion, you can always count on Balloons.online. We have a huge selection of different balloons and accessories.

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Buy foil balloons, also known as mylar balloons

If you google this question, you will no doubt find many versions of how long a balloon filled with helium will float. Because science is involved! There are a few factors to consider:

environmental factors:

Temperature is one of the biggest factors affecting how long your balloon will float. They are best kept at a steady, comfortable room temperature. If the room is too hot, your balloon may burst. If the room is too cold, your balloon may start to sag.

Tip #1: Don’t put your balloon in a hot car.

Tip #2: Keep your balloons at a consistent room temperature – avoid heaters, air conditioners, etc.

Duration of stay in the balloon transport bag:

We often give balloon bags to our customers to help them transport the balloons to their destination. While these are fantastic for protecting them from the weather and keeping control of the balloons in the car, they will shorten the life of the balloon if left there for too long.

Tip #3: Take your balloons out of the balloon bag as soon as you reach your venue.

The type of balloon purchased:

Bubble balloons and foil balloons (aka Mylar balloons) can last for days, weeks, or even months! They have a much longer lifespan than latex balloons because latex balloons are porous and helium slowly escapes from them. A 28 cm (11 inch) balloon will generally last 10 to 12 hours when stored in optimal conditions. However, we can add Hi-Float to your latex balloons, a conditioning treatment that is applied to the inside of the balloon to slow the deflation process. This can extend the life of your balloon from a few days to a week or more.

TIP #4: Think about what type of balloon suits your needs.

The size of the balloon purchased:

Generally speaking, when it comes to balloons, bigger is better! A standard 11 inch (28 cm) latex balloon will float for about 10-12 hours, while a 3 foot (90 cm) balloon can last up to 3-5 days.

TIP #4: Consider which balloon size suits your needs.

These are the main factors that determine how long your balloon will float. We also recommend picking up your helium balloons as close to your event time as possible to ensure you get the most float time out of them. Alternatively, we offer delivery to save you the hassle!

1. How do you prevent balloons from being deflated?

It’s a fact that balloons will begin to deflate as soon as they’re inflated and tied, even if you don’t immediately see a visible change in them. So, to solve this problem, your goal should be to choose the type of balloon that best suits your needs and create the best conditions for a longer life of your balloons. There are 5 factors that, upon closer inspection, can give you clear guidance on how to make your balloons last longer.

Factor 1: balloon type

Latex balloons start to decompose immediately after inflation because it is a biodegradable natural product. Foil or plastic balloons last much longer. However, the downside is that the latter two can be more harmful to the environment when disposed of and are much more expensive. (See this article for a detailed description of the different types of balloons.)

Factor 2: balloon size

Larger balloons tend to deflate much less air than smaller ones. So if you can, use bigger balloons.

Factor 3: Gas used to fill the balloons

Although balloons filled with helium can create a spectacular overall effect, rest assured it won’t last long. Balloons filled with helium stay afloat for between 10 and 12 hours. No matter what material you choose for your balloons, helium will leak. Balloons filled with air will certainly last longer. (Learn how to create adorable displays with air-filled balloons here.)

Factor 4: Balloon treatments

Latex balloons last longer by using either of two treatments or both. Hi-Float is a patented liquid solution that is applied to the inside to seal pores in latex to slow air leakage. A single squirt inside the balloon keeps it floating up to 25 times longer! Hi-float will not work on foil balloons (Mylar) and will hinder their ability to float.

Then there’s Balloon Shine silicone spray, which is applied to the outside of the balloon to protect it from UV rays, thus slowing down oxidation (decomposition).

Factor 5: The conditions to which the balloons are exposed

The guiding principle is that balloons work best in the same type of environment that people are comfortable in. The worst thing you can do to shorten the life of your balloons is to expose them to direct sunlight and outside air. Under these conditions, balloons only survive for a few hours. It is therefore advisable that you set up your balloons outdoors, ideally in the late afternoon or early evening.

Also, foil balloons are more resilient to outdoor environments than latex balloons.

On the other hand, air-filled balloons, even latex balloons, remain unaltered to the naked eye for up to 5 days if kept indoors, out of direct sunlight, and at a cool, stable temperature. This is not the case if you choose to fill your balloons with helium; They generally last up to 12 hours before starting to sink.

Jet:

balloon

Flexible straw

rubber band or tape

Body (pick one):

water bottle

Toilet paper roll

juice box

Disposable cups (paper or plastic)

Fast food or deli clamshell container (where the top and bottom are joined with a seam at the back)

Ice Bucket (pint or quart)

milk carton (custom size)

cardboard sheet

orange juice can

Axes (choose one):

straws

BBQ skewers

chopsticks

Wheels (choose one):

bottle caps

Candy Candies (with hole in the middle)

CDs

cardboard circles

Connectors for attaching wheels to an axle (choose one):

dry sponge

foam

volume

Marshmallow (halved)

Newton’s first law of motion states that if an object is set in motion, it will remain in motion until an external force acts on it. Theoretically, this could mean you could drive at the same speed in one direction forever, right? The reason we don’t see this is because of friction. Frictional force is the resistance to motion acting in the opposite direction of the moving object. So if you roll a ball on the ground, it will eventually stop. Friction is also the reason you can hold a book and the reason you don’t slip while walking! The ground and other solid surfaces can cause friction, known as dry friction, but fluids (liquids and gases) such as water and air can also cause frictional forces, known as fluid friction.

F f = µ * F N

Where F f is the frictional force, F N is the force perpendicular to the moving object, and µ is the coefficient of friction.

The normal force of an object is the force perpendicular to the surface of the side of the object that is in contact with the surface causing the frictional force. For example, if you have a block moving horizontally on level ground, the normal force will point out of the ground at a 90° angle.

The unit of force is the newton (named after Sir Isaac Newton), which is equal to 1 (kg)(m) / s2. The coefficient of friction, symbolized by the Greek letter µ (“mu”), is dimensionless, i.e. has no units. Dimensionless numbers help scientists, mathematicians, and engineers compare the same features in different objects. Essentially, the coefficient of friction describes how easily one object can move over another. Your swimsuit on a water slide has a low coefficient of friction, as do skate blades on ice. We consider these objects to be slippery. The rubber of car wheels on the road has a higher coefficient of friction, which is why the car will eventually stop if no force is applied. And an even higher coefficient of friction can be seen on a large boulder in nature, you can push and push, but the coefficient of friction is so large and the normal force of the rock is so large that you may not be able to move the rock at all.

Problem:

Watch friction in action and determine which surfaces and conditions produce the lowest frictional forces.

materials

Lightweight cardboard (like a shoe box)

balloon

Scissors or box cutter (ask an adult for help!)

Box of plastic drinking straws

tape measure or ruler

Glue or clear tape

Notebook

pencil or ballpoint pen

procedure

Have an adult help you cut a small hole in one end of the cardboard. Pass the balloon through the hole so that the head of the balloon is inside the box and the opening is on the outside. Inflate the balloon and twist the end shut by pinching between your fingertips. Don’t untie it. While still holding the balloon closed, place the balloon car on a flat countertop, table, or floor and mark the starting point.

Release the balloon and measure the distance the box has travelled. Repeat inflating the balloon to the same size, release and measure the distance traveled on different surfaces. Good surfaces to test include a carpet or rug, concrete (like the sidewalk), and dirt or grass. Go back to the first flat surface you tested and lay out a row of parallel straws about 3 feet long. Inflate the balloon, mark the starting point and place the balloon car on the straw track. Release the balloon. Measure and record the distance traveled.

Repeat step 8 on the different surfaces you tried in step 6. Glue or tape two straws along the length of the bottom of the box like a sled. Does this create more or less friction? Why?

Inflate the balloon, mark the starting point and release the balloon car over the previously tested surfaces. Inflate the balloon, mark the starting point and release the balloon car over the straw track. Analyze your results! Which setup had the most friction? Which setup had the least friction?

Results

Smooth, flat surfaces like hardwood floors or kitchen countertops have small coefficients of friction compared to rougher, more uneven surfaces like concrete, grass, and carpet.

Laying down smooth straws with the ability to roll across the ground creates much less friction and allows the balloon car to go farther.

Adding “sled rails” to the bottom of the box also allows the balloon car to travel farther.

Why?

It’s important to measure at the same spot on the balloon car each time so you can reliably compare distances across different parts of the experiment. Comparing the measurements from the starting point to the back of the box in one experiment and to the front of the box in another experiment would not be a meaningful comparison.

Smooth surfaces create the least amount of friction and are the easiest surfaces to drive on. Coefficients of friction, which are properties of a material, are lowest here. Putting the “sled rails” on the bottom of the box reduces the frictional force even more as there is a much smaller contact area, which means there is a smaller area for the frictional force to act on.

When you used the straw railway, you essentially created a simple machine with wheels. If you try to move the shoebox while it’s on a flat surface, you’re working against sliding friction. Wheels and round objects introduce another type of friction called rolling friction. The rolling friction coefficient is much smaller and much easier to overcome than the sliding friction coefficient.

Tillyscoutsmum 06.11.2011 08:22

My first post in this section. I may be the least artistic person alive so please bear with me

We have a booth at a local fair to raise funds for dd’s preschool.

The stand contains personalized balloons that children can use to decorate/personalize their own balloons and then take them home. I did some googling and it seems that most websites refer to decorating with glue sticks and glitter.

Does anyone know of any pens/markers that would work on foil balloons?

Many Thanks

Understanding the Density of Gases for Floating Balloons:

Technically, any gas less dense than air will levitate a balloon. In comparison, hydrogen is half the density of helium and is better at levitating a balloon. Hydrogen gas creates good buoyancy but is not among the popular non-helium balloon decoration ideas because it is explosive.

One of the floating balloons without helium ceiling decoration ideas uses air. Air can also make balloons levitate and stick to the ceiling using the concept of static electricity. If the air particles inside and outside the balloon have similar charges, they will repel each other and can easily be attracted to a surface like a blanket that has no charge.

Ceiling decoration ideas, uses air. Air can also make balloons levitate and stick to the ceiling using the concept of static electricity. If the air particles inside and outside the balloon have similar charges, they will repel each other and can easily be attracted to a surface like a blanket that has no charge. Another non-helium balloon decorating idea is to use hot air to levitate the balloons as it is lighter than cold air. It’s probably the cheapest way to make a balloon float, even if it’s short-lived.

Generating Hydrogen Gas for Floating Balloons:

To create hydrogen, you need to bring sodium hydroxide and aluminum into contact. Here are the steps to create it at home:

Sodium hydroxide, also commonly known as caustic soda, is commonly available at home and also in grocery stores.

Aluminum is readily available in the form of kitchen foil.

Take a large bottle and fill it with the mixture of sodium hydroxide and pieces of aluminum foil.

Put water in the bottle.

The next step is to attach a balloon to the opening of the bottle that contains the mixture.

The mixture in the container automatically generates hydrogen gas, which rises and fills the balloons.

Once the gas has fully inflated the balloon, detach the balloon and tie it with thread.

Now you can see the balloon is floating without helium.

Key Considerations:

Hydrogen gas is flammable so it is important to ensure all flammable items are kept away.

Matchboxes, open flames, hot irons and other hot objects should not come into contact with these balloons.

Sodium hydroxide can damage your skin, so it is recommended to keep it away from children.

Contact www.bookmyballoons.in or visit us for event related services. We are happy to help you with our expertise to implement helium-free balloon decorations in Bangalore perfectly and on time.

When it comes to gluing balloons and other materials, there are many different glues to choose from, but which one is the best glue or…

If you google this question, you will no doubt find many versions of how long a balloon filled with helium will float. Because science is involved! There are a few factors to consider:

environmental factors:

Temperature is one of the biggest factors affecting how long your balloon will float. They are best kept at a steady, comfortable room temperature. If the room is too hot, your balloon may burst. If the room is too cold, your balloon may start to sag.

Tip #1: Don’t put your balloon in a hot car.

Tip #2: Keep your balloons at a consistent room temperature – avoid heaters, air conditioners, etc.

Duration of stay in the balloon transport bag:

We often give balloon bags to our customers to help them transport the balloons to their destination. While these are fantastic for protecting them from the weather and keeping control of the balloons in the car, they will shorten the life of the balloon if left there for too long.

Tip #3: Take your balloons out of the balloon bag as soon as you reach your venue.

The type of balloon purchased:

Bubble balloons and foil balloons (aka Mylar balloons) can last for days, weeks, or even months! They have a much longer lifespan than latex balloons because latex balloons are porous and helium slowly escapes from them. A 28 cm (11 inch) balloon will generally last 10 to 12 hours when stored in optimal conditions. However, we can add Hi-Float to your latex balloons, a conditioning treatment that is applied to the inside of the balloon to slow the deflation process. This can extend the life of your balloon from a few days to a week or more.

TIP #4: Think about what type of balloon suits your needs.

The size of the balloon purchased:

Generally speaking, when it comes to balloons, bigger is better! A standard 11 inch (28 cm) latex balloon will float for about 10-12 hours, while a 3 foot (90 cm) balloon can last up to 3-5 days.

TIP #4: Consider which balloon size suits your needs.

These are the main factors that determine how long your balloon will float. We also recommend picking up your helium balloons as close to your event time as possible to ensure you get the most float time out of them. Alternatively, we offer delivery to save you the hassle!

We love balloons and the environment

We all have to take care of the planet. To live in harmony with the environment around us, we encourage responsible use of balloons – and discourage releasing them outdoors – to create a better world.

Balloon Responsibility

Here’s how to enjoy your balloons and keep them off waterways and power lines:

Safe inflation – never inhale helium. Use a balloon pump or helium tank to ensure you inflate the balloons properly.

Don’t Let Them Go – Attach a balloon weight after inflating the balloons to keep them from floating away.

Pop & Toss-Once the party is over, deflate balloons first and then discard.

Take care of your little ones – deflated or broken balloons can pose a choking hazard. Make sure all balloon debris is kept away from the children.

Together we can take action to protect the environment while responsibly enjoying and celebrating life’s special occasions with balloons.

It’s no secret that I LOVE balloons, I always thought that a balloon made an instant party! I have literally inflated thousands of balloons and thought I would give you some hints and tips on the best way to fill your party balloons. Please note that these are not manufacturer guidelines, just tips I’ve learned from my own experience.

helium canister

Helium isn’t the only option when inflating balloons, and I’ll discuss other options along the way. When it comes to helium canisters, you have the choice of either buying smaller disposable canisters or renting large helium bottles. We sell a range of disposable helium canisters. Rented helium can come in a variety of sizes and is more cost effective for a large event that requires a large number of balloons. The disposable canisters come in two sizes and are more suitable for use at home or for smaller parties. Two sizes of disposable canisters are available; The smaller size fills 30 9″ balloons and the larger size fills 50 9″ balloons. For simplicity I will refer to them as cannister30 and canister50. Canister30 has 8.9 cubic feet of helium and Canister50 has 14.9 cubic feet of helium. Below is a table detailing the helium capacity for various balloons and their expected levitation times.

Inflated Balloon Diameter Capacity (cubic feet) Float Time 9″ Latex 9″ .3 8-10 hrs 11″ Latex 11″ .5 10-12 hrs 18″ Foil 14″ x 13″ .5 3-5 days 20 ” Foil (Str) 18″ x 18″ .6 3-5 Days Giant Letter & Number Various 1.5 3-5 Days Foil Supershapes Various 1.5 – 2.5 3-5 Days 3 ft. Latex (346 in.) 36 inches when inflated to 2.5 ft 8 cu ft when inflated to 3 ft 15 cu ft 3-5 days Foil Orb Balloon 16” 15” – 16” 1.05 3-5 days

Standard sized latex balloons stay afloat for about 8-12 hours when filled with helium, while foil balloons filled with helium will float for 2-5 days. The reason foil balloons float longer than latex balloons is because helium slowly oozes out of the pores of natural latex. If you want your latex balloons to float longer, you can purchase a useful product, the Helium Hi-Float Treatment Kit, which allows the balloons to float up to 25 times longer!

Huge 36″ balloons

Large 36″ round balloons have a wide neck opening, so filling them may be a bit more difficult. Adapters for helium canisters are available, but I find it works if you simply hold the neck of the balloon tightly around the nozzle of a helium inflator or air electric air pump when filling, then tie it like you would a regular balloon. These are almost impossible to fill with your mouth!

36-inch latex balloons filled with helium can stay afloat for several days due to the thickness of the balloon and the enormous amount of helium. When fully inflated with helium, 36 inch balloons can lift a weight of 340g. I find that when fully inflated they have serious pulling power and are quite difficult to control outdoors even in light winds. Children find them particularly difficult to handle and they need to be tied up well or they could get lost very quickly. When using them with children, as a handheld photo prop, or to be held by a bride, I have found that they have a smoother draw, but still when I inflate them halfway with air and then fill them up with helium they are fully inflated to float nicely upright. The added benefit of filling them this way is that they cost half the fill and don’t disappear into space when they come loose! (the downside is they don’t stay afloat that long).

Clear balloons and confetti balloons

When filling transparent latex balloons, please note that they may appear a little dull or foggy after fully inflated, and will clear in about 10 minutes. The levitation time for confetti filled helium balloons is shorter than standard balloons (about 4 – 6 hours) due to the added weight of the paper inside.

Once the balloon is inflated, you can create static electricity by rubbing the balloon against clothing or hair to help the confetti stick to the inside. How well the confetti sticks stick depends on other conditions like humidity, heat, etc. Check out this blog post for more ideas on decorating with clear balloons.

foil balloons

Foil balloons filled with helium have a very long float time and consume comparatively little helium, making them a very popular choice.

Foil balloons are usually designed to be filled with helium but our range of 16 inch letter, number and stick balloons are filled with air only and this is easily done following the instructions on the packaging.

Basically all foil balloons can also be filled with air if you want to attach them to a wall or use them as a support on a table etc. To do this you will need to insert either a balloon pump with a long end or a plastic/paper straw and blow through the straw to inflate your balloon.

Tying Foil Balloons – I tie my foil balloons using the rolling method. This makes the balloons look really neat and hides their valves. Here’s a useful tutorial.

Foil Balloon Reuse – Foil balloons can be reused if they have a self-sealing valve (all balloons we sell have this type of valve). To deflate your balloon you will need a long straw or a long blunt piece of knitting. Insert your straw into the balloon neck opening (it may need to be inserted far into the balloon’s valve as some valves are very long). You will be able to tell when you have inserted the straw far enough as the air will begin to be released. Carefully fold your balloon once deflated and store in a dry place.

Orb Balloons

Spherical balloons are easily inflated with helium and only require about 2x as much helium as a normal balloon (see table above). For an inflation tutorial, please click here. It is recommended to only fill spheres with helium, but I always manage to successfully fill these balloons with air. This is great if you plan to use them on the floor at an event or tie them in balloon garlands. See this blog post for instructions.

Letter and number balloons

The 16 inch letter and number balloons are fantastic because no helium is required, just inflate them with puff and they will stay inflated for months, plus you can deflate them and store them away for reuse in the future – brilliant!

Giant letter and number balloons make great party statement balloons, they only require a relatively small amount of helium and can also be filled with just air, most have tabs to allow them to be hung with string. (Insert a straw to fill with air)

Tiny 5″ balloons

These balloons have a very low air capacity, meaning if you fill them with helium they will not float for long (1-2 hours). If you are using helium for these tiny balloons please make sure you use very light string or cotton to attach them as even the weight of the string can cause them to sink (I use cotton thread).

These tiny balloons look especially cute when made into a cake topper. Simply cut off the sharp end of a wooden pick, pop your balloon, tie the pick and tuck it into the tied knot very carefully, it should just stay in place. An alternative idea is to tie the balloons together into a cute alternative bunting.

Other ways to display balloons

There are many ways to beautifully display your balloons without using helium. I’ve previously blogged about ideas for displaying balloons without helium.

Please note that balloon inflation is not an exact science. My suggestions here are based solely on my own experience and others may not achieve the same results as I do. How well your balloon inflates or stays in the air is very dependent on a number of factors; how it was tied, how much it was filled, what the weather is like that day (are they in direct sunlight?) and how the balloons were stored (they don’t like extremes of temperature or humidity).

If you have any other hints and tips on filling balloons, we’d love to hear about them. Write to us and tell us about it.

Do you know more 70% of people love to celebrate their birthday? No matter what age they are, a big birthday party makes them feel special on their big day. And when it comes to decoration, most people turn to balloons.

Fortunately, balloons come in a variety of designs and colors. Just think of a birthday party theme and you will find amazing ways to incorporate balloons into your decorating scheme. When you want balloons to float in the air, Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are a popular choice.

Today we shared some fun facts about mylar balloons that tell us why they are such a great choice for birthday celebrations:

Mylar balloons are shinier than latex balloons because they are made of two different materials. The base material is Mylar, a type of nylon, while the outer, thin layer is foil, which is aluminum. This is why mylar and foil balloons are the same.

Mylar balloons can be easily designed in different shapes, sizes and colors. For example, if you can buy birthday balloons for all ages, character balloons, happy face balloons, heart-shaped balloons, cupcake-shaped balloons and the list goes on. You too have a specific design in mind; You will have no problem finding exactly what you are looking for.

Mylar balloon can be inflated with either helium or air. Helium makes balloons float in the air instead of setting them down on the ground. If you inflate a Mylar balloon with helium, it will stay inflated for over two weeks.

At Balloon Ideas we offer an incredible collection of high quality balloons. Quite simply, you will find mylar birthday balloons for all ages to celebrate. Our balloons stay in the air for a long time, so everyone, especially children, can enjoy them longer. Discover our balloon collection now!