Balloons add a festive flair to any event or party. Of all the balloons out there, foil balloons are the apex of balloon-dom. Foil balloons, if you didn't already know, are created from a very thin sheet of metal which is cast over the balloons nylon base. Foil balloons are not only fun, they stay inflated longer. There are many different ways to fill a foil balloon. Consider the following the next time you're ready to inflate foil balloons at your next party.
Inflating A Foil Balloon
- Use a drinking straw to inflate your balloon. Any stiff, straight drinking straw will work. Insert the straw until you break the inner seal inside of the filling tab. You should hear a slight pop when the straw is inserted. Pinch the straw and fill-tab so the air doesn't escape. Inhale a deep draught of air into your lungs and blow steadily into the exposed end of the straw. This will gently fill the balloon. Pinch off where the straw meets the tab and check for the balloon's air pressure. It should be firm to the touch and not offer much 'give'. Now remove the straw and pinch off the tab in order to seal the air filled balloon.
- You may use an air pump to inflate your balloon. Use a hand pump and a narrow tip attachment. The narrow tip will fit more easily and will make the filling easier and safer. Place the tip into the filling tab and hold the seal securely so air won't escape. Pump air into the balloon. Use your free hand to press the pump handle until you feel the balloon expand to full. Note: if you have an electric or battery-operated pump, the job will be much less taxing. However, watch the filling process carefully so that the balloon doesn't explode. Remove the tip and close off the balloon. Most foil balloons have a self-sealing system.
- Inflate your balloon the old fashioned way. Inhale air into your lungs and blow into the small filling tube at the bottom of the balloon. Use your fingers to pinch between the air-filled balloon and the tab at the bottom and then tie a knot when complete.
Troubleshooting
If the air leaks out of the balloon in only a few minutes, then the balloon is either structurally unsound or there may be a hole. With a spray bottle, spray a light mist of water over the balloon and squeeze to find the hole. The escaping water will create small bubbles at the hole. Dry off the balloon and place a piece of transparent mailing tape over the hole. If the balloon was manufactured incorrectly, you'll need to buy more balloons.
Have fun with your air filled foil balloons. They'll make your event or party the talk of the town.
Interesting trivia: Forty-four percent of people surveyed in WalletHub's 2019 Valentine survey, expected their loved one to spend at least $50 on them. Why not get them a bouquet of foil balloons?