A couple of balloon questions

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A couple of balloon questions

Postby Lawrence » Feb 23rd, '10, 13:39



Hi Folks

Have we got any party planning balloon using types on the board, if so can they drop me a PM?
[watch how niave I'm about to sound]
I bought some helium last week and am unimpressed with the 4 hour "float life" of the balloons. Could this be down to a problem with the balloons? The helium? or is this just standard.
Don't really want to go inflating things last minute before a wedding and still having them come down mid-jazz!

Also, anyone got any ideas on how to do a big(ish) teddy using 260s? The body is easy enough but what about the face?

Thanks
Lawrence

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Postby pcwells » Feb 23rd, '10, 13:47

I've never had any success getting a modelling balloon to float when filled with helium.

I figured the material was just too heavy.

But that was just with 260s.

Pete

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Postby Lawrence » Feb 23rd, '10, 14:12

Sorry; badly phrased question there I think, the helium is just for standard balloons, not modelling ones.

Maybe should've asked the bear question on a separate thread.

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Re: A couple of balloon questions

Postby Tomo » Feb 23rd, '10, 14:36

Lawrence wrote:Hi Folks

Have we got any party planning balloon using types on the board, if so can they drop me a PM?
[watch how niave I'm about to sound]
I bought some helium last week and am unimpressed with the 4 hour "float life" of the balloons. Could this be down to a problem with the balloons? The helium? or is this just standard.

Helium is one of the smallest atoms and easily seeps through the pores in latex.

Image
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Re: A couple of balloon questions

Postby Lawrence » Feb 23rd, '10, 14:53

Tomo wrote:
Lawrence wrote:Hi Folks

Have we got any party planning balloon using types on the board, if so can they drop me a PM?
[watch how niave I'm about to sound]
I bought some helium last week and am unimpressed with the 4 hour "float life" of the balloons. Could this be down to a problem with the balloons? The helium? or is this just standard.

Helium is one of the smallest atoms and easily seeps through the pores in latex.


Makes sense. But how do I keep a balloon afloat for longer?

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Re: A couple of balloon questions

Postby Jean » Feb 23rd, '10, 15:26

Lawrence wrote:
Makes sense. But how do I keep a balloon afloat for longer?


IT?

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Re: A couple of balloon questions

Postby Ant » Feb 23rd, '10, 17:49

Lawrence wrote:
Makes sense. But how do I keep a balloon afloat for longer?


I know nothing about this area (great start) but if I was looking to make latex less porous I would apply some form of solution to the outside once inflated but I guess it depends on the finish you are looking for and what you need to do with them.

Something that may theoretically work is to inflate and pop the balloons in to a fridge or freezer until needed as the gas will be less excitable and less prone to "escape". Not certain this will work in practice or how feasible it would be for your situation though.

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Postby Flash » Feb 23rd, '10, 19:45

Hey Lawrence,

You can buy a product called Hi-Float that greatly increases the life of latex helium balloons. I've never used it but am assured it does what its says on the tin.

http://www.hi-float.com/

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