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How early can I blow up my air-filled balloons?

Blowing up air-filled balloons

I'm going to make 2 balloon columns and would like to get started as early as possible. Can I start these the day before?

ANSWER:

Yes, you can definitely inflate your balloons the day before. In general, air-filled balloons last much longer than helium-filled balloons.

Depending on the environment, balloon decor blown up with air can last several days to weeks whereas helium-inflated decorations typically last for only 10 to 12 hours.

IMPORTANT TIP: Store the inflated balloons in large, clean plastic bags that close tightly over the balloons. Otherwise the balloons will oxidize and lose their shiny surface.

Large trash bags like these 55 galloon clear drum bin liners will do the job just fine.

Alternatively, you can get these extra large balloon transport bags.

Related questions that might interest you as well:

Do air balloons last overnight?

Generally speaking, yes. Air-filled latex or foil balloons will not deflate overnight, especially when the arch, column or garland is indoors.

Even an outdoor arch or column will last overnight. However, dew and condensation during the night can make the balloon surface wet and slightly sticky.

This can cause balloons to fuse together when the sun comes out. Add some wind into the scenario, and a whole row of balloons might pop at the same time!

How do you make air balloons last longer?

The biggest "enemies" of balloons are humidity, heat, direct sunlight, sharp objects and wind.

Eliminating these factors as much as possible makes your blown up balloons last longer.

Air-filled balloon decorations that last the longest (several days to a month or longer) are typically indoors, away from entrances or windows, in an air-conditioned environment with constant humidity and temperature levels.

By the way, air-filled mylar balloons can last years, even decades! Check out this page with stories from my readers about how long mylar balloons stay firmly inflated.

If you're decorating outdoors, longevity is greatly reduced. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and wind, if at all possible. The choice of color and balloon brand can also help extend the life of outdoor balloon decor.

More tips here: How to prevent balloon decor from popping in outdoors heat

What makes balloon decor NOT last?

We touched upon the factors already that causes your latex balloons to deflate, shrink, lose their shiny surface or pop.

The video below does a great job in explaining the processes and reasons why balloons don't last forever and what you can do about it. Enjoy!

If you have additional questions or suggestions about how far in advance you can blow up balloons, please leave a comment!

Best,

Margit

Comments for How early can I blow up my air-filled balloons?

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Reply to Ela: Thank you!
by: Margit

Hello my dear friend from London!

Thanks for stopping by.

I am glad you found the videos helpful.

Hugs,

Margit

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Early inflation
by: Elizabeth

Dear Margit,

Thank you for this. I never knew that I could add hi float in advance. Up to a week!! The video is very informative. Actually, both are.

Your balloonnie friend from London,

Ela

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So helpful!
by: Anonymous

This information is enlightening, interesting, and helpful!

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Reply to Maralyn: Balloon Treatments
by: Margit

Hi Maralyn,

Great question! Thanks for pointing out that the video didn't mention what type of products to use for making air-filled latex balloons last longer.

There are two components to do this:

Inside treatment: Treat the inside of the balloon with Hi-Float.

Better known for its float-extending effect on helium-filled balloons, Hi-Float also works well for making air-filled balloons last longer. It prevents the air molecules from escaping through the balloon skin, keeping it fully inflated for longer.

In fact, the makers of Hi-Float say that it works even better on air-filled balloons, because air molecules are bigger than helium molecules.

I've conducted my own Hi-Float experiment, if you'd like to read more.

Outside treatment: Spray the outside of the latex balloons with a product like Balloon Shine or Hi-Shine (produced by the same company as Hi-Float).

These silicone based solutions prevent the latex balloons from oxidizing and keep it looking bright and shiny for longer.

Hope that helps!

Margit

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Balloon treatments
by: Maralyn

Hi in your video you mentioned balloon treatments to keep air filled balloon lasting longer but didn’t say what it was. The yellow and red think chicken. Can you tell me what you use. I’m in Australia and the weather here in sumner is HOT
Many thanks
Maralyn.

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Reply to CCornie: Pretreating balloons with hi-float
by: Margit

Hello CCornie,

Yes, you can add hi-float the night before to your latex balloons.

In fact, you can pretreat them with hi-float several days before the event.

Do not spread the hi-float around yet. Simply add the recommended amount to your balloon and let it sit at the bottom of the balloon. Tie several pretreated balloons together with a ribbon so that the balloon neck is closed and the hi-float doesn't dry out.

See the short video below for full instructions.

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Hi float early?
by: CCornie

Could I add the Hi-float to latex balloons the night before and add helium the next day?

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Answer regarding deflated latex balloons
by: Margit

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear that your client reported issues with balloons having deflated.

You mention that it's winter in your country. How much did the temperature drop over night?

Was there a big difference in temperature between the place where you inflated the balloons and where the garland was set up over night?

The air inside a balloon shrinks when temperatures go down and expands when temperatures rise. So yes, it's possible that some of the balloons in the garland deflated over night.

Hope that helps!

Margit

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Deflated latex balloons
by: Anonymous

I did a latex air filled balloon garland for client Saturday morning and they wanted it set up outside undercover.

It's winter in my country and the following morning client said half deflated even though she covered the garland.

When I asked for photos the balloons were oxidised not deflated. Could the balloons have deflated?

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