Discount
Latex
Balloons
Latex balloons are of course made
of latex. Latex is porous due to small microscopic holes and
therefore latex balloons do not hold helium for as long as foil
balloons (mylar balloons). Foil balloons tend to float for
4-21days, while latex balloons will float for only 8-24 hours.
However you can
use a
product called hi-float to extend the life of a latex balloon by
25 times the normal float time so in actual fact you can get a latex balloon to float
longer than a foil balloon. Latex balloons come in sizes 5" to 3
feet and in a wide selection of colors and prints. Latex
balloons can also be printed on in multiple colors, but if you
want a detailed design you really must go with mylar balloons.
Mylar balloons are typically printed in up to 8 colors. Helium may
be used in all latex balloons 9" and larger. Float times
vary by size, with the smaller latex balloons floating for less
time than the larger latex balloons. Over time the helium
escapes through the porous membrane of the latex balloon and the
latex balloon will reduce in size and eventually fall to the
ground. Air also escapes through latex balloons, but at a
lesser rate because the molecules are larger than helium molecules so if you blow up a balloon with air it will stay
inflated for longer, but air will not make the latex
balloon float. On the other hand air escapes extremely
slowly through the membrane of a mylar balloon. Mylar
balloons filled with air will stay inflated for years or decades
or longer, but of course if filled with air then the balloons will
not float.
Where does latex come from?
Latex comes from rubber trees which
are found in the rain forests of several countries. The
world's largest producer of natural latex is Malaysia.
Harvesting of latex is similar to the harvesting of of maple
syrup. It is done in a way that does not damage the tree.
Because rubber is a valuable resource purchasing latex balloons
actually helps benefit the preservation of the rain forests.
The value of the rubber trees discourages people from cutting them
down. In the correct conditions latex balloons biodegrade
quickly decomposing as quickly as an oak leaf. The
manufacturing of latex balloons is largely automated. Qualatex,
the largest balloon manufacturer in the world produces over 1
billion latex balloons per year, but there are many other latex
balloon manufacturers. However, there are wide differences
in the quality of latex balloons so it takes some trial and error
to find those that you might prefer. We only sell quality latex balloons from
quality manufacturers. Our latex balloons can be used
with
hi-float which helps extend the float of latex balloons.



Gas Capacity of Latex
Balloons
Common Sizes listed
below. |
|
|
5" Latex Balloons
(not filled with helium) |
0.06 Cubic Feet |
9" Latex Helium
Balloons |
0.25 Cubic Feet |
11" Latex Helium
Balloons |
0.50 Cubic Feet |
17"
Latex Helium Balloons |
2 Cubic Foot |
3 Foot (inflated to
2.5-3 foot) |
8-15 Cubic Foot |