Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Chit Chat => Topic started by: balloonbaboon on January 11, 2010, 09:53:14 PM
I heard that if you use nitrogen balloons stay inflated longer and models look better for longer so went and got some.
Having used it on a few comparisons the air filled things I have made seem to last better - hmmm what am I missing?
Would be great to be able to premake things for sending out and nitrogen seemed the answer but so far not convinced
Anyone else given it a go - got any thoughts on the advantages?
I suspect this theory will only work with décor balloons. I know helium will not really inflate modelling balloons nor 5" rounds because the weight of the balloon is heavier than the volume of helium you can get inside can lift. I know nitrogen is not to float balloons merely inflate them but I suspect the molecules are only fractionally bigger so in larger balloons it may make a difference but with balloons with a large surface area (i.e. more chance to escape) then it will be very quickly replaced with air and it will make no difference.
I have probably made no sense and would never class myself as a scientist but have picked some of this up with the décor training I have done.
Have you tried Hi float?
Would think you need to work pretty quickly with that because you will be stuffed if it starts to dry. Not only that I am sure someone told me high float does not work in modelling balloons. I guess again there is too much surface area but I could be wrong.
Hi float does work with modelling balloons, with no hi float the 160/260 will last 3/4 days and with hi float 6, 7, or with luck 8 days.
Mind you I have never used it but Sofie, Koen and Colin are the experts on this. In China it was everywhere in the room as when the balloon pops and if the hi float is still wet.
I haven't noticed any difference either. I do have nitrogen, but I mostly just use it when I'm doing big sculptures or if I'm going to make something with lots and lots of balloons and don't want to inflate them with my hand or floor pump.
I've tried hi-float in 260s, and decided it wasn't worth the mess it made (both on the walls and on me...lol)
so, now if I need balloons to last a little longer, I just use Armor All Ultra Shine (I spray it on a rag, then wipe it on). I've had very good luck with it, especially with 160s.
Quote from: "Tonya"I haven't noticed any difference either. I do have nitrogen, but I mostly just use it when I'm doing big sculptures or if I'm going to make something with lots and lots of balloons and don't want to inflate them with my hand or floor pump.
I've tried hi-float in 260s, and decided it wasn't worth the mess it made (both on the walls and on me...lol)
so, now if I need balloons to last a little longer, I just use Armor All Ultra Shine (I spray it on a rag, then wipe it on). I've had very good luck with it, especially with 160s.
Do you wipe it on the balloon before inflating or when inflated?
What sort of advantage have you seen with it?
Thank you all for your comments. It seems that nitrogen isn't going to help me much with premaking things and hifloat sounds incredibly messy. The post has made me decide that I can probably end up taking the nitrogen back and at least save the money on 1 monthly gas bottle rental
I wipe it on after I make the sculpture. It makes it feel kind of like a vinyl like. I think there is a thread on that whole subject isn't there Graham?