If you are going to enter the ranks of the professional balloon decorator, you must learn is how to select your latex balloons. All balloons are definitely not created equal, and the choice of the wrong balloon or the cheaper balloon will destroy any decoration no matter how talented and skillful you are.
The 3 Secrets of Selecting Professional Grade Latex Balloons
Secret #1 - You Should Always Use Professional Latex Weight - This has to do with the strength and resilience of your latex balloon. A professional latex weight balloon will allow your balloons to float with helium well over 24 hours. A cheaper grade latex balloon will only last floating 5 or 6 hours. Now, here is the key to finding professional latex weight balloons. The best balloons in the world are produced in the United States, and truthfully, the cheaper grade balloons are typically manufactured overseas.
You can test this for yourself.
Buy a bag of balloons from a manufacturer of the United States, and buy a bag of balloons from an overseas manufacturer. Inflate a balloon from each bag with helium and tie each with a curling ribbon. Tape them both to a table, and with a permanent marker, write the time your inflated each on the respective balloons. And wait. See which balloon goes down faster, and mark the time. Don't take my word for it. You'll see for yourself.Secret #2 - Judge The Balloon Manufacturer By The Minimum Level of 25 Essential Colors - A professional balloon manufacturer that caters the professional balloon artist will have a selection of at least 25 essential colors and a variety of necessary sizes.
The Four Basic Color Categories Are:
Standard Colors: Dark Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Pale Blue, White
Jewel Tone Colors: Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue, Citrine Yellow, Amethyst Violet, Diamond Clear, Quartz Purple, Cocoa Brown, Sparkling Burgundy, Onyx Black, Mandarin Orange
Fashion Tone Colors: Wintergreen, Spring Lilac, Tropical Teal, Georgia Peach, Ivory Silk, Rose, Goldenrod
Metallic Colors: Gold, Silver
Secret #3 - Purchase Your Balloon In Gross Bags - Professional latex quality balloons are sold in bags called gross bags. A gross is a 144 balloons per bag. The essential balloon sizes that whatever manufacturer you choose must have are balloon sizes of 5 inches, 9 inches, 11 inches and 16 inches. Now, mind you, there are larger and smaller sizes such as 40 inches and 4 inches, but for most practical purposes and for most professional balloon decoration designs, you will rarely need balloon sizes other than 5 inches, 9 inches, 11 inches and 16 inches.
Balloon Decorations - Do You Know the 3 Secrets of Selecting Professional Grade Latex Balloons?