Air-Filled Foil Balloons - The Basics

What are the smaller foil balloons?

Foil balloons are available in 4" & 9" round shapes, and 9" – 14" specialty shapes (simply filter for sizes). These small foil balloons are designed to be filled with air, sealed with a balloon heat sealer, and attached to a plastic cup and stick.

They may be purchased preinflated (air-filled) which means that they have already been filled with air, sealed, and include a cup and plastic balloon stick. Assortments of pre-inflated balloons on a stick are available with or without displays or certain styles can be purchased by individual product numbers.

What type of inflator is needed for small foil balloons?

We recommend an electric air inflator such as the Mini Cool Aire^® Due Pro™ Inflator 831. This inflator has several nozzles depending on the size of the balloons, and includes a heavy-duty handle for easy carrying. It also will run continuously without overheating.

What other equipment is needed for small foil balloons besides an inflator?

An electric heat sealer is also needed, since the balloons do not have self-sealing valves. The HS870 is 12" a model which allows more room to seal and can also be used to seal plastic bags. Curling irons, clothing irons, and other household appliances are not recommended for use in sealing balloons. Such appliances do not seal properly and can burn through the balloon stem or possibly cause serious burns.

How Do You Use a Heat Sealer?

After inflating the foil balloon, firmly hold the stem in one hand so the air cannot escape. Use your other hand to flatten the balloon stem. The stem should be free of wrinkles and creases. The heat sealer control should be set at position 2.5. If this seems too hot, set it lower.
Position the flattened stem under the upper bar of the heat sealer so that the seal will be made just above the opening in the stem. Press the bar down and hold for 4 – 5 seconds after the red light fades to ensure proper sealing, then release the upper bar.
A second seal below the first seal is best since any wrinkles or creases in the first seal will allow the air to leak out.

The pad protecting the element will wear thin after frequent use. When replacing with a new pad, also replace the element. Unplug the heat sealer before replacing the pad and element.

When can air-filled foil balloons be attached to a cup and stick?

After inflating and sealing air-fill foil balloons, they can then be attached to a cup and stick, which are purchased separately. The type of cup and stick to use will depend on the size of the balloon and its end use.

Below are some of the cups available to use for mounting small foil balloons. The instructions for all cups are very similar in that they all involve twisting the stem of the balloon and then pulling it through an opening while weaving over and under and tucking the end of the stem under a clip or under the balloon.

Cello Cups (CC101) for Air-Filled Foil Balloons

Use with 4" – 14" balloons. Connect to hollow plastic sticks of desired length.

After sealing the small foil, tightly twist the stem about ten times. With the Cello Cup™ upside down, hold the foil balloon upside down and pull the stem up through the first slot marked by an arrow. It helps to place your finger over this first slot to prevent the balloon stem from slipping as you proceed.
Wrap the exposed neck across the next slot in the direction of the arrow, then pull the stem down through that slot.
Pull the stem across the underside of the cup to the next slot, then pull the stem up through that slot resembling a weaving action.
Pull the stem across the top of the cup to the first slot and pull the stem down through it. This results in an over-under weaving action. Be sure to pull the stem tight at the beginning so that the balloon will sit securely in the cup. Pull the stem tight at the remaining stem and continue the over-under weaving action until the stem is hidden. The cup can then be attached to a stick.

With slight variations, these directions can also be applied to these cups: