Learn more about burton + Burton's response to the COVID-19 Situation

Latex Balloons

Latex balloons are made by combining natural latex with man-made chemicals. Because latex is porous, it does not hold helium as long as foil balloons. Lat ex is biodegradable and will naturally break down at about the same rate as an oak leaf.

11" Latex balloons are usually sold in 100 count bags. 3' latex balloons are sold in a minimum of 3 and multiples of 3.

Latex balloons sized 9" and larger will float when inflated with helium. The rubber tilt valve on an inflator should be used when inflating latex balloons.

Remember, the inflator does not have automatic shut-off capabilities for latex balloons unless a sizing device is attached to the inflator.

Latex balloons should be inflated until they are oval but not in a pear or light-bulb shape.

The helium capacity of latex balloons is as follows:

Balloon Size	Approx. CU. FT. of Helium Per Balloon	Approx. Number of Balloons Per 242 CU.FT. of Helium
9" Round	.25	900
11" Round	.50	485
14" Round	1.00	240
16" Round	1.50	180
18" Round	2.00	130
11" Heart	.30	843
17" Heart	.90	268
16" GEO Donut®	.70	340
16" GEO Blossom®	.60	400
24" Round	5.00	50
3' Giant (inflated to 2.5' )	8.00	30
3' Giant (inflated to 3' )	15.00	16

Latex balloons can be sealed by hand-tying or by using sealing discs or clips. Hand-tying is the most popular and preferred method, since it has the tightest seal and gives a finished look to the balloon. However, if there are a large number of latex balloons to inflate, using sealing discs or clips is a smart option.

Whether hand-tying or using sealing discs or clips, a ribbon or string can be attached at the same time the balloon is sealed. This saves time and ensures a secure attachment.

Latex Sealing Discs SD301, SD302
These plastic sealing discs are used with the disc tyer post on inflators. To use, place several sealing discs onto the disc tyer post. Then, after inflating a latex balloon, wrap the balloon neck around the post and pull tight. Next, pull one disc down and over the wrapped balloon neck. The balloon can now be slipped off the post.

Safe Tite® Sealing Discs 55001 This disc is especially convenient for sealing large latex balloons, such as the 18" wide-neck latex balloons that are used in balloon stuffing machines. A disc tyer post is not required to use the Safe Tite® Sealing Disc.

Klip'N Seal™ Plastic Balloon Clips MC399, MC400, MC401
Twist Klips™,QC202
Plastic balloon clips are lightweight hinged clips with a groove in the middle for the balloon neck. Klip'N Seal™ Clips are sold loose in a bag and are also available in a larger size, MC403, for 30" or larger latex balloons.
Twist Klips™ are connected together in a chain for use in the Twist Klips™ Dispenser QC101, which attaches to a helium cylinder.

Air-filled Latex Balloons Any size latex smaller than 9" should be air-filled. Small latex balloons cannot hold much helium and have a very short floating time. Any size latex can be filled with air.

Erecto Cups EC202 These plastic cups should be used with 9" or larger latex balloons. After air-inflating and tying a balloon, pull the knot through the hole in the Erecto Cup. Then slip the neck under the clip on the side. Attach cup to a hollow plastic stick.

Omni Sticks 859W12 After air-inflating and tying the balloon, pull the knot through the ring and stretch the neck under the clip at the side of the stick. The ring may be bent down if necessary to put the balloon in an upright position.

Balloon Stuffing Latex
For balloon stuffing machines such as Classy Wrap®, 18" latex is recommended. The wider neck and larger size make it perfect for balloon stuffing machines. 18" latex is available in many different upside-down print designs.

Entertainer Balloons
Entertainer balloons are long, thin latex balloons which are air-filled and then twisted to make animals and other shapes. 2" X 60" balloons are the most common size entertainer balloons. They are usually air-filled by using a hand inflator but can be inflated by mouth after much practice.