Issues with Air-fiIl (Mini/Micro) Balloons

Modified on Tue, 19 Nov, 2019 at 2:09 AM

Most mini or micro foil balloons are heat-sealed and used with a cup and stick. The information below relates to balloons without self-sealing valves.

Balloon Loses Air Quickly

The most common complaint about air-filled balloons are: “I cannot complete the seal of the balloon”. Whenever we have received balloons returned to us with this complaint, we have run tests and always found a seal is possible. When heat-sealing a balloon, we suggest starting at a low temperature while gradually increasing to a higher temperature. Once you melt through the tail of the balloon, the balloon will no longer be usable. However, if you try sealing the balloon and it does not seal, it can be inflated again and sealed. Sometimes you can feel the film is quite thick compared to another balloon. A thicker film will normally require a higher heat setting. Most of the complaints we receive in regards to heat sealing pertain to Classic Balloons. Classic Balloons often have thicker films, which require a higher setting on a heat sealer. If the heat setting is not increased, the tail of the balloon will not seal and air will escape.

Balloon Seal Issue
Issue	Possible Solutions
Balloon loses air quickly after heat sealing	Usually indicates the heat sealer temperature is too low to create a proper seal. Are you lifting the sealer before the seal is complete? Are you not pushing down on the sealer and initiating the seal? Could the heat sealer element be damaged? Check that the element is not bent, broken, or discoloured. Elements sometimes need replacing. Try sealing the balloon in multiple places. We normally seal a balloon twice. This can sometimes help. Check where air is leaking by using an air bubble test. See instructions below. You are blowing up a balloon with your mouth rather than an air pump. Hot breath contracts inside the balloon once cooled. Use an air pump to inflate the balloons.
Please open a support ticket and we will work to resolve your issue if none of these solutions help.

Manufacturer Melt Temperatures
Anagram Balloons	Low
CTI Industries	Medium
Convergram	Medium
Classic	High

The Water Air Bubble Test

If you are having issues with a specific balloon design, you should run a test. To test where the air is escaping; fill a container with water, submerge the balloon under water, and press on the balloon. When you press on the balloon, you should see bubbles where air is able to escape. If bubbles come from the seal of the balloon, then the seal is not complete and you likely have to increase the temperature. If the bubbles come from somewhere else, (i.e. around the balloon) then the issue is with the balloon and not the heat sealer.

Other Air-fill Balloon Issues

Other Issues and Solutions
Issue	Possible Solutions
Balloon pops when inflated	If a balloon pops while being inflated, it is a defect from the manufacturer. This indicates the balloon seal cannot handle the pressure of inflation. Open a support ticket so we can review your order.
The tail of the balloon tears	Use another method to inflate the balloons. (ex smaller balloon pump)
Melting through the tail of the balloon	Your heat-sealer will have a heat setting. You will normally find a control knob on the end of the heat sealer. If the setting is too high, you could melt through the balloons tail.
I tie the balloon and they leak	Air-filled balloons are meant to be heat-sealed. Tying the balloon will not hold the air inside very well.