The HX Blog

As a regular reader of our blog, you may be able to spot the truth from fiction very easily. If you're not sure or you're surprised by the answer, then you'll want to check out the dedicated blog post for that topic. Ready to test your knowledge? Let's go! 1. Mini-loons can be inflated with helium Verdict: Mostly false Many people reasonably believe that all balloons are designed to float. However, this is not the case with mini-loons. If you're unfamiliar with this term, allow me to define it simply. Mini-loons are foil balloons typically seen on sticks and included in flower arrangements. Though some are larger, they're known for ranging between 2" and 16" in size. They're available in several shapes and designs like most balloons. Recently, they've become more popular for the assortment of letters, numbers and words they're available in. Pinterest and Instagram have highlighted these trends and it's not uncommon to see these ...

...But that doesn't mean they can't do the same things! We get a lot of questions about inflators (valves). One of the most popular questions we're asked is if a particular valve will inflate both latex and  foil balloons. Let's find out! We sell valves with rubber tips, which are generally recognized as latex balloon inflators. We also sell metal-tipped inflators, which are known for inflating foil balloons. We even sell inflators with both kinds of tips attached. This inflator has both a rubber tip (top) and a metal tip (bottom). But the fact is it's a matter of personal preference. The rubber tips will inflate both latex and foil balloons. Simply tilt the tip to release the helium and your balloon will inflate. However, you will have to stop inflating on your own. Once you see the balloon reaching an optimum size, discontinue inflating it. The metal tip, specifically for foil balloons, will stop on its own. It can tell when the balloon has been suffici...

The words valve and inflator are often used interchangeably, but they are two separate (though complementary) components of balloon inflation. The valve is permanently attached to the cylinder while the inflator simply attaches to the valve to allow for inflation. It's important to know how to safely attach and remove the inflator. However, there are other guidelines to abide by when handling helium cylinder valves and inflators - both for general safety and for promoting inflator longevity. Using the Balloon Inflator To start, remove the cylinder cap from the cylinder and secure the inflator to the valve. In the past, wrenches were required for this step, but this is now rarely the case. Check the packaging on your specific inflator to be sure, but most inflators will specifically state "hand-tighten only" on the package. The next step is opening the valve. Turn the handle in a counter-clockwise motion to open the valve. You'll hear and/or feel a click,...

Planning is a crucial step in any gathering. We plan so many small details and sometimes overlook larger ones as a result. Besides knowing how many balloons you want for the effect and look you're going for (as well as what suits your venue), you'll also need to know how much helium you'll need. If you own your own helium tank and know you have some leftover from a previous event, don't guess as to how much pressure you have. Some people may remember exactly how many balloons they inflated last time, but most of us probably won't. Plus, you'd have to take into consideration the sizes of the balloons inflated and if they were over or under-inflated. Now it's getting trickier. To avoid any guessing, we suggest making an investment in a balloon filler with a contents gauge and quick tie needle (also known as a disc hook). Spoiler alert: We'll discuss the benefit of the balloon tie disc in Part IV of our series.  Chances are you own a balloon...