HI-FLOAT balloon treatment is a solution of a plastic material dissolved in water. It forms a coating inside latex balloons that greatly reduces helium or air loss. Check out our What is HI-FLOAT video.
With ULTRA HI-FLOAT, party decorations can be prepared a day ahead of time, and balloon bouquets will float for several days.
Helium-filled latex balloons float 25 times longer on average with ULTRA HI-FLOAT, and air-filled latex balloons maintain full size for over one month with ULTRA HI-FLOAT.
HI-FLOAT is very safe. It is nontoxic, non-irritating, noncorrosive, nonflammable and biodegradable. It is similar to the glue on the back of postage stamps.
When used properly, ULTRA HI-FLOAT increases the floating life of latex balloons by 25 times, on average. For ideal results, follow our Tips for Maximum Float Life.
The following table shows typical floating times for various sizes of balloons:
| Latex Balloon Size | Latex Balloon Type | Number of Balloons per 242-Cubic-Foot Helium Tank | Average Flying Time (Helium Only*) | Average Flying Time (Helium and ULTRA HI-FLOAT*) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 inches | STANDARD COLORS | 485 | 12-24 hours | 1-4 weeks |
| 11 inches | METALLIC OR PEARLIZED | 485 | 12-24 hours | 1-3 weeks |
| 14 inches | ROUND | 240 | 26-30 hours | 2-5 weeks |
| 16 inches | ROUND | 180 | 30+ hours | 3-7 weeks |
| 18 inches | ROUND | 130 | 36+ hours | 3-8 weeks |
| 17 inches | HEART | 268 | 14 hours | 3-8 days |
| 16 inches | Qualatex GEO DONUT® | 340 | 22-26 hours | 4-12 days |
| 16 inches | Qualatex GEO BLOSSOM® | 400 | 18-24 hours | 3-10 days |
| 24 inches | ROUND | 50 | 2-4 days | 4-10 weeks |
| 3 feet | GIANT | 15 | 3-5 days | 6-20 weeks |
To achieve these float times balloons must be kept indoors, in a climate controlled location, with the heater or air-conditioner running.
Please remember that these are estimates based on typical indoor conditions, and following all instructions on this web site. Float times will be shorter outdoors. Float times vary greatly based on factors such as latex quality, humidity, temperature, altitude, etc. Balloons typically float for half as long in hot, humid weather. For maximum float life, hand-tie balloons.
Yes. HI-FLOAT is nontoxic, nonirritating, noncorrosive, nonflammable and biodegradable. It is very similar to the adhesive found on the back of postage stamps. Simply wash it off of skin with water. If the product is accidentally splashed into the eyes, flush the eyes with water for several minutes. Although HI-FLOAT is nontoxic, it is a good idea to keep bottles away from small children.
HI-FLOAT is completely nontoxic. It is similar to the adhesive used on the back of postage stamps. Although the product is nontoxic, keep it out of the reach of children. If HI-FLOAT is accidentally splashed into the eyes, flush the eyes with water for several minutes.
The shelf life of HI-FLOAT is at least a year for unopened bottles and at least three months for opened bottles. Use your oldest material first to avoid accumulating product with excessive age.
| Balloon Size | ULTRA HI-FLOAT 96oz. | ULTRA HI-FLOAT 24oz. | ULTRA HI-FLOAT 16oz. | ULTRA HI-FLOAT 5oz. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 inches | 567 | 141 | 100 | 25 |
| 14 inches | 283 | 70 | 50 | |
| 16 inches | 202 | 50 | 33 |
The average cost per balloon is shown below.
| Balloon Size | Cost of ULTRA HI-FLOAT |
|---|---|
| 11 inches | 5-6 cents |
| 14 inches | 10-11 cents |
| 16 inches | 15-17 cents |
As you can see, treating balloons with HI-FLOAT is well worth the few extra pennies, especially when you consider that you get up to 25 times longer of a float time!
| Balloon Size | Amount of ULTRA HI-FLOAT |
|---|---|
| 24 inches | Three pumps with grey clip |
| 30 inches | Two pumps with no clip |
| 36 inches | Three pumps with no clip |
| 40 inches | Four pumps with no clip |
| 48 inches | 3/4 cup (added through a funnel) |
| 60 inches | 1-1/2 cup (added through a funnel) |
Balloons float for less time at high altitudes because the lower air pressure produces a less-dense atmosphere. Decreased float time at high altitudes occurs for HI-FLOAT treated and untreated balloons alike.
To get the maximum float time at high altitudes, make sure to use ULTRA HI-FLOAT and not SUPER.
Because of the less-dense atmosphere at high altitude, balloons treated with the recommended amount of ULTRA HI-FLOAT may not float after initial inflation. If balloons don’t float immediately, add less HI-FLOAT than recommended.
Experiment with the amount of ULTRA HI-FLOAT to determine how much can be added at a particular altitude and pressure. Adding as much HI-FLOAT as possible will increase the float life, but the balloons do need to float upward. They should not lean to one side.
For maximum float time at high altitudes, pre-stretch balloons with air before treating them with ULTRA HI-FLOAT and inflating with helium.
Check out our Balloons at High Altitude video.
Yes, ULTRA HI-FLOAT can be used to prolong the life of air-filled balloons. Check out our Air Filled Balloons video.
HI-FLOAT prevents air from escaping through the walls of a latex balloon. It actually does an even better job of preventing loss with air than it does with helium.
HI-FLOAT works in air-filled round and non-round balloons, such as 260s.
An air-filled 11-inch round balloon maintains its original size for at least two months.
When not treated with ULTRA HI-FLOAT, an 11-inch air-filled balloon loses 20% of its air in two months.
260 balloons treated with HI-FLOAT and filled with air will maintain their original size for several weeks.
To create long-lasting air-filled balloons, follow the instructions for treating helium-filled latex balloons with HI-FLOAT, using the same restriction clips but inflating with air instead. For example, for an 11-inch round balloon, use the orange clip on the pump dispenser, and add one full pump before inflating with air.
No. Foil balloons are not buoyant enough and will not float when treated. For very long float life, we recommend a 16-inch latex balloon treated with ULTRA HI-FLOAT.
ULTRA HI-FLOAT may become thick and lumpy if frozen. See instructions for heating to redissolve.
No worries. Just click here for step-by-step instructions on how to redissolve HI-FLOAT to get it to the right consistency. Check out our Restore Gelled Product video.
Sometimes, for no apparent reason, balloons burst. This may be caused by static electricity brought about by changing weather conditions. This can happen with or without HI-FLOAT. Try spraying an antistatic product around your work area to reduce balloon loss.
If you’re a party do-it-yourselfer, call or e-mail us with your questions, and we’ll be glad to help you. If you’re a professional party planner, contact us with questions about HI-FLOAT.
HI-FLOAT, Inc.
13025 Middletown Industrial Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40223
E-Mail: info@hi-float.com
Phone: 800-57-FLOAT (573-5628), toll-free in the U.S., or (502) 244-0984