Special Effects with Hi-Float by Jan Iiams

With Hi-Float, Ultra Hi-Float and Conwin’s precision equipment you can create dazzling, long lasting arrangements that will expand your centerpiece repertoire in a dramatic display to show and sell. For real magic, simply add a few creative accessories and you’ll command the attention of customers who are looking for trend setting designs and who are willing to pay for it.

Boost your sales and your profits with ULTRA HI-FLOAT balloon treatment. This revolutionary liquid makes latex balloons float approximately as long as foil balloons! Following are a few tips to make your balloons last longer with Ultra Hi-Float inside…

• Always fill latex balloons fully to increase float days. As long as the Ultra Hi-Float is wet, it continues to allow helium to pass through the surface of the balloon and shrink. Only when the Hi-Float is dry does it capture the remaining helium and then allows latex balloons to float much, much longer.

• Make sure the Ultra Hi-Float coating covers the entire inside surface of the balloon up to the area where you will tie the neck.

• When using pearl latex, it really does make them float longer if you inject Ultra Hi-Float into the balloon, rub it around the inside a little, and place a rubber band around the necks of several balloons you treated in this manner. The following day, they can be massaged to re-coat the interior evenly, inflated and they will float longer than if treated and inflated immediately. Or, pre-inflate the balloon to stretch it and then treat with Ultra Hi-Float and inflate with helium.

• Always use the proper restriction clip. If you guess at how much to use, your results will vary. If you use less than the correct amount the balloons will float for a shorter time. Remember, new Ultra requires less solution than Super Hi-Float and is lighter and dries faster! Check the information in your kit to use the proper size restriction clip.

• The Dry Method: To greatly increase the float time of a treated latex balloon, treat the balloon and inflate it. Wait about three to four hours for the Hi-Float to dry, and then reopen the neck of the balloon without releasing any helium and add enough helium to replace the helium that was lost during drying time. It’s amazing! This method is most appropriate for merchandising displays and for décor that must last an extremely long time.

Oxidization
Oxidization is a battle we face often when transparent balloons become cloudy looking. When you need a crystal clear finish that lasts longer than simpler treatments like balloon shine chemicals, there are two methods with standard Hi-Float that works more effectively but with a bit more time and effort on your part.

• The Pouring Method is for balloons that have already been inflated like Classy Wrap, with gifts enclosed in a large clear balloon. Gently but thoroughly mix 1 part water to 2 parts Hi-Float in a paint roller pan or other large container, and then pour the solution over the balloon surface to coat it completely. Hang the balloon over newspaper to dry which takes about one half hour. Beautiful, glassy finish!

• The Dipping Method is for balloons that have not been inflated yet. Place a straw into the balloon before dipping it into undiluted Hi-Float, allowing the excess to drip off and then inflating. This method only takes a few minutes to dry.

Special Enhancements
To add confetti and special glitters as an enhancement inside or out there are a few points that will insure your success every time…

Inside:
• Keep the Super Hi-Float coating from the lip of the balloon. It should coat the inside up to where you will tie the neck. Confetti won’t fall down into the balloon easily if there’s too much Hi-Float at the edge of the opening.

• I don’t use a funnel to place confetti inside the balloon, my favorite method is to drop it into the neck by hand. For an 11-inch balloon you need about 1 teaspoon of confetti, for a 16 inch balloon about 1 tablespoon for good coverage.

• After the confetti is in the balloon NEVER rub the confetti. Pinch the neck of the balloon and shake it to coat the inside of the balloon and then inflate it quickly.

• Always use glitter that doesn’t have sharp edges on the inside of balloons. Sharp edges can make the balloon pop!

• Wear eye protection when inflating confetti balloons. If it pops, it won’t get in your eyes.

Outside:
• After dipping balloons into Hi-Float, confetti can be applied by rolling the balloon in confetti and then inflating, or inflate it first and apply the confetti by hand in a planned pattern.

Other special effects tips:
• Food Coloring inside balloons are a beautiful way to add color and texture to balloons of any size.

• Painting Hi-Float in patterns on balloons and then adding glitter to the wet surface will allow you to make one-of-a-kind designer balloons.

• I make extra speedy Spider webs by using the dipping method, partially inflating the balloon and then when dry, turning the balloon inside out before inflating. This methods works in a few hours instead of overnight.

Finally, your first few balloons may leave you with sticky fingers. However, with practice your work with Hi-Float and Ultra Hi-Float will be faster, easier, tidier, and best of all… more profitable!

For additional information on other creative uses and techniques for designing with Hi-Float, go to www.Hi-Float.com for inspiration.

Good Designing!
Jan Iiams, CBA

FLOATING LIFE
When used properly, SUPER HI-FLOAT increases the floating life of latex balloons by about 10 times. ULTRA HI-FLOAT increases floating life by about 25 times.
The following table shows typical floating times for various sizes of balloons: