Foil Balloons — Complete Guide

# The A-to-Z Guide on Using Helium-Filled Foil Balloons

> A complete guide to foil balloons — how they are made, why balloon weights are required, safety precautions, best practices for use, and tips for avoiding common mistakes with helium-filled foil balloons.

- URL: https://www.balloonsandweights.com/blogs/news/the-a-to-z-guide-on-using-helium-filled-foil-mylar-balloons

## How Are Foil Balloons Made?

1. Large sheets of film are cut into squares or rectangles based on the desired balloon size and shape.
2. A thin layer of foil is applied using heat sealing. Printed designs may be added at this stage.
3. The sheet is folded to form a closed envelope. Edges overlap by at least two inches and are sealed together.
4. A built-in self-sealing mechanism is incorporated into the balloon, automatically sealing helium inside after inflation — no hand-tying required.
5. Ribbon is often pre-attached to make the balloon ready to display immediately after inflation.

## Why Must Foil Balloons Be Tethered with a Balloon Weight?

Tethering a helium-filled foil balloon with a proper balloon weight is required by law in California and many other locations. Beyond the legal requirement, it is the smart, eco-friendly, and safe approach because:
- Foil balloons that float away can contact electrical lines and cause power outages
- Released foil balloons pollute the environment and can travel miles before landing
- Foil conducts electricity — contact with power lines is a serious hazard

B&W carries balloon weights ranging from 8g to 100g to accommodate all foil balloon sizes, from standard 18" foils to large custom-shaped jumbo balloons.

## Other Foil Balloon Safety Precautions

- Keep foil balloons away from electrical wires and heat lamps at all times (mylar conducts electricity)
- Never release a helium-filled foil balloon within 100 feet of electrical wires, fences, or conductive objects
- Do not use foil balloons outdoors in windy conditions
- Do not expose foil balloons to extreme heat — they may burst
- Foil balloons may appear to shrivel when moved from a warm indoor setting to a cold environment — this is normal and temporary

## Best Practices for Using Foil Balloons

- Always use a balloon weight to tether helium-filled foil balloons
- Keep away from electrical wires, heat lamps, and sharp objects
- Inflate indoors in a temperature-stable environment
- Do not overinflate — foil balloons have a fixed capacity
- Store uninflated foil balloons flat and away from heat

## Helium Requirements for Foil Balloons

- 18" foil balloon: 0.50 cubic ft. of helium
- 22" bubble balloon: 0.96 cubic ft. of helium
- 36" round foil balloon: 4.40 cubic ft. of helium

## Related Products

- Balloon Weights: https://www.balloonsandweights.com/collections/balloon-weights
- Foil Balloons: https://www.balloonsandweights.com/collections/foil-balloons
- Custom Foil Balloons: https://www.balloonsandweights.com/collections/custom-18-inch-foil-balloons
- Helium Balloon Chart: https://www.balloonsandweights.com/pages/helium-balloon-chart