Inflating Balloons?

Question

What is the correct way of inflating the long balloons used for making sculptures? I bought a pump, but when I inflate the balloons the end won't inflate. It leaves about a 10 cm piece that does not inflate. It gets to the point where the balloon pops.

I'm also having trouble making a knot at the end. The balloon seems to puncture at the knot and starts deflating. What am I doing wrong?!

Please help

Answer 1

Have you tried pumping it up 1/2 way then pushing the air to the back???

OR just buy the more expensive balloons!

Answer 2

Please don't worry. You are not alone. It takes practice. I know.
I am a professional balloon artist. See my blog: http://mylifeandart.typepad.com

Some brands of the balloons are easier to work with than others.
Qualatex brand is the best. It would be easier for you to learn if you try and get Qualatex balloons.

I found it almost impossible to work with many general party store balloons. That maybe a part of the issue.

If your balloon doesn't get inflated to the end, it is too rigid.Try to stretch the balloon a few times before you pump it.

Make sure that you hold the end of the balloon tight on the nozzle of the pump and try to aim the air stream straight. Pump evenly, up and down, up and down. Pump slowly at first, don't rush.

The air has to go in evenly, gradually stretching the entire balloon from the beginning to the end. This is the key to keep in mind: keep you pumping even and slow at first. You can speed it up later when you are a pro.

As for the knot, always let a bit of air out when you finish pumping. Make sure that the end is long enough, so you don't have to struggle with the knot. If you struggle with the knot too much that alone can punch the balloon.

I have seen many people who try to inflate a balloon in my presence, with my professional guidance and still they couldn't do it. So, it is not simple. You have to give yourself a time to learn it. Try and try again.

Answer 3

what kind of pump is it? just a small hand pump is sufficient.. they're cheap too you can get those on ebay.com in case you don't have that kind of pump...

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-3-ANIMAL-MAKING-BALLOON-KITS-air-pump-balloons_W0QQitemZ130031957046QQihZ003QQcategoryZ26384QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item130031957046

and most times there's clips you can get for the balloons.. but make sure your nails are smooth and trimmed and your fingers are soft... remember tieing up ends on balloons can cause blisters if you're doing many of them.. i wear scotch tape on my fingers after a while to cusion the blow.. but you can get clips.. they're not as good...

make sure the tie end has some slack so you can wrap the end around your two fingers, index and middle and then slip the end through the loop and knot it.. it takes some practise.. some will leak...

but with practise your hands should be able to manipulate this rather well, quickly and without puncture. make sure the nails are very short and smooth.

nails are the major reason why balloons leak in the first place...

http://cgi.ebay.com/EASY-TO-USE-BALLOON-CLIPS-SO-YOU-DONT-HAVE-TO-TIE_W0QQitemZ190036770153QQihZ009QQcategoryZ3200QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item190036770153

the clips suck basically..

here's a link on a basic design for a animal balloon.

http://www.mbd2.com/KidsStuff/Goldfish.htm


do remember don't over inflate the balloon once you get the inflation thing down to a science.

Answer 4

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