Can I make a mylar balloon from latex balloon?

Question

mylar (or foil) balloons seem to float for longer than a week, while a latex balloon will only float for a day when filled with helium. This is because the metal coating on the balloon prevents the helium atoms from diffusing out. I was just wondering if spray painting a latex balloon with silver spray paint (containing aluminum powder usually) would have a similar effect and keep it a float longer? Would the oil from the spray can break the balloon? Thanks.

I just wanted to add that it would be sprayed after being filled, so it wouldn't have to stetch the metal.

yes charlie, I understand they're two different materials... otherwise they would act the same, no?

Answer 1

Couple points (I used to work in elastomer industry):
1. any petroleum product will degrade natural rubber latex and burst the ballon (see warning signs on condoms if you need reassurance!)
2. For the aluminium to be effective to reduce the diffusion of gas the particles need to have an overlaying effect like plates lying on top of each other (see encyclopedia decriptions on clays as an analogy). This ideally should be integrated into the latex matrix to be effective i.e. spraying onto the surface is unlikely to be effective. FYI Car tyres use clay type substances in the elstomer to reduse diffusion of gas (air in this instance)

If you are into experimentation them mixing a powdered clay into liquid latex and then forming on a suitable former would probably provide the desired effect but look really nasty! so not commercial. Hope this helps

Answer 2

No it would not work. The weight of the spray paint is one factor coupled with the chemical reaction caused by the spraying agent on the latex. Good thought though.

Answer 3

No you can not make mylar from latex.

You can't metal plate latex because the metal won't stretch.

Answer 4

You do understand that mylar and latex are two completely different materials?

Answer 5

No.