Different types of professional balloon arches:
- The Single Balloon Arch is made up of single helium-filled latex balloons tied directly to a monofilament line. The latex may be packed closely together or evenly spaced.
- An air-filled latex balloon can be tied directly below the helium-filled balloon creating the High-Low Arch (a variation of the Single Balloon Arch).
- The Rainbow Balloon Arch includes several single arches of varying length that can be placed together creating a rainbow of colors.
- The Swirl Balloon Arch (or Spiral Balloon Arch) is composed of either a three or four cluster latex group joined by paper clips and attached directly to the monofilament line.
- The Foil Balloon Arch can be created using foil helium-filled balloons. The foil balloon can be attached to the monofilament line, using a chenille stem twisted around the stem.
Decorating With Arches
Decorating with balloons can be an exciting supplement to an existing business or an opportunity for a new business.
Typically, decorating is conducted on the actual job site. Every decorating job will differ and should be considered separately. Decorating is labor intensive and costly; thus, the following should be considered:
- First, before you agree to a decorating job, make sure you have the required skills and supplies. A basic rule is keep it simple. Try more complicated decorations on your own before you attempt a professional job. Also, order any needed supplies ahead of time. Remember, your supplier is subject to stock availability too.
- Second, decide whether the decoration is a short- or long-term exhibit. Air-filled arches will remain for several days; helium-filled arches are temporary.
- Finally, never promise something you cannot deliver or do a shabby job. Let the customer know what you can and cannot do, and the expense involved from the start.
How to Build a Balloon Arch?
Supplies:
- Attach the loose end of the monofilament line to the back of a chair or a similar stationary object. Be sure to allow about four or five extra feet of monofilament line to finish the arch.
- Usually, two colors of latex are used. One will be called the contrasting color or the swirl.
- Inflate the latex balloons uniformly using a device for measuring the circumference of the balloon.
- Tie two inflated balloons of the same color together.
- Tie two inflated balloons of the contrasting color together.
- Twist the two sets of balloons together creating a quad.
- Secure quad on the line by looping monofilament line around quad several times to hold in place. Be sure to keep the line tightly stretched and quads solidly packed as you build the arch. Wrap monofilament line around two or three balloons in the quad to secure. Add another quad and repeat.
- Make sure each quad is exactly the same color pattern. The swirl is accomplished by moving the contrasting color one quarter turn clockwise as it is packed on the line. It is important that the quads are tightly packed together on the line. There will be a few inches between the center of each quad.
- Continue to build arch until desired length is reached.
- Wrap monofilament line four or five times around balloon quads at the end of line in looping motion in order to keep the balloon quads solidly packed on the line.
- Use a brick, sand-filled weight, or drapery hook (anchored to carpet) to hold each end of the arch in place.
Click For How To Build Balloon Arches PDF
Formulas:
- For arch that is wider than tall: Height + Length = Approximate Total Length
- For arch with height and width about the same: 1.5 times Height + Width = Approximate Total Length
- For arch that is taller than wide: 2 times Height + Width = Approximate Total Length
Number of balloons per foot in an arch (based on a spiral arch):
- 5 inches = 12 per foot
- 9 inches = 8 per foot
- 11 inches = 6 per foot
- 14 inches = 4 per foot
- 16 inches = 4 per foot
Helpful Hint: If a balloon needs replacing within the arch, simply attach a balloon replacement to the line with a paper clip. Hook it directly to the line or to another balloon in the same cluster.
Magic Arch
Magic Arch is a modular balloon system that allows easily created columns, wall decorations, and centerpieces. The cloverleaf design of the balloon allows the user to fill four perfectly uniform in size balloons simultaneously.
Advantages of using this system:
- Balloons stay inflated much longer than latex balloons
- It saves time
- It expands decorating options
To determine the number of balloon units needed to build an arch or column with Magic Arch:
- Convert the measurement in feet to inches by multiplying 12" x the number of feet.
- Divide the height of the column or the length of the arch by the thickness of the inflated unit. (Small units inflate to 16" x 3.875" and should only be filled with air. Large units inflate to 29.5" x 7.8" and can be filled with air or helium.)
Magic Arch - Balloon Arch Recipe
Ingredients:
Tie one end of the ribbon to a weight or tape to the floor. Inflate the balloon. Thread the ribbon through the center of the balloon. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to desired length. The arch forms automatically.
Important: Be sure to use only thin nylon cord, ribbon, or string with Magic Arch balloons. Do not use monofilament line.
