FAQQ: Why aren't my Sparklets floating very long?
A: There are three main factors that affect the float time. Proper storage, Inflation, & tying.
STORAGE: Sparklets are provided to you in a Moist-Pak Zip Lock bag. This bag should always be kept tightly sealed to keep the moisture in. If necessary, you can cut a slit on the corner of the Moist-Pak Towelette Packet and add water to it; put it back into the Zip-Lock bag along with the balloons.
INFLATION: Sparklets must be inflated 100% COMPLETELY wrinkle-free. This can be done with a latex inflator such as a flexible tilt valve or a push valve. There are others, but these are the most common.
TYING: A larks head knot is the easiest way to seal off a Sparklet balloon and only requires curling ribbon. This knot allows you to untie the balloon if you need to deflate it or get back inside. Stay away from cable ties, they are expensive, time consuming and too much hassle. Do NOT tie the latex balloon around the Sparklet balloon. Instead, use some strong curling ribbon and tie a lark's heat knot AROUND both balloons. There is no need to tie either balloon.
Q: Do Sparklets ever pop?
A: Sparklets are pop resistant and always inflate large and wrinkle free when they are stored in a Moist-Pak. If your Sparklet pops during or right after inflation, try adding water to your Moist-Towelette by cutting a slit in the Moist-Pak Towelette Packet. Sparklet may need up to 2 weeks to absorb moisture adequately. If you are in a hurry and need a moisture quick fix, click here. Be sure to always keep Zip-Lock bag sealed to keep moisture in.
Sparklets may also pop when coming into direct contact with sharp or extremely hot objects.
In some outdoor situations, the latex balloon may over expand and/or pop causing the Sparklet to pop.
Q: Can Sparklets be DISPLAYED in cooler/dryer locations?
A: Yes, once you have inflated the Sparklet, the plastic film has been stretched. Sparklets can then be taken to cold and dry atmospheres.
Q: What if I have stored my Sparklets in a dry location, are they usable?
A: Yes. If they are packaged in a Moist-pak they should be fine. If the towelette packet seems dry, you can cut a slit in it and add more water. If they were not kept in a Moist-Pak package, you should hydrate them before inflating them.
Q: Can I inflate the latex balloons with air? Will this lessen the float time?
A: If you inflate the inserted latex balloons with air, AND the Sparklet with helium, the inner latex balloons will grow until they finally POP (usually within the first day). You MUST inflate both the inserted latex and outer Sparklet with helium. If you do not need the Sparklet to float, you can use nitrogen (or compressed air) in BOTH the inner latex and outer Sparklet. Always use the same gas in both inner and outer balloons.
Q: If I inflate the inner latex balloons with helium won't they deflate quickly?
A: No. The helium filled latex balloon is contained inside a sealed helium environment (the Sparklet). Helium inflated balloons in a helium environment will last as long as air filled balloons last in an air environment. Generally round latex balloons last as long as the Sparklet lasts (3 - 5 weeks). Hearts last for 3 weeks (inflate them nice and full to get a full "heart" shape). 350's last for 2 weeks and 260's last for 1 week.
Q: How long will they last outdoors?
A: The Sparklet Series was not INTENDED for outdoor decor in the direct sunlight, yet you can certainly do outdoor decor in certain situations. Generally the latex balloons will pop when displayed in direct sunlight; this may also damage the Sparklet balloon. You can test different latex manufacturers who offer thicker brands of latex or undersize the latex balloons, but ultimately you need to be careful about inflating in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Q: How much helium (or nitrogen) do Sparklets hold?
A: (10" = 0.44 cu ft or 8 liters ) (18" = 0.77 cu ft or 22 liters ) (22" = 1.48 cu ft or 42 liters)
Q: Can I inflate a Sparklet with an air inflator?
A: Most air inflators do not have enough power to inflate completly wrinkle-free. We recommend using an air compressor, a nitrogen tank, or even a hand pump.
Q: Can you over inflate a Sparklet?
A: It is very difficult to pop a Sparklet that has been properly stored inside the Moist-Pak. Nevertheless, we recommend that you inflate until all of the wrinkles have disappeared 100% completely. If you keep on inflating past the wrinkle-free zone, you may be over-inflating the balloon and causing stress on the seam. Generally, you will be able to over inflate a Sparklet without it popping. The amount of helium a Sparklet can handle before popping due to over inflation is determined by the amount of moisture permeated into the plastic of the balloon.
Q: What size latex balloon should be inserted inside of a Sparklet?
A: Depending upon the size of Sparklet and desired look, the size of latex balloon will vary. Please click here to see the lists of latex balloon sizes depending upon desired look and Sparklet size.
