Imprinted balloons have many uses. They are often an inexpensive way to advertise, because of the quantity that can be ordered and made at one time. Also, the balloons are easily portable, which makes them simple to mass mail. Imprinted balloons are also perfect for parties or special events, like the birth of a child or a wedding. In fact, who hasn’t gone to a social event such as a Graduation or a wedding and not seen balloons that had a message or a congratulatory phrase on them?

Imprinted balloons come in a variety of sizes and are usually made from either latex or mylar balloons. Unlike the days of yore, today’s imprinted balloons are not hand stamped in a deflated condition. There are three popular methods used to make imprinted balloons: the spray method, offset method, or screen printed method. Each has its appropriate uses. In each case, the balloon is imprinted in an inflated state. However, to give the right tension to the surface of the balloon and allow the ink to successfully transfer, it is not inflated completely; instead, the balloon is inflated to about seventy-five or eighty percent capacity. Just as importantly, special “balloon friendly” inks must be used that will penetrate and stick to the surface but not go all the way through the balloon (which would cause holes).

One popular way of making imprinted balloons creates what is called a spray balloon. In using this technique, varying colors of balloon ink is sprayed onto the balloons in an inflated state. The balloons are then rotated as the ink sprayed on. Many of these kinds of imprinted balloons use patterns of squiggles, stripes, stars, candles or any myriad of other designs. The advantage with this technique is simplicity. However, images created in this way are not as clear as other methods allow.

Offset printing is another method of making imprinted balloons. In this process, balloon ink is put onto a plate that reads right. The plate transfers the ink to a drum and the image, which then reads wrong, is used to roll the balloon across in order to transfer the image to the balloon the right way.

Finally, the most labor-intensive process of making imprinted balloons is the silk screening process. With this technique, an image is etched onto a silk screen, which is then laid over an inflated balloon. The balloon ink is then forced through the image area mesh and then onto the balloon. Because each of the imprinted balloons has to be gone over many times with the roller to get the ink on correctly, it can be a very long and laborious process. Sometimes a machine can perform the work, but more than likely a human has to complete it, making this technique the most expensive.

Imprinted balloons are commonplace in today’s consumer-driven society. They can be found in department stores, gas stations, at promotional events, fundraisers, carnivals and even the gift shop of a local hospital. Some elementary schools even send imprinted balloons sailing across continents to study meteorological patterns.