Printing onto Balloons - technical information
Sorry we cannot accept any more orders for next weekend, Saturday 26th May!
For rubber (latex) balloons there are two ways to print:
SILK SCREEN
Silk-screen printing works by ink being forced through the mesh of the screen by a rubber squeegee. The screen is masked off by a stencil so the ink only goes where you want it.
Once printed the ink is dried by hot air. The process gives a characteristic thick
and even layer of ink. This is ideal for latex balloons as they expand when
inflated and the printed text keeps its depth of colour.
Both foil and latex balloons can be printed in this way, the foil balloons are printed flat but the latex ones must be partly inflated before printing, using a special
balloon printing machine.
Offset print on the left/Silkscreen on the right
OFFSET PRINTING (sometimes called "Litho")
Offset printing uses metal or plastic plates which transfer ink to a rubber roller and then onto the balloon. This gives a thin layer of ink with a hard edge around it. The best offset ( or “LITHO” ) printing can be very acceptable but it does not give the colour density of screen printing.
Drawing onto latex balloons
When you want only one of each design, for example putting children's names on balloons for a party, the only solution is to write on the INFLATED balloons with a POSCA pen. This is a special water-based flexible ink that works with both latex and Mylar balloons. Most balloon wholesalers stock them in many colours and sizes. The ink is slow to dry so use a hairdryer to avoid smudging it (not too hot).
Printing onto metallic foil "Mylar" balloons
These are printed flat so they can be handled in the same way as T-shirts, using a flat-bed screen-printing machine. The ink has to be chosen with care so that it does not attack the plastic coating of the balloons.
Photographs screenprinted onto balloons.Imprimerie de ballons. Anniversaire, mariage. Luftballoons. Geburtstag.Balloon printing,Printed balloons,Party balloons, personalised balloons,personalized balloons, birthday party,party supplies,Ballons,fund raising, helium gas, b-loony, photo balloon, Ballon, celebration, christening, balloon party, balloon gas, engagement, helium, qualatex, balloons wedding, balloon release, balloon race, balloons party, latex balloons, baloons, birthday, birthday party, birthday balloons,engagement, wedding, party birthday, childrens party, wedding balloon, engagement balloon, imprimerie de ballons, luftballon,swissballon,silkscreen,decorating,novelty balloons,balloon printing machine, party balloons.