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Balloon Decorating Tools & Materials

Whether balloon decorating is a hobby for you, or you've chosen it as your profession or a side hustle, what's the one thing you need? The right tools and materials!

The list below is by no means exhaustive, but it's a great place to start. Over time you'll develop your own techniques and little tricks what to use for which job.

Click on the links (dark red text) to find more information about these items.

The list is divided into 3 sections:

  1. Essential Tools & Materials,
  2. Useful Additions and
  3. Special Items.
Balloon decorating tools and materials

NEW: Most of the tools and materials listed below you will find in my "Decorator's Toolbox" at Amazon. I am now considered an "influencer" by Amazon, so I have my own storefront there -- which is awesome as I can offer you all the products my readers and I like in one place.*

(* I am a member of the Amazon Associates Program and will earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)

Essential Tools & Materials

These are the must-haves for every balloon decorator. With these materials, you can make some beautiful, yet simple designs - ideal if you are just starting out.

  • Two pairs of good quality scissors (one small, one large),
  • Manual balloon pump,
  • Clear sticky tape and dispenser,
  • Curling ribbon on a roll (size 5mm x 500m),
  • Nylon line, also known as fishing line or 'Perlon' (size 0.5mm x 50m),
  • Balloon sizer (commercially available or self-made),
  • Sand (fine grade as used in children's sand pits),
  • Clear cellophane (approx 700mm x 5m),
  • Helium Tanks, either refillable tanks with tilt valve outlet or disposable ones (depending on number of balloons) and
  • High quality latex and/or mylar balloons.

Useful Additions

These are the nice-to-have things, that either make your life as a balloon decorator easier, or that help you to improve your creations (Hi-Float for example will increase the floating time of helium filled balloons significantly).

Special Items To Complete Your Balloon Decorating List

And finally, here's a selection of materials and tools that you will need if you either become a professional decorator, or if you want to create air-filled designs, where you need sturdy frames to attach your balloons to.

All of the above will be explained as we go step by step through each individual design.

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