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.

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).

• Balloon decorating strip, a clear polyethylene strip with pre-made holes to hold up to 12 balloons per foot; can be used to create arches or other shapes,
• Tulle,
• Cool melt glue gun,
• Cake boards (sizes from 8cm),
• Balloon sealing clips,
• Balloon cup holder and sticks,
• Balloon rings to easily create balloon clusters of 4 and attach them to a balloon column or arch frame,
• 'Hi-Float' with dispensing pump and
• Sturdy plastic boxes for easy storage and transportation.

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.

• Electrical Balloon Pump,
• Balloon Lights,
• Sturdy base plate (commercially available or self-made),
• Strong metal or plastic pole and
• Arch frame (commercially available or self-made).

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