Not All Balloon Designers Shine Their Balloons

Joette Giardina

Mentor. Motivator. Speaker.

Did you know that not all Balloon Designers shine their balloons? I feel in a world where there are more shine products than ever on the market, it is important to educate yourself on the pros and cons of using shine products. I interviewed 3 well known designers to get their feedback on shine products.

I spoke with Chris Potts of Balloon Masters (Buffalo, NY) who had this to share:

How long have you been creating balloons outdoors for events??

I have been doing outdoor event for over 20 years.

Do your clients ever request to have their balloons look shiny outside??

I can’t remember a client ever asking for their balloon to look shiny outside.

When do you use shine products for indoor events?

We use Hi-Shine for most indoor events when the balloons need to look great for over 1 day. We find that venues with hi-end air filtration systems, like in casinos, balloons oxides in minutes so we try & always use Hi-Shine at these venues. It makes an unbelievable difference! It is an extra step but sets our company apart from other companies and have had clients ask for the shiny balloons!

What do you do to make sure the shine does not cause slippery spots on the floor?

We Always put down tarps or blankets to absorb and over spray.

Do you ever use shine outside??

We have used shine outside & have had mixed results so as a rule we rarely use it outside.

How do you set your expectations with clients about balloons oxidizing ??

We don’t really bring it up unless the client does, then we will explain what oxidation is and let them know, if it bothers them, we do have a product that can “bring the balloons back to life” at an additional cost.

I chatted with Melody Pianga of Feathered Fox Designs (Westlake Village, CA), who shared her thoughts on this:
How long have you been creating balloons outdoors for events? 5 years

Do your clients ever request to have their balloons look shiny outside?? In 5 years of doing this, I’ve probably had 2 people specifically request “shiny” balloons.

Do you use any shine products indoors or out? I have used Shine indoors in the past, but refuse to now due to slippage and chemicals in the air. As for outdoors, I still prefer to stay away from it and will typically only use it if requested and in a perfect scenario. Which to me is, over grass only and with my stands or backdrops. Never over someone else’s backdrops!

What concerns do you have about Shine products? I have A LOT of concerns! Safety is #1, and this product does not properly warn about how many ways people can get hurt with it, including breathing it in. I’m also concerned about the damage it can and has caused to walls, concrete, backdrops, and even a car leather seat.

How do you set your expectations with clients about balloons oxidizing? I’m extremely upfront with my clients! I steer them towards lighter colors when outdoors and stay away from Chrome completely unless the client insists, But I make sure they know how the balloons will change. Usually, they take my advice. Most clients really appreciate the honesty.

Anything else you would like to share? Yes, I’m very frustrated with many “influencers” on social media spraying shine around like it’s water and not giving any warning about the dangers of using the product! I saw one girl spray it on a centerpiece over a table set with glassware, plates and silverware!

Such a bad example to the industry. Newbies will see that and think it’s fine to spray anywhere.

Next up: Tommy DeLorenzo of Balloons by Tommy (Chicago)

How long have you been creating balloons outdoors for events??

I’ve been creating balloons for 24 years.

Do your clients ever request to have their balloons look shiny outside??

We have never had a request for shining balloons. In fact we have had requests to NOT shine balloons because venues have had so many problems they considered banning balloons because of shine.

Do you use any shine products indoors or out?

We never use Shine.

Why not?

Aside from being a liability making floors slippery, I have found online that certain balloon shines are labeled hazardous by OSHA. It says they contain carcinogens and as someone with cancer it really freaks me out that people spray and breathe this stuff in.

How do you set your expectations with clients about balloons oxidizing ??

We usually don’t say anything to clients about oxidation unless we’re using chrome.

We’ve never had anyone complain about it either!

Josephine Villasenor CEO of Long Beach Balloons & More has been creating balloon decor for 30 years. She shared photos and tips on cleaning shine spray that stained the concrete at a clients event recently.

They used Bona Hardwood clear to lift, then alcohol, vinegar and water to take it off.

For indoors on floors I have heard that some designers have had success using warm water and Dawn detergent and a lot of scrubbing to remove shine products.

As a balloon business owner it is important for you to know the pros and cons of using shine products and do your best to have safe practices.

When using shine, put a plastic barrier on the ground, as blankets can often have the shine seep through the blanket and make the floor slippery. The last thing a client, venue or your company wants to have happen is a guest or client to slip and fall on a slippery floor from a product you have put on the balloon decor.

Carry cleaning products with you to clean up any overspray that may land on the floor.