How are balloons printed?

There are two methods of personalised printing on balloons: offset balloon printing and silkscreen balloon printing.

“Offset” is a drum, or roll, balloon printing process whereby ink is transferred through the drum to a series of plates (a separate plate for each colour in the job is required) that impress the image onto the balloon. “Offset” style is used in everyday printing: newspapers, magazines, brochures, leaflets, etc.

Silkscreen balloon printing is done by placing the “screens” (fine mesh frames with an etched image of what is to be printed) over an inflated balloon and forcing ink through the mesh of the “screen” onto the surface of the balloon.

Custom balloons are inflated to approximately 75% of their capacity on special machines and then deflated almost immediately upon impression of the image. Special inks are used to ensure fast drying and image integrity when inflated by the end-user.

At Specialty Balloons, customised balloon printing is available for corporate, commercial and private customers in many configurations: one colour printed on one or both sides; two colours on one side, or one colour ink on one side and a different colour printed on the other side; two colours on both sides; two colours one side and one colour on the other side; three colours one side of the balloons; three colours one side and one colour on the second side; four spot colours on one side; one colour on four sides. Printing can also be done on top of the balloon.