Frequently Asked
Questions
How are Gemar balloons made?
Our balloons are made from liquid latex, which is tapped from rubber trees and then brought to our factory in Italy where it is dyed with natural pigments to create a rainbow of over 60 beautiful colours. Our ceramic molds, developed over many years, are then dipped into the vats of latex before passing through a tunnel of hot air. The heat triggers the vulcanization process. The balloons are then removed from their molds with a jet of air, washed and dried and then inflated ready for printing. When the design has dried they can be packaged and are ready to lift the moment all around the world.
Where does the latex come from?
Gemar® uses responsibly sourced natural rubber latex also known as caoutchouc, a milky sap harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree in the same way that maple syrup is tapped from maple trees.
For more information see our Go green section
Who first discovered balloons and when?
There is evidence of balloons going back at least 6 centuries, initially made from animal intestines and bladders. The first latex balloon was made in 1824 by Michael Faraday, as part of an experiment with hydrogen. He cut the balloon shape from two sheets of rubber, pressed the edges together and dusted the inside with flour to stop the balloon sticking to itself. He describes it inflating and becoming transparent, just as a modern balloon does. A year later Thomas Hancock introduced a rubber balloon to the market, in the form of a DIY kit with rubber solution and a syringe. 1847 saw the first truly modern manufactured balloons, made from vulcanized rubber by J. G. Ingram in London.
For more information see the History of balloons section
What do Gemar® symbols stand for?
What else can I fill a balloon with?
You can fill a balloon with water with our waterbomb balloons.
You can also decorate balloons with accessories such as paper, confetti, paint or glitter.
What is the best way to dispose of latex balloons?
Gemar balloons should be disposed of in your household waste. Here at Gemar® we say, pop it and bin it!
Storage warnings:
Please be aware of the following: We recommend balloons remain sealed in the packet until needed.
What size and type of latex balloons are available?
Gemar® prides itself on the variety of balloon sizes, shapes and designs available. You can see our exclusive range in our Catalogue and on our website.
Are Gemar® balloons suitable for helium?
Yes, Gemar® manufactures helium quality balloons. Please check our Helium table information for recommended sizes.
How long does an inflated balloon last?
There are a few things that affect how long a balloon lasts after being inflated, the weather and room temperature are important factors. Balloons filled with air last longer than those filled with helium, and latex balloons can be treated with HI-FLOAT to make them last longer.
To prolong their life, we recommend keeping pre-inflated balloons in a sealed balloon transport bag until they are used.
You’ll find our helium table below. You must take into account that this floating timetable refers to untreated balloons (no HI-FLOAT).
How much Helium is needed to inflate a Gemar® latex balloon?
The amount of helium you need will depend on the size of the balloon you want to fill.
Why do helium balloons deflate more quickly than air-filled balloons?
Helium balloons deflate quicker than balloons filled with air because the helium particles are lighter than air particles and they escape through the pores of a natural latex balloon.
For more information see PartySafe website.
Are the balloons shipped/delivered already inflated?
Balloons are delivered deflated in original Gemar® sealed pack. Before use please read the warnings and information on the package and enjoy our products safely.
What role can balloons play in child development?
Anecdotally, we all know that balloons bring children joy and hours of fun, but a recent study showed that they can also play a very important role in child development.
The study observed 3 and 4 year olds during sessions that involved both free play and adult led activities, with a mix of helium and air filled latex balloons. The balloon play sessions were found to support all the main areas of development – physical, social, emotional and cognitive. They also encouraged active play. Researchers concluded that balloons are a good way for parents, especially those with limited space and other resources, to encourage active play in their children. A simple balloon can give children all the benefits of regular exercise as well as encouraging development in other areas.
You can find out more about the study and what the researchers found here.
Where does the latex come from?
Gemar® uses responsibly sourced natural rubber latex also known as caoutchouc, a milky sap harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree in the same way that maple syrup is tapped from maple trees.
For more information see our Go green section
How does Gemar® protect the environment?
Here at Gemar® we take our responsibilities seriously and recognise the importance of sustainability both for the environment and the people who are part of Gemar®. Everyday we work hard to maintain our ISO 14001 certification, which offers validation of the systems and processes Gemar® has created to minimise the environmental impact of its business and production. To achieve the accreditation we had to show that we met a series of standards with regards to environmental management and identify and prove that we followed the laws and regulations that have been put in place to protect the planet. We continuously strive to improve our processes and practices with the goal of building a sustainable business.
For more information see our Go green section
What role does Gemar play in social sustainability?
Sustainability is not just about the environment, although that is a vital part. It is also about supporting people, behaving ethically and creating the world we want our children and grandchildren to live in. Social responsibility is a very important part of our commitment to building a sustainable future.
You can find out more about our commitments to sustainability here, or explore some of our social responsibilities in more depth via these links:
Storage warnings:
Please be aware of the following: We recommend balloons remain sealed in the packet until needed.
Where can I buy Gemar® products?
As a manufacturer, we have built long-standing, positive relationships with our partners and stockists around the world. Gemar® products can be bought directly through them.
To find out where your nearest Gemar® Partner is, click here.
How to use Balloon Dashes?
How do I inflate a Gemar® balloon?
When you see these symbols by Gemar® products we recommend that you do not use your mouth to inflate and instead use a balloon pump for your own safety. Using a pump removes the risk of bursting and injury.
How do I fill a latex balloon with air?
How do I fill a foil balloon with air?
How do I tie a ribbon to a latex balloon?
How do I tie a ribbon to a foil balloon?
How do I fix a balloon to the balloon stick?
How do I fill a balloon with helium?
How do I fill a latex balloon with helium?
How do I fill a foil balloon with helium?
How do you tie a ribbon to a latex and foil balloon?
How do I tie a ribbon to a latex balloon?
How do I tie a ribbon to a foil balloon?
How do I fix a balloon to the BalloonGrip™ balloon holder?
How do I measure a Gemar® balloon?
How do I measure a round balloon?
How do I measure a modelling balloon?
How do I fill a Gemar® balloon with confetti?
G30
G120
How to shine latex balloons?
Ready to say goodbye to dull, oxidized balloons? Just spray on the new HI-SHINE, the “wipe-free” way to keep balloons fresh for weeks. It coats balloons without gloves or wiping.
Keeps latex balloons shiny for weeks and weeks; balloons treated with HI-SHINE look brighter and shinier than when they were first inflated!
Restore the shine to latex balloons that have become dull or cloudy.
Use with air-filled decor and helium-filled balloons.
Safe and non-toxic.
Combine HI-FLOAT and HI-SHINE for balloons that defy gravity – and time – for longer than ever.
How can I make a helium filled balloon float longer?
We recommend treating the balloons with a balloon coating gel such as “HiFloat,” or similar. This gel forms a coating inside the latex balloon which obstructs the pores and keeps the helium particles inside the balloon for longer performance.
Make sure you a tight knot in the neck of the balloon and if you are attaching ribbons make sure to tie below the knot.
How to treat latex balloons with HiFloat?
How do I fill a foil balloon with air?
How do I fill a foil balloon with helium?
How do I tie a ribbon to a latex balloon?
How do I tie a ribbon to a foil balloon?
How do I fix a balloon to the BalloonGrip™ balloon holder?
How to inflate Gemar® multiform latex balloon?
How do I inflate a duck shaped balloon?
How do I inflate a mouse shaped balloon?
How do I inflate a rabbit shaped balloon?
How do I inflate an elephant shaped balloon?
Where can I get the best tips and advice to help me get the most out of my balloons?
Gemar® is passionate about the power of balloons to bring joy which is why we want to provide you with all the support and information you need to really lift the moment. We have a series of free videos, available through our Balloonista program, that will teach you everything you need to know as a beginner.
Please check our training section
How can I become a Gemar® Ambassador?
Click here or for any further information, send an email at [email protected]
Do you have online classes?
Yes, please check our training section, our YouTube channel, our Facebook or our Instagram accounts.
Where are the next Gemar® events taking place?
You can find them here. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]
How can I contact customer services?
As a customer you are part of the Gemar family, and we always want to hear from you with any feedback, comments or questions. We also want to help if you ever experience any problems with Gemar products or services. To get the quickest possible response there are a few ways you can contact us:
If you live in the UK email [email protected]
If you live in France email [email protected]
If you live in North, Central or South America email [email protected]
If you are based anywhere else you can reach us at [email protected]
You can also contact us in Casalvieri on +39 0776 639700. The office is open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, Italian time.
When will I get a reply to my email?
We receive a huge volume of emails and we always aim to answer them as quickly as possible. At particularly busy times it can take much longer than usual but we commit to answering within a maximum of 30 days. Of course, at less busy times you will usually hear back well before then. It may also be worth noting that we are always closed for two weeks in August and one week over Christmas and New Year.
Where can I find my account number?
If you placed your order directly with us, via our online shop then you will find your customer number on the order confirmation, delivery note and invoice. If you no longer have those, send us an email at [email protected] and we will be happy to help.
If you bought your balloons from a distributor please contact them to find out your account number.
How can I notify Gemar® of a delayed delivery?
To get the quickest possible response there are a few ways you can contact us:
If you live in the UK email [email protected]
If you live in France email [email protected]
If you live in North, Central or South America email [email protected]
If you are based anywhere else you can reach us at [email protected]
If you are a Gemar Partner email [email protected] or the Sales Manager responsable for your account.
How do I return faulty items?
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product and get a full refund.
You can return a product for up to 7 days from the date you purchased it.
Any product you return must be in the original packaging with the compiled RPR form. Please keep the receipt.
All claims need to be accompanied by photos of the packaging including the lot no.
To get the quickest possible response there are a few ways you can contact us:
If you live in the UK email [email protected]
If you live in France email [email protected]
If you live in North, Central or South America email [email protected]
If you are based anywhere else you can reach us at [email protected]
If you are a Gemar Partner email [email protected] or the Sales Manager responsable for your account.
How do I ask for a refund?
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product and get a full refund.
You can return a product for up to 7 days from the date you purchased it.
Any product you return must be in the original packaging with the compiled RPR form. Please keep the receipt.
All claims need to be accompanied by photos of the packaging including the lot no.
To get the quickest possible response there are a few ways you can contact us:
If you live in the UK email [email protected]
If you live in France email [email protected]
If you live in North, Central or South America email [email protected]
If you are based anywhere else you can reach us at [email protected]
If you are a Gemar Partner email [email protected] or the Sales Manager responsable for your account.
How can I report Gemar® of a problem with a local distributor?
To get the quickest possible response there are a few ways you can contact us:
If you live in the UK email [email protected]
If you live in France email [email protected]
If you live in North, Central or South America email [email protected]
If you are based anywhere else you can reach us at [email protected]
How can I propose Gemar® a collaboration?
Click here to fulfil the form or contact us at [email protected]
Storage warnings:
Please be aware of the following: We recommend balloons remain sealed in the packet until needed.
Discover the Perfect Balloons by exploring Gemar’s wide range of high quality ballons.
If you have any doubts or questions about Gemar balloons, try consulting the FAQs section before contacting customer assistance.
This section provides a quick response to every question and any query on the various products and categories of balloon shapes:
- giant balloons;
- water balloons;
- G-Link balloons;
- heart-shaped balloons;
- modelling balloons;
- crystal gift filling balloons;
- punch ball;
- multi-shape balloons.
And the available prints:
- birthday balloons;
- special event balloons;
- baby and baby shower balloons;
- love balloons;
- wedding balloons;
- anniversary balloons;
- special occasion balloons;
- religious celebration balloons;
- Halloween balloons.
Exploring the different sections is the only way to find the right answer.
Product: the place to learn everything you need to know on the products, the technical specifications and the methods of use. Find detailed information on each article, including new ones, advanced functions and disposal methods.
Sustainability: more information on the commitment to the environment and social sustainability initiatives is available here. Discover how Gemar works to reduce the environmental impact and promotes sustainable practices in production and distribution of its products. It is also possible to enjoy the balloons completely safely thanks to the detailed guides to the symbols present on the packaging.
Distribution: this is the right place to obtain information on distribution methods and logistics. Discover all the details on the distribution channels, the delivery times, including for the shop, and on how to become a Gemar partner and gain access to a global distribution network.
Training: enter the world of training with the balloon art courses and balloon art workshops. This section explains how to improve your skills and boost your creativity through the training opportunities offered by Gemar.
Customer Assistance: the customer assistance section is there to provide assistance to anyone who needs help. The team can be contacted here and will respond rapidly to every need.
Best Practices: learn the best practices for using and managing the products. You can find useful advice, operating guidelines and suggestions for obtaining the best experience with Gemar products here.
Each section is designed to offer a comprehensive and practical response to any doubt simply and rapidly.
by Cloud Media Pro