Balloons come in a variety of finishes. By finish I mean the lustre on the balloon can vary from looking like a thick coat of paint to something shiny such as a new car or even fully transparent. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of all the finishes, their specific properties and some other general information.
Solid[]
- Also known as Normal/Standard/Fashion finishes from various brands. Most commonly used as a decorating piece. Cheapest of them all. Uses the most normal chemical composition of the modern latex balloon.
- More opaque than translucent. Clear colours, minimal shine which wears off as time progresses
- Not so tight but also don't bulge easily. The pop sound can be treated as standard.
- Common sizes - 9 inches to 16 inches for some brands. Most commonly comes in 10”-14”
Crystal/Jewel[]
- Known by many different names across brands but they are a direct upgrade to the Metallic balloons. Uses the same chemical composition as Metallics but a different paint scheme.
- Shinier and more transparent than the metallics. The pigment appears black when the balloon is uninflated.
- Tighter than solids and on par with Metallics. The pop sound is noticeably louder.
- Common Sizes - 10” to 18”. Most brands have them in larger sizes such as 14/16”.
Metallic[]
- A direct upgrade on the Solids but much more common and cheaper than the Crystals.
- Very shiny and translucent balloons. Reflect a lot of light when uninflated, a little less when inflated. The colours are similar under all levels of inflation.
- Tighter than solids, on par with Crystals. Louder pop sound. Hard to tie a knot even when inflated to standard size.
- Common sizes - 9” - 16”. Most brands have them in lower sizes.
Chrome/Reflex[]
- The final upgrade for the Metallics. Very commonly used in Silver and Gold columns. Uses a different chemical composition than metallics.
- Shiniest of the lot. Colours are retained at all inflation levels and look brilliant under all lighting conditions. Completely opaque. Sometimes give a matte finish.
- Very tight. Almost on par with Metallics. Loud pop sound, similar to the metallics.
- Common Sizes - 10” to 18”. Most brands have them in larger sizes such as 14/16”.
Pastel/Pastel Matte[]
- Widely used decorative piece with a range of crayon like colours for a smoother, softer finish. Use a similar chemical combination as Metallics but with a different coat of paint.
- Alternate variety - Crystal pastel, see-through softer version of the pastels using crystals as base.
- They are shiny but not as much as solids or metallics. Look amazing and cute under all lighting conditions. More opaque than translucent.
- Very soft. Easy to sit/stand on them. Slightly softer pop sound as compared to solids.
- Common sizes - 9”-18”. Usually the smaller sizes are used to create garlands and other such decorations.
Soap/Crystal soap[]
- An alternative to the crystal balloons. Feature unique colour changing properties and can go full transparent. Similar composition as Crystals.
- Shiny balloons, they reflect their original colour when viewed from certain angles under specific lighting conditions. Almost transparent, retain a small hint of their original colour at all inflation levels.
- Softer than standard crystals. Easy to sit on. Similar pop sounds as compared to crystals.
- Common Sizes - 10” to 18”. Most brands have them in larger sizes such as 14/16”.
Neon[]
- A very interesting variety of balloons, they glow in the dark!
- Shiny balloons, just like the Metallics and largely opaque. They retain a small hint of their original colour at all inflation levels.
- The tightness properties should be similar to the metallics.
Polka[]
- One of the most common designs on balloons. Commonly seen in solid colours.
- Lustre properties similar to solids.
- Softer than solids. A tad bit louder pop sounds as compared to solids.
- Common sizes - 9” - 14”. Usual size - 12”.
Marble/Superagate[]
- A newer finish for balloons. Offers unique colourful designs, almost like an art piece.
- Opaque, features colours from the solid range. Does not shine brightly. Some brands may have shinier pieces.
- Softer than solids yet produces a louder bang when burst.
- Common sizes - 10” - 16”.
Smileys, Slogans and Brands[]
- Another common take on the solid/metallic/crystal sets. These balloons are usually commercial or have emoji/smiley faces on them for added depth to a party decoration. Some variations have “happy birthday” or “happy anniversary” written on them, and hence can be appropriately themed for the occasion.
- Similar lustre and hardness properties as the base balloon finish.
- Sizes can be literally anything the brands/companies need.
Some useful links
https://balloonmarket.co.uk/blog/balloon-basics-01-the-different-finishes-of-latex-balloons/
https://goballoons.ca/balloons-wiki/latex-balloons-finishes