FAQs

• What are the different types of Inflatables?

Inflatables can be cold air filled, cold air sealed and filled with helium to fly.

• What is a cold air filled Inflatable?

Cold air Inflatables stand on the ground or other solid surfaces and are continually inflated by a blower. The air is blown into the Inflatable and escapes from the Inflatable through the sewn seams. They are not suitable for floating.

• What is the power source?

The blower will need a standard 220 - 240v supply. This can be from the mains or from a suitable generator. The size of the blower and generator will depend on the size of the Inflatable.

• How long do they last?

Inflatables can last for many years depending on how well they are looked after. Regular inspections should be carried out to check for tears since small tears will become larger if they are not repaired. Very large tears will make the Inflatable inoperable since the air escaping will exceed the air being blown in. In this event the Inflatable will need to be returned to us for inspection and a damage report and cost estimate.

• What is a cold air sealed Inflatable?

Patterns are cut out of fabric then welded to create an airtight seal. An example is a beach ball.

• Are Inflatables easy to install?

Full instructions are provided and in the majority of cases you can install them yourselves. For very large Inflatables we do offer the services of an operator to install and provide instruction for you.

• How long does it take to make an inflatable?

Helium filled products, and Giant Inflatables can be produced within 10 to 14 days. Bulk quantities of smaller cold air sealed products could take 6 to 10 weeks.

• Do you need the actual product in order to make a cold air sealed PVC replica?

It is always preferable to receive the actual product as the shape and actual dimensions can be accurately scaled to reproduce the inflatable. Merlin has, over a number of years, produced hundreds of representative shapes using a combination of pictures and dimensions, without having seen the actual product.

• Are the Inflatables painted or printed?

Using a variety of inks many of the products are art worked as a screen print or digitally printed. If the Inflatable requires large bold artwork it may be decided that the favourable option may be to airbrush or hand decorate using special flexible paints.

• Are there any minimum order quantities for any of the Inflatables?

The majority of items produced by Merlin are bespoke items with individual branding and as such can be produced as single items. The exception to the rule is when items such as small Inflatables are mass-produced in our factory using a custom made mould. Our office is pleased to advise you on quantities required for this process, but generally it would not be less than 250no to cover the costs of the moulding tool set up.

• Can I see a sample of the inflatable before placing to an order?

In general ‘one off' bespoke Inflatables are only produced after the client has agreed a price and specification and accepted a visual of the inflatable prepared by Merlin, For small mass-produced Inflatables Merlin can produce a hand made pre-production model for approval by clients

• What type of Inflatables will float in the air?

The ability for a product to float or fly is dependant on the weight of the fabric used to make the inflatable, in relation to the volume of helium contained within the fabric shape. Simple shapes like Merlin Blimps and Spheres work very well.

• How long does it take to inflate and deflate a blimp?

A 20ft x 8ft Blimp inflated with helium gas in temperate conditions will fill in about 20mins. To deflate the same Blimp will take approximately 45mins.

• Do you have to deflate the blimp each time it is brought down?

Merlin would recommend that if a blimp is to be flown from the same location over a number of days, that accommodation be found to store the blimp overnight. The Blimp fabric is weather proof and will withstand wind and rain, but if weather conditions are such, that the blimp cannot be flown during the day, safe storage will be required. If a suitable facility is not available on site, Merlin can arrange large industrial containers for rental or outright purchase.

• Can the blimp stay in the air over night?

As above.

• Do you have Inflatables to rent?

Merlin produce a number of Inflatables suitable for hire, including Sky Guys, Helium filled Blimps and Spheres. If required a trained operator can be provided with the inflatable.

• What size can a blimp be?

Our most popular sizes are 20ft, 12ft and 30ft but we can accommodate other sizes if requested.

• Are any permissions needed in order to fly a blimp?

We can liaise with the Civil Aviation Authority in order to ascertain any flying restrictions and obtain permission to fly up to 60 metres high. However, local planning authorities vary but most permit a tethered blimp in one location to be flown for a minimum of ten days per annum without planning permission. For longer periods we recommend you contact your local planning authority for further information.

Giant Inflatables : PVC Inflatables : Advertising Blimps : Product Replicas : Point of Sale