How Should Brands Prepare Artwork for Wholesale Printed Balloons?
Updated 17 September 2026
A logo can look clear on a computer and become difficult to read on an inflated balloon. For brand campaigns and distributor orders, I would start with the balloon size, base color, line thickness and print position together. Adding more ink colors is not always the way to make the result better.
This is a preparation guide for bulk brand projects. The custom printed balloon service page carries our printing quantities and production terms; private-label packaging is a separate service if you also want the bags or boxes to carry your brand.
Design for an inflated, moving surface
We screen-print after inflating the balloon. During movement along the production line, the balloon can shift. Every additional print pass introduces another chance of misalignment, which is why a technically possible color count is not the same as a stable result.
Up to eight colors is theoretically possible, but we normally advise keeping the design to three or fewer. Single-color artwork is usually the most reliable. If your logo has gradients, photographic detail, thin lines or small letters, we suggest simplifying it, thickening the lines or preparing a one-color version for review.
Specify the size and each print position
| Artwork decision | AIHUA printing scope | What to send |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon size | 9, 10, 12, 18 or 36 inch | The chosen size and weight |
| Print positions | Front, back, left, right and top: up to five positions | Which positions you need and whether each uses the same or different artwork |
| Artwork file | PDF or PNG | The final logo file, not only a screenshot in a chat |
| 12-inch print area | Suggested single-side area: 15 × 15 cm | Intended artwork dimensions; other sizes and positions require confirmation |
| Base and ink colors | Reviewed together for the selected product | Base color and ink-color request |
Five print positions do not mean uninterrupted all-over coverage. The 15 × 15 cm suggestion is for a 12-inch single side, not a universal maximum for every size. If color matching is important, use our sample and color-reference approval method rather than approving from a screen alone.
Use a digital proof first; request a real sample when needed
We provide a digital visual proof. If you need to judge the actual printed result, we can arrange a physical printed sample. This has a cost because we need to make the screen and stop the line for the sample run.
The usual printed sample charge is US$100. If you place the order within 10 days after sampling is finished, US$50 is deducted from the order total, because the screen can still be reused during that period. It is not a full refund of the sample fee. Ordinary unprinted samples follow a different rule: the samples are free and you pay the courier.
Separate printing, packaging and the campaign deadline
If you are buying only one printed product, the minimum is 50,000 balloons per design. For a broader order containing many products, the printed portion may be discussed at a few thousand pieces. Our printing page explains these cases; do not assume a small event order qualifies just because the artwork is simple.
Printing capacity is 40,000 balloons per day. Production is normally completed within 15 days from deposit, depending on the queue ahead of the order. Capacity is not a promise to start your job immediately, and production completion is not the same as delivery to your campaign location.
Customer-branded packaging has its own schedule, starting after deposit and packaging artwork confirmation. If you need both printed balloons and custom packs, we confirm a combined plan. Tell us the destination and required arrival date so dispatch and international transport are not confused. For the bags, start with first-pack artwork approval; for a repeat campaign, use the reorder change checklist.
Can you screen-print a photograph exactly as it looks on screen?
Photographs and gradients are not well suited to this printing process. Send the file for review; a simplified, bold design usually works better.
Can all five positions have different artwork?
Yes, the positions can use the same or different artwork. We confirm the actual combination and layout for the chosen product.
Is a 5-inch balloon in your confirmed printing range?
No. The confirmed screen-printing sizes are 9, 10, 12, 18 and 36 inch.
Are logo printing and private-label bags the same thing?
No. One changes the balloon; the other changes its packaging. You can request either or both, with the details and schedule confirmed separately.
Send your product list and the details you already have through email or WhatsApp. You do not need a finished technical file to start a conversation. We reply within 24 hours.