# HICO Distributing — Balloon Brand Guide

HICO Distributing carries balloons from four major manufacturers. Each brand offers distinct color palettes, finishes, and product lines. All brands are treated equally and stocked in depth.

## Qualatex

Qualatex is manufactured by Pioneer Balloon Company and is one of the most recognized names in the professional balloon industry.

- **Color Lines:** Fashion Colors (solid opaque), Jewel Colors (transparent gem tones), Pastel Pearl Colors, Radiant Pearl Colors, Chrome Colors (mirror-finish), Metallic Colors, Standard Colors, Neon Colors, Rainbow Colors
- **Sizes Available:** 5-inch, 11-inch, 16-inch, 36-inch (3-foot)
- **Entertainer Balloons:** 160Q, 260Q, 350Q for balloon twisting and sculpture
- **Specialty:** Heart-shaped balloons (6-inch), Quick Link balloons (self-tying), stock print balloons with pre-printed designs
- **Assortments:** Pre-mixed color packs for convenience
- **Best Known For:** Consistent quality, widest color range, industry standard for professional decorators

## Sempertex

Sempertex is a Colombian manufacturer offering premium balloons with unique color finishes not found elsewhere.

- **Color Lines:** Fashion Colors (solid opaque), Deluxe Colors (rich saturated tones), Matte/Pastel Colors (soft muted finishes), Reflex Colors (chrome-like metallic), Silk/Cream/Pearl/Metallic finishes, Heart Shape balloons
- **Sizes Available:** 5-inch, 11-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch, 36-inch
- **Entertainer Balloons:** 260b for balloon twisting
- **Specialty:** LINK-O-LOON balloons (balloons with built-in linking tails for garlands and arches), Dusk Colors (dusty muted tones), Deluxe color range
- **Best Known For:** Unique Deluxe and Dusk color palettes, matte pastels, and Reflex metallic finishes popular in modern event design

## Prima

Prima balloons offer quality latex at accessible price points.

- **Color Lines:** Solid Colors, Glam Colors (metallic gold and silver finishes)
- **Sizes Available:** 5-inch, 11-inch, 18-inch
- **Best Known For:** Trending colors like Dusty Rose, Blush, French Rose, Mango, and Ivory; strong selection of boho and wedding-palette colors

## Funsational

Funsational provides reliable balloons in standard decorator sizes at competitive pricing.

- **Color Lines:** Standard Colors (solid opaque), Pearl Colors (shimmering), Crystal Colors (transparent)
- **Sizes Available:** 7-inch and 12-inch
- **Best Known For:** Affordable bulk packs in popular colors, good value for large-volume events

## Brand Comparison Summary

| Feature | Qualatex | Sempertex | Prima | Funsational |
|---------|----------|-----------|-------|-------------|
| Sizes | 5" to 3ft + 160Q/260Q/350Q | 5" to 36" + 260b | 5" to 18" | 7" and 12" |
| Color Variety | Widest range | Unique Deluxe/Dusk/Matte | Trending palettes | Core colors |
| Metallic/Chrome | Chrome Colors | Reflex Colors | Glam Colors | Pearl Colors |
| Entertainer | 160Q, 260Q, 350Q | 260b | — | — |
| Specialty | Quick Link, Heart, Stock Print | LINK-O-LOON, Heart | — | — |
| Strength | Industry standard | Modern design palettes | Boho/wedding colors | Value pricing |