Sempertex-to-Qualatex Color Cross-Reference Chart
At a Glance
- Topic
- Balloon Color Matching Across Brands
- Brands Covered
- Sempertex and Qualatex (Pioneer/Amscan)
- Category
- Reference / Product Comparison
- Audience
- Balloon Professionals, Event Decorators, Party Planners
- Key Concepts
- Color matching, finish types, brand equivalents, hex codes, mixing brands
Introduction
When your go-to balloon color is out of stock, or a client sends you a photo of a display made with a brand you do not typically carry, you need a reliable way to find the closest equivalent across manufacturers.
This cross-reference chart maps Sempertex balloon colors to their nearest Qualatex equivalents (and vice versa), covering fashion, metallic, chrome, and pearl finishes. It is designed for working balloon professionals who need to make confident color substitutions without ordering samples for every job.
Important Note: No two brands produce identical colors. The matches listed here represent the closest available equivalents based on visual comparison of inflated balloons under neutral lighting. Always order samples for color-critical projects like weddings.
Why Color Cross-Reference Matters
Color consistency makes or breaks a balloon installation. A single off-shade balloon in a monochromatic display is immediately visible, and clients notice.
Balloon professionals switch between brands for several practical reasons. Supply chain disruptions can make your preferred brand temporarily unavailable. A client may request a specific color that only exists in one brand's line. Price differences between brands may affect margins on large-quantity orders. Or you may simply prefer one brand's quality for certain applications and another brand's color range for others.
Without a reliable cross-reference, you are guessing. And guessing with 500 balloons on order for a Saturday wedding is not a comfortable position to be in.
How to Use This Chart
Find your starting color in either the Sempertex or Qualatex column, then look across to find the closest match in the other brand.
- Match Quality ratings: "Close" means the colors are nearly indistinguishable at arm's length. "Approximate" means visible differences exist but the colors are in the same family. "No direct match" means the color is unique to that brand.
- Hex codes are approximate representations of the balloon color when inflated to standard size under neutral lighting. Actual appearance varies with inflation level, lighting, and viewing angle.
- Finish type must match for a successful substitution. A Fashion/Standard color cannot be substituted with a Metallic or Pearl version of a similar shade without a visible difference in the installation.
Fashion/Standard Colors Cross-Reference
Fashion (Sempertex) and Standard (Qualatex) colors are solid, opaque, matte-finish balloons and represent the most commonly used finish type in professional balloon work.
| Sempertex Fashion | Approx. Hex | Qualatex Standard | Approx. Hex | Match Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion White (005) | #FFFFFF | White (43802) | #FFFFFF | Close |
| Fashion Black (080) | #1A1A1A | Onyx Black (43737) | #1C1C1C | Close |
| Fashion Red (015) | #E3242B | Red (43790) | #D42A2F | Close |
| Fashion Royal Blue (041) | #0057A8 | Dark Blue (43742) | #003DA5 | Close |
| Fashion Yellow (020) | #FFDD00 | Yellow (43804) | #FFD700 | Close |
| Fashion Orange (061) | #FF6B00 | Orange (43761) | #FF6600 | Close |
| Fashion Forest Green (032) | #006B3F | Green (43753) | #006A4E | Close |
| Fashion Violet (051) | #7B2D8B | Purple Violet (82699) | #6B2D8B | Close |
| Fashion Peach Blush (060) | #F4C2C2 | Pink (43766) | #FFB7C5 | Approximate |
| Fashion Lime Green (031) | #88B04B | Lime Green (48955) | #76B947 | Close |
| Fashion Blue (040) | #5B9BD5 | Pale Blue (43777) | #4F86C6 | Approximate |
| Fashion Gray (081) | #808080 | Gray (48393) | #7D7D7D | Close |
| Fashion Chocolate (076) | #7B3F00 | Chocolate Brown (68776) | #6B3A2E | Close |
| Deluxe Burgundy (518) | #800020 | Burgundy (86867) | #722F37 | Close |
| Fashion Eucalyptus (027) | #5F8575 | No direct match | -- | No direct match |
| Deluxe White Sand (571) | #C9B8A4 | No direct match | -- | No direct match |
Metallic/Chrome Colors Cross-Reference
Metallic and chrome finishes add shimmer and reflectivity to balloon displays. These finishes vary more between brands than fashion colors because the metallic coating process differs significantly between manufacturers.
| Sempertex | Finish | Qualatex | Finish | Match Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metallic Gold (570) | Metallic | Gold (43749) | Metallic | Close |
| Metallic Silver (581) | Metallic | Silver (43794) | Metallic | Close |
| Reflex Gold (970) | Chrome/Reflex | Chrome Gold (58271) | Chrome | Approximate |
| Reflex Silver (981) | Chrome/Reflex | Chrome Silver (58270) | Chrome | Approximate |
| Reflex Blue (940) | Chrome/Reflex | Chrome Blue (58272) | Chrome | Approximate |
| Reflex Green (930) | Chrome/Reflex | Chrome Green (58273) | Chrome | Approximate |
| Reflex Rose Gold (968) | Chrome/Reflex | Chrome Rose Gold (58276) | Chrome | Approximate |
| Reflex Violet (951) | Chrome/Reflex | Chrome Purple (58274) | Chrome | Approximate |
| Metallic Rose Gold (568) | Metallic | Rose Gold (57050) | Metallic | Approximate |
Chrome/Reflex Note: Sempertex Reflex and Qualatex Chrome balloons achieve their mirror finish through different processes. Sempertex Reflex tends to have a slightly warmer tone, while Qualatex Chrome leans cooler. The difference is most noticeable in gold and rose gold shades.
Pearl/Specialty Finishes
Pearl finishes add a soft, iridescent shimmer to balloon colors. Both brands offer pearl lines, but the base colors and shimmer intensity differ enough to warrant careful comparison before mixing brands.
| Sempertex Pearl | Qualatex Pearl | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl White (405) | Pearl White (43788) | Close | Closest match across all pearl colors |
| Pearl Blue (440) | Pearl Sapphire Blue (43786) | Approximate | Qualatex is slightly deeper |
| Pearl Pink (409) | Pearl Pink (43783) | Approximate | Sempertex leans warmer, Qualatex cooler |
| Pearl Lavender (450) | Pearl Lavender (43778) | Close | Very similar undertones |
| Pearl Green (430) | Pearl Mint Green (43782) | Approximate | Qualatex is mintier, Sempertex is more true green |
| Pearl Peach (462) | Pearl Peach (48957) | Close | Similar warmth and saturation |
| Pearl Champagne (473) | Pearl Ivory (43775) | Approximate | Sempertex has more gold undertone |
Colors Unique to Each Brand
Some of the most popular and distinctive balloon colors exist in only one brand's line, making them impossible to cross-reference and a compelling reason to stock both brands.
Sempertex Exclusives
- Fashion Eucalyptus (027): A muted sage-green that has become one of the most requested colors for modern weddings and organic installations. No Qualatex equivalent exists.
- Deluxe White Sand (571): A warm, sandy neutral that works as a sophisticated alternative to white or ivory. Unique to Sempertex's Deluxe line.
- Pastel Dusk series: Sempertex's Pastel Dusk line (Cream, Lavender, Rose, Blue) offers desaturated pastel shades that are distinctly different from standard pastels. No Qualatex equivalents.
- Deluxe Rosewood (548): A muted, dusty rose that is less pink and more mauve than anything in the Qualatex line.
- Deluxe Toffee (576): A warm brown with caramel undertones, positioned between chocolate and tan.
Qualatex Exclusives
- Jewel Tone series: Qualatex's Jewel line (Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Citrine Yellow, Mandarin Orange) offers deeply saturated, jewel-like transparency that Sempertex does not replicate.
- Caribbean Blue (43554): A vibrant tropical blue that falls between standard blue and teal. Unique to Qualatex.
- Spring Lilac (43754): A specific lilac shade that differs from both standard purple and lavender.
- Goldenrod (43867): A warm, mustard-yellow gold that is more yellow than metallic gold. No Sempertex equivalent.
- Diamond Clear (43741): A completely transparent latex balloon. Sempertex offers Crystal Clear but with a slightly different transparency level.
Size Availability by Brand
Not every color is available in every size, and the size ranges differ between Sempertex and Qualatex.
| Size | Sempertex | Qualatex | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-inch | Wide selection | Wide selection | Both brands offer most colors in this size |
| 11-inch | Full line | Full line | Most complete color availability in both brands |
| 14-inch | Limited | Not available | Sempertex-only size |
| 16-inch | Good selection | Good selection | Fewer colors than 11-inch in both brands |
| 18-inch | Limited | Limited | Typically fashion/standard colors only |
| 24-inch | Limited | Limited | Popular for statement balloons and stuffing |
| 36-inch | Core colors | Core colors | Typically 8-12 colors available per brand |
The 11-inch size offers the broadest color selection in both brands. If you need a specific color, check 11-inch availability first, as specialty shades are often produced only in this core size.
Tips for Mixing Brands in One Display
Mixing Sempertex and Qualatex in one installation is common practice, but a few techniques ensure the blend looks intentional rather than accidental.
- Distribute, do not cluster. Spread mixed-brand balloons throughout the installation. Placing all the Sempertex on one side and all the Qualatex on the other creates a visible seam where the shade difference shows.
- Use different colors from each brand. Rather than matching the same color across brands, assign one color to each brand. All your red balloons from Sempertex, all your gold from Qualatex. No direct comparison means no visible mismatch.
- Match finish types. Never mix a fashion/standard with a metallic or pearl of the same color. The finish difference is far more noticeable than a subtle shade difference within the same finish type.
- Size variation helps. In organic installations with mixed sizes, slight color differences between brands become virtually invisible because the eye is processing shape variation, light angles, and depth simultaneously.
- Test under venue lighting. Colors that look identical under fluorescent office light can diverge under warm Edison bulbs or colored uplighting. Test your brand mix under conditions that approximate your event venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While many colors are very close, no two balloon manufacturers produce identical colors. Differences in latex formulation, pigment sourcing, and manufacturing processes mean that even colors with the same name (like "White" or "Black") may have subtle differences in shade, undertone, or opacity. The cross-reference chart identifies the closest available match, not an exact duplicate.
Yes, and many professionals do. The key is to avoid placing directly competing colors side by side where differences are most visible. Distribute mixed-brand balloons throughout the installation rather than clustering same-color balloons from different brands together. In organic garlands and arches with multiple colors and sizes, brand differences become virtually unnoticeable.
Both brands offer extensive color lines, but they excel in different areas. Sempertex leads in fashion and deluxe matte colors, with unique shades like Eucalyptus, White Sand, and Rosewood that have no direct Qualatex equivalent. Qualatex offers a broader selection of jewel tones and has a larger range of specialty prints and patterns. Both brands offer metallic, pearl, chrome, and fashion finish categories.
Both brands use the same standard size designations (5-inch, 11-inch, 16-inch, etc.), and when properly inflated to their rated size, they are comparable. However, latex elasticity can vary slightly between brands, affecting how easily each reaches its rated size and how it looks at various inflation levels. Using a balloon sizer ensures consistent results regardless of brand.
Monitor calibration, screen brightness, and ambient lighting all affect how digital color representations appear. Balloon colors also change appearance based on inflation level (more inflated balloons appear lighter as the latex stretches), lighting conditions at the venue, and whether the balloon is backlit or front-lit. Always order physical samples for color-critical projects like weddings.
Fashion (Sempertex) and Standard (Qualatex) refer to solid, opaque, matte-finish colors. These are the most commonly used finish type for balloon installations. The latex is fully pigmented with no added shimmer, pearl, or metallic effect. Fashion/Standard colors offer the truest, most consistent color representation and the widest range of available shades.
Metallic balloons have a subtle shimmer effect embedded in colored latex, creating a soft glow. Chrome balloons (called Reflex by Sempertex) have a mirror-like, highly reflective surface that is dramatically shinier than metallic. Chrome/Reflex balloons are more expensive and create a bold, modern look. Metallic balloons are more versatile and blend more easily with fashion colors in mixed installations.
Use this cross-reference chart to find the closest match, then order a small sample quantity before committing to a large order. Compare the samples in the same lighting conditions as your event venue. If an exact match is critical, stick with a single brand throughout the installation. When switching suppliers, always reference the specific color name and number, not just the generic color description.
Pearl finishes from both brands create a similar pearlescent shimmer effect, but the base colors and intensity of the pearl coating can differ. Sempertex Pearl and Qualatex Pearl share the same concept but may show noticeable differences in undertone and shimmer intensity when placed side by side. Pearl White is the closest match across brands; colored pearls diverge more significantly.
HICO Distributing carries both Sempertex and Qualatex latex balloons in a full range of colors, sizes, and finishes. Ordering from a single distributor ensures consistent supply and makes it easier to compare colors across brands before committing to a large order. Browse our collections online or contact us for color samples and bulk pricing.
Key Takeaways
- No two brands produce identical colors; this chart identifies the closest available equivalents
- Fashion/Standard colors match most closely between brands; chrome/reflex finishes show more variation
- Sempertex excels in unique matte shades (Eucalyptus, White Sand, Rosewood); Qualatex leads in jewel tones
- When mixing brands, distribute throughout the installation rather than clustering same-brand balloons together
- Always order physical samples for color-critical projects like weddings
- Browse Sempertex and Qualatex collections at HICO Distributing