Our Inflatable snow globes are constructed from two distinct types of heavy-duty industrial plastics, chosen for their specific properties: one for the transparent dome and another for the durable base.

Here is a breakdown of the materials that we use for our high-quality commercial globes:

1. The Clear Dome (The "Bubble")

The transparent section is most commonly made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).

* Clear PVC: This is the industry standard. It is highly transparent, durable, and cost-effective. A typical thickness for a commercial globe is roughly 0.5mm to 0.8mm. 

* TPU (Premium Option): TPU is superior to PVC. It is more environmentally friendly ("odourless"), has better optical clarity (stays clearer longer), and, crucially for a snow globe, it is more resistant to cold temperatures. PVC can become brittle and crack in freezing weather, whereas TPU remains soft and flexible. 

2. The Base (The "Floor" and Structure)

The base is made of much tougher material to withstand foot traffic and friction with the ground. It is usually made from Commercial Grade PVC Tarpaulin. 

* Composition: This is a "sandwich" material consisting of a strong mesh fabric layer coated on both sides with PVC.

* Thickness: It is thicker than the dome, often around 0.6mm to 0.9mm.

* Key Features: It is designed to be anti-slip, fire-retardant, and highly resistant to punctures from shoes or heels.

Key Material Properties

* UV Resistant: Prevents the clear plastic from turning yellow or cloudy in the sun. 

* Fire Retardant: Essential for safety compliance at public events.

* Cold Crack Resistant: High-quality materials are treated to ensure they don't crack when stored or used in winter conditions.

Yes, you absolutely can. In the event industry, renting before buying is a very common practice, and most major suppliers (including Airmax Inflatables, based on their service list) offer both options.

Here is how you can approach this, along with a strategic tip on how to save money if you decide to buy later.

1. The "Try Before You Buy" Strategy

Hiring first is the smartest way to validate the investment. It allows you to check three key things that a catalog picture can't tell you:

* Logistics: How heavy is it? How long does it actually take to set up and inflate? (Crucial for your team).

* Durability: You can inspect the zipper quality, the thickness of the PVC/TPU base, and the noise level of the blower fan.

* Crowd Reaction: Does it actually stop people in their tracks? (The "Wow Factor").

2. Strategic Tip: Ask for "Hire Redemption"

Since you are considering a purchase, do not just book a standard rental. Contact the sales team and ask for a "Hire Redemption" agreement.

* How it works: You pay the rental fee for an event. If you decide to purchase the globe (or a new one) within a set time (e.g., 30 days), they deduct the cost of your rental from the final purchase price.

* Why it works: Suppliers love this because it secures a sale, and it removes the risk for you.

3. Brochure/FAQ Version (If you are writing this for your customers)

If you are asking this because you want to include it in your own marketing or FAQ section, here is a polished version:

Because these globes are an investment, proper care is essential to keep the PVC clear and the base durable. The biggest enemies of your globe are mold (from damp storage) and ammonia (from the wrong cleaning sprays).

1. Cleaning & Maintenance

The Golden Rule: Never use standard glass cleaner (like Windex) or bleach. These often contain ammonia or harsh solvents that will eventually cloud the clear PVC and make it brittle.

* For the Clear Dome:

* Use: Warm water mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap (like Fairy Liquid). 

* Pro Option: Use a dedicated "Clear Vinyl Cleaner" or "Inflatable Boat Cleaner" (available at marine shops). These often have UV protectants added.

* Method: Wipe gently with a microfiber cloth. Avoid paper towels as they can leave microscopic scratches that make the globe look foggy over time. 

* For the Base:

* Use the same mild soap solution. For stubborn scuff marks, you can use a "Magic Eraser" sponge, but test it on a small hidden area first.

* For the Zippers:

* Keep them free of dirt. Every few uses, run a piece of beeswax or a silicone-based zipper lubricant along the teeth to keep them sliding smoothly. Do not use WD-40 or grease, as it attracts dirt.

2. The Drying Process (Crucial)

Never pack your globe away wet. This is the #1 cause of damage. Trapped moisture leads to mold and foul odors that are nearly impossible to remove. 

1. Wipe Down: Towel dry the inside and outside while it is still inflated.

2. Air Dry: Leave it inflated in a dry, ventilated area for at least 30 minutes after wiping to ensure moisture in the seams has evaporated.

3. Desiccant Packs: If you plan to store it for months, toss a few large silica gel packets into the storage bag to absorb any residual moisture. 

3. Storage

* Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid freezing temperatures (unheated sheds/garages in winter). Freezing cold makes the clear PVC brittle, leading to cracks when you unfold it next time. 

* Folding:

* Do not fold it tightly like a bedsheet. 

* Roll it loosely. Sharp creases can turn into cracks over time.

* If possible, place a layer of soft fabric (like an old bedsheet) between the folds of the clear plastic to prevent the vinyl from sticking to itself.

4. Troubleshooting: Wrinkles & Fogging

* Removing Wrinkles: When you first unpack the globe, the clear section will likely be wrinkled.

* Best Method: Inflate it in the sun. The gentle warmth of sunlight will naturally relax the PVC.

* Fast Method: Use a hair dryer on low to medium heat. Keep it moving constantly and hold it at least 6 inches away. Do not overheat, or the plastic will warp.

* Fogging: If the globe fogs up during an event (due to condensation from people inside), ensure the blower fan is running efficiently to cycle the air. You can also wipe the inside with a very small amount of anti-fog solution (like those used for scuba masks or motorcycle visors).

5. Quick Repair (Punctures)

If you get a small puncture, don't panic.

* The "Cold-Hot" Method:

1. Clean the area with alcohol and let it dry.

2. Apply PVC glue (from a repair kit) to both the patch and the globe.

3. Let the glue dry until it's tacky (about 2-3 mins).

4. Apply the patch and press firmly.

5. Pro Tip: Gently warm the applied patch with a hair dryer for 30 seconds. This reactivates the glue and creates a much stronger "chemical weld."

The Backdrop (The Visual Core)

This is the most common and cost-effective way to customize a globe.

* Interchangeable Backgrounds: Most professional globes feature a zippered or Velcro back wall. You can print high-resolution images on fabric or PVC to create different scenes.

* Versatility: You can use the same physical globe for multiple events by simply swapping the backdrop.

* Winter: A snowy forest scene.

* Halloween: A haunted house.

* Corporate: A "Step & Repeat" logo wall (like on a red carpet).

* Sports: A stadium crowd background (perfect for the football concept we discussed earlier).

2. The Base (The "Skirt")

The inflatable base is prime real estate for logos and messaging because it is at eye level for passersby.

* Removable Banners: You can attach Velcro banners to the front and sides of the base. This is ideal if you are a rental company and need to change client logos frequently. 

* Full Digital Print: For a permanent brand asset, the entire vinyl base can be digitally printed with specific Pantone colors and complex graphics before it is sewn together.

3. The "Fill" (The Action)

What swirls around inside defines the experience. You aren't limited to just white "snow."

* Artificial Snow: The classic choice for Christmas.

* Confetti: Gold or silver mylar confetti is perfect for award ceremonies or the "Football Trophy" lift.

* Paper Money/Vouchers: Great for "Grab a Grand" style competitions where guests try to catch swirling coupons.

* Balloons: For birthday parties or softer play environments. 

4. Bespoke Shape & Lighting

If you are ordering a unit from scratch (rather than renting), you can change the physical structure.

* Custom Shapes: While the "globe" is standard, you can request custom shapes like a Snowman, a giant Perfume Bottle, or a Product Replica (e.g., a giant soda can with a viewing window). 

* LED Integration: You can have RGB LED lighting strips sewn into the seams of the globe or embedded in the floor. This allows you to change the color of the globe (e.g., turning it green for St. Patrick's Day or red for Valentine's) with a remote control.

Yes we offer a payment plan prior to the inflatable been shipped.

Please contact us for further details