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Hi

One of the members of my club had a strange experience with flash paper he had it in its original bag in his case. He’s just a hobbyist so had not used it much during the summer. When he next opened the case he could smell something acidic. On checking the flash paper he found that it had burnt (acid not fire) through the pocket it had been stored in and there was still fumes coming from it, he then took it out and dumped it at the bottom of the garden, fortunately it had not damaged any props.

Has anyone had a similar experience or have any idea what may have caused this.

Regards

geo, flash paper can react to heat as it is a chemicaly soaked product.
it is recomended that with all fireworks that they should be stored in a tin or other sealed box and away from sources of ignition like heat and chemicals, you can get some nice paper holders similar to tobaco tins that look stylish and keep your paper safe.

flash cotton and string is indead shipped wet and i supose paper would be too.

Only dry flash products just prior to use.

I keep my flash wool in a small glass airtight spice container.

Paula

Ask Louis, he and his sycophants will steer you right.

Thank you, Tom. I have been a fire eater for around 20 or so years. I've been working with flash products for a bit longer. Some of the post above is the result of trial and error, other stuff was a matter of study.

In the US, I meet all requirements of a pyrotechnician (in most states) except a storage facility. In the US, to be a licenced pyro, you need a specific place (called a "magazine") that meets specific standards (proper distance from a building with occupancy, material it is made of, etc.) with which to store your pyrotechnics. Without that, you cannot be licensed. As a result, I cannot obtain a license.

There is also a greater degree of requirement for working with high explosives, much of which I have training on, but not enough to be licensed. Still, the stuff we work with as magicians (flash products which are "low" explosives by defenition) and stage explosives (indoor fireworks) I am intimately familiar with.

Again, thank you for the kind words.

Mike.

Thanks Guys for the information and advice. I will mention it at the next club meetin for the benfit of all

Hello,

I'm very new here, and I had another question about Flash Paper. I'm a theatrical improviser who is directing a show. I don't have a ton of experience with pyrotecnics, but here's what I want to do:

I want to have three people on stage hold up large (8 inch) pieces of paper with words written on them, and then set the papers on fire.

Is this possible? Has anyone ever tried writing words on flash paper? Also, is it dangerous to light a sheet of flash paper without crumpling it up first? I'm planning on the actors wearing gloves, and will follow all stage fire regulations, of course.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Writing on flash paper is ok, and it doesn't need to be crumpled up.

But remember that heat rises, so get them to hold the paper UP, not down.

Awesome. Thanks!

yes you can :D