|
|
Valentin New user Freiburg/ Germany 2 Posts |
Hi Folks!
The last hours I´v been reading all the posts about pyro-things, but I´m not really "satisfied" yet. There still are some questions to me that are not claryfied, perhaps due to my bad english-skills... So, if there already is a thread, please tell me... 1. I´m interested to try some magic with sheets of flash paper. But I realize that pyro-effects always are way of dangerous. Therefore my first question: I´m a student, so I´m living in ONE room. Where do I store my flash paper? I already read sth about the refigerator. Is that safe and will I be able to eat things out of it if the flash-paper is lying beneath (in a box) ? Do I have to dry them first or do I only dry the sheets I will use the next day??? 2. How do I have to handle it during performance? I always wear a jacket while performing. Can I just put the sheets into my inner pocket or is it dangerous in any way if the paper is near my body (sweat and heat)? And how big are the sheets you use (e.g. for a deck production)??? 2" x 1"??? 3. I read, that the sheets must have been washed. So water doesn´t seem to harm the effect of the flash paper. Wouldn´t it be possible to store the sheets in water and dry them whenever you need them??? (e.g. take a bulg of sheets, put them into a glass/box and fill it with a little bit of water. So, that everything is covered.) So you see, I´m really new to flash paper. But I´d really love to add it into my close-up work and I´m wondering why I never did it before (perhaps because the sheets are THAT expensive!!!). If you have any ideas or experiences please let me know! Thanks for your help, Valentin |
antonio2030 Regular user 112 Posts |
Good questions, I think, I'm new to flash paper also, hope you have luck with this thread and someone can guide you, as well as me LOL.
|
tbaer Inner circle Pennsylvania 2003 Posts |
1. I store mine in my room. I don't think it's necessary to store them in the refrigerator. Just for safety reasons though, I usually wrap my sheets in aluminum foil.
2. In your pocket is a good place to have them ready. You can buy big sheets of flash paper and you can buy the smaller packet sheets, which you just rip one off the packet as needed. 3. When magic shops buy flash paper from the manufacturers, it's a law that it has to be wet or moist when shipped. I never keep mine wet once I receive flash paper, I always dry every sheet and then wrap them in aluminum foil. |
CasualSoul Special user Edmonton, Canada 542 Posts |
I agree with tbaer. It's important to realize that you need the paper to be really dry for it to work correctly. It's pretty safe, stable stuff, but, like any fire related item, caution is always warranted. Experimentation and practice is also critical so that you learn what looks best and the limits on what is safe.
"Open their mind by performing the impossible"
|
MitchMagic Loyal user Montreal, Quebec 277 Posts |
I didn't know there were actual precautions to take with flash paper, I kept them in my drawer and nothing happened.
Mitchell
Magic For Darfur
Save Us. |
Sabrina New user Dallas, Texas 99 Posts |
Store it very wet (even add more water than what they ship with) until 24 to 48 hours before you are going to use it. I know it is freaky to keep "paper" in water, but it is more like plastic than paper actually (see below for a brief history lesson).
When dry, keep it FAR away from sparks and ignition sources until you use it. Once dried, I keep it in a plastic ziplock bag and check it now and then for an acidic odor and darkening color(not good signs and could lead to spontaneous combustion). Historically, the same stuff, nitro-cellulose was the first plastic made and found use as easy-care celluloid collars, stays and cuffs centuries ago. Needless to say, it wasn't very safe wearing a collar of this stuff, especially around cigarettes which was the fad of the day! There were no doubt countless accidents. They eventually stopped that and started using it for photography film base. Having old movies on flash film is very dangerous to store and there were a bunch of fires which destroyed many old films. This is why there was a huge concern about old motion picture preservation several decades ago. |
JackSpade New user 11 Posts |
I've never had a problem with my flash paper. As long as you don't keep it near a candle or light bulb. Mind sits nicely on my shelf next to my magic books. I agree with tbaer, you want it as dry as possible! It will not burn well if its even the slightest damp. Also, I doubt that you are storing a massive quantity so even if you do get a match to close to your pile, it will burn so fast that it would actually be hard to light anything on fire (watch your eyebrows). I always shove a sheet in my pocket before I go out. Also, buy the paper and not the pads if you want more flash for your buck.
Happy flashin and good luck! |
abrell Loyal user Remscheid, Germany 284 Posts |
Flaspaper must be stored wet. Take care to moisten again after some time and to note the dates when you have done that. The storing room should not be in a room where people are living - if possible even not in a house where people live (garage/ shelter). Storing flashpaper is restricted in amounts (no magician will possibly reach the thresholds) and by regulations for explosives. Have a look for these regulations and ask your fire insurance. Before the performance flashpaper must be dried. Drying flashpaper must be done in a room where the flashpaper does no harm when (what can happen) it is ignited by static electricity, sparks or whatever. This means: no carpets, no steel shelves, no open fire, no other flammable objects, no open containers of pyrotechnics...but : fire extiguisher, wooden table, window (so that explosion pressure can go out), .... There are national regulations for this!!!
Normally it is supposed that flashpaper is dried on a wooden rack - this is often not practical. Drying would need a lot of time and who is guarding the process? A lot of professional pyrotechnics recommend pressing with a steam iron! When doing this properly (not too much flashpaper, closed containers,...) this is fast (can be done very late > more safety!), the paper does not get too hot (surface temperature of steam iron is below igniting temperature and is well controlled). Drying flashpaper this way gives the best results because the flashpaper burns much better and faster. After drying flashpaper must be stored in antistatic containers (cardboard boxes) and must be guarded! Unguarded flashpaper must be moistened again!!! Always have in mind: flashpaper is nitrocellulosis - it is an very strong explosive. The small amounts used without compression are safe only if you handle them properly! All advice given without any liability!! You are responsible for what you are doing!! |
CasualSoul Special user Edmonton, Canada 542 Posts |
I think it's overkill storing it wet unless you have a really large quantity of 100+ 8"x9" sheets. Drying it out is a pain and it needs to be completely dry to work. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I accidentally ignited a small pile of about 20 4"x3" sheets on my bed. I was practicing a fire effect that involved burning real paper and a small piece of the lit real paper landed on the pile. I was so stupid I even tried to put it out mid-burn, but it was over so quickly that I ended up just burning some of the hair on my arm. The fireball was probably 4 feet by 4 feet in size and the only damage was some discoloration of my bedding. I learnt a valuable lesson that day, and I'm more cautious now, but maybe my stupidity can help you develop your own opinion on what would be reasonable safety precautions for yourself.
"Open their mind by performing the impossible"
|
abrell Loyal user Remscheid, Germany 284 Posts |
Store it wet!! Everything else may cost your own or someone elses life. Flashpaper can be ignited by static electricity or the lightest spark or too much heat. This can happen when you are asleep or not at home. Research nitrocellulosis at wikipedia if you do not believe me: Nitrocellulosis can be much stronger in impact than TNT!!! And do not forget: Storing it unsafe could even be a crime (depends on the amount, the storing place and the countries laws).
|
CasualSoul Special user Edmonton, Canada 542 Posts |
Oh please, static electricity cannot ignite flash paper. I'm all for using sensible safety precautions, but let's get real. Igniting flash paper with just sparks of any kind is very difficult. You need fire or significant heat (over 250-350 degrees fahrenheit depending on the manufacturer's specifications). If you blow out a lit match, it will remain hot enough to ignite flash paper for about 3-5 seconds, but after that it will still be very hot to the touch, but not hot enough to ignite the paper. Flash cotton on the other hand is a lot more volatile this way, but, even with cotton, a static electric spark is unlikely to ignite it. I'm all for storing large quantities wet, but keeping a small pad of flash paper in your coat pocket is probably less risky than carrying a pack of matches.
"Open their mind by performing the impossible"
|
aquamage New user 92 Posts |
Abrel- thanks for the tip about drying with a steam-iron...I had'nt known about that one. Something else to mention is that flash paper can eventually degrade and become slightly unstable. Never buy quantities you won't use up within the year. If your paper is more than a year old it is best to dispose of it. Unstable nitrocelulose can become more "touchy" and sensitive to ignition. Old paper will either become too sensitive or not enough so the burn is uppredictable.
Valentin- you are fine with a small sheet in your jacket. Body heat or sweat are not going to set it off. Problem is, if there is too much sweat or dampness it may make the paper unable to ignite, so take that into account. Another thing I can't stress enough....ALWAYS buy pyrotechnic material from a well known, licensed dealer. Poorly or cheaply made flash paper ( or any pyro chemical) can be more dangerous than you think. Make sure you know where it comes from! |
CasualSoul Special user Edmonton, Canada 542 Posts |
Yeah, excellent points about old paper and buying from reputable dealers. Home made flash paper can be dangerous to make and/or use.
"Open their mind by performing the impossible"
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Up in smoke! » » Need help in use of Flash Paper (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |