Everything you need to know about flash paper in magic
Flash paper is an iconic consumable accessory in magic. Used to create spectacular effects of appearance, disappearance, or transformation with the help of a flame, it is highly prized by professional magicians, but its use requires certain precautions.
What is flash paper?
Flash paper is a type of paper specially treated to ignite instantly and disappear in a fraction of a second without leaving any residue or visible ash. It is mainly composed of nitrocellulose, a highly flammable material. It is often used in magic shows.
It can be found in different forms:
Flash paper sheets (often sold as 20 cm by 50 cm sheets).
Flash cord (sold by the meter).
Flash bills
Flash cigarettes
Flash cotton or fulminating cotton (which will produce more of a small explosion than a real paper burning effect)
Finally, some manufacturers have created numerous objects and materials from nitrocellulose. So you can now have playing cards made of flash paper, feathers, etc.
Good to know: while flash paper was originally white, it is now available in different colors (black, red, green, blue, etc.).
When to use flash paper/flash cotton?
In fire magic, flash products are generally used to accentuate an appearance: you take a piece of flash paper, light it, and produce an object from the created flame (a rose, a coin, a deck of cards). You can also use it to make a piece of paper disappear aesthetically by igniting it.
Flash cotton, on the other hand, is mainly used for pyrotechnics in a show and less directly. You will use flash cotton to create small explosions when using a flasher, or stage pyrotechnic effects.
Supplements to flash products
While flash products like paper and cotton are often used as is to produce a light flash, there are some products that can be added to enhance the effect.
This is the case, for example, with airburst, which is a powder added (in small quantities) to the flash product. By throwing the flash product into the air, the explosion will occur and, thanks to the airburst, will produce a particularly aesthetic sparkling effect. Airburst generally comes in the form of two bottles of powder to be mixed to synthesize the final powder to be placed in the explosive charge.
Finally, it should be noted that there are also spark flash paper sheets, which produce the same visual flash as classic flash paper but with added sparks during combustion, without the need for airburst.
How to use flash paper?
Below, we will refer to "flash paper," but these tips obviously apply to all types of flash products. By its very nature, flash product is highly flammable and must therefore be handled with care. Here are its main dangers:
Risk of burns
Dangerous storage: too much paper or cotton stored in the same place can present a risk (the paper can catch fire, become unstable over time, etc.)
Since the paper ignites upon contact with the slightest heat source, high temperatures can create a suitable environment for the flash product to ignite unintentionally
This type of flash product is generally prohibited for sale to minors and is reserved for use by professional and experienced magicians. Note that you will sometimes need to obtain the required authorizations to use this type of pyrotechnic device (especially on stage).
Some precautions for use (non-exhaustive list)
Store flash paper away from any heat source, in a dry and cool place.
Do not expose it directly to sunlight (which could eventually make it unstable).
Always handle flash paper with hands free of flammable substances (dry and clean hands).
Test a small portion of flash paper before using a larger quantity.
Do not store all flash paper in the same place.
Flash paper is sold moistened. You will need to dry it to use it correctly. This precaution prevents the paper from igniting during transport.
Do not throw burning flash paper towards flammable substances, people, and especially not near faces.
Keep out of reach of children and minors.
Do not attempt to make your own flash products; it can be very dangerous.
The Magic of Flash Paper
For use by magicians, there is a booklet entitled The Magic of Flash Paper, which describes many magic tricks to perform with flash paper. Whether using cards, balls, silks, or other items, this book contains numerous descriptions of effects and advice on how best to use this consumable.
Where to buy flash paper?
Flash paper is available in major magic stores and in specialized pyrotechnics and fireworks stores. It is recommended to purchase a quality product from reputable suppliers to ensure its safety and effectiveness. In terms of price, flash paper is quite affordable and sells for around 4 euros per sheet. Reputable stores include:
