Q&A for How to Make Colored Fire

Use enough wax to only fill the coffee can half way at first, then add smaller pieces when the bulk has melted well, but do not fill more than 3/4 of the way full so that the hot wax will not over fill or spill easily when handling the can and pouring the hot wax into the final containers. It is to hard to estimate how many containers of final product you may end up with not knowing the true size of the final containers being used.

It's possible that the chemical smoke could discolor the piping or other surrounding materials such as an RV siding, building exteriors etc.

No. These chemicals do not spontaneously burst into flames or cause the flames to grow. They merely burn along with the organic material already on fire.

You can buy most online, but some you can find in local pharmacies and hardware shops.

No. Even if you do make it work, the show won' be as spectacular or as effective. Charcoal won't hold onto the chemical the way wood, bark, or pine cones would.

It depends on the chemical, but it is certainly not recommended that you attempt this until you've done some research into the chemical used and the effects on health and edible safety.

You must add a chemical to wax for the color to change. Just red crayons will not change the color of the flame.

You can buy it online.

Powder is a no-go and will be a waste. Try granular - but these chemicals does not burn themselves, they merely burn along with the other material heated.

Red wax will not change the colors of the flames. It's not likely wax will burn on its own, but rather to keep a flammable material burning for a longer time.

Yes, you can add them directly to the fire.

The color actually depends on the chemical, not the wood, you can use any wood to make a green fire.

Safety glasses so you don't hurt your eyes, and an apron to keep the fire away.

Yes, but only if you have done tons of research on the chemical you chose.

Do some research to find out what chemicals would react with others. Always take great caution whenever you mix any chemicals together.

Wax and one of the color chemicals are all you need. Just do as the guide says.

If you make a poster board, data observations, etc., then you probably will be able to. You should check with who runs the science fair, though.

When something burns, it releases different amounts of energy in various rations of heat to photons. Boric acid just happens to fall on the green bit of the visible spectrum.

Any store that supplies science labs probably have the chemical you need. You can also look online as well.

Borax/boric acid can be dissolved in methanol, this will produce an ester that is volatile and will burn with a green flame. A yellowish tinge will occur if borax is used; boric acid will produce a pure green flame.

Yes, generally it is a bad idea to inhale smoke after you have poured chemicals on it.

No because dye doesn't change the color of a flame.

As these solutions are ionic solutions, they will be fine to be poured down the drain with running water.

Yes, but put only ONE chemical in an envelope. You can make multiple envelopes with different chemicals in each one. Personally, I find that making mini cupcakes with the different chemicals and wax works the best. The wax will make the fire burn better (higher & hotter). I add a couple of crayons with the same color as the chemical will make so it’s easier to place different colors around the fire. Throwing all the chemicals in the middle of the fire will work but you will get a much better colored fire by putting the chemicals in 4-5 different places around the fire.

No, the burn won’t be a different colour. Fire can change colour due to its temperature but that only affects how fast the skin burns.