Forums > Technical Discussion > Where do get your colour chemicals?
Login/Join to ParticipateSILVER Member
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posted:
I read the v useful coloured-flame spinning FAQ which tells me all the things I need to know (thanks for that)
I still have a problem though:
Where do you actually buy this stuff??
I went to the local chemist/DIY shop with my handwritten list of chemicals from the faq - but nobody could help me. Infact my local Boots store pharmacist took a REAL dislike to me - I'm sure she thought I needed this stuff for manafacturing homemade extasy tablets or something. (and lets face it... telling an elderly shop assistant you set fire to stuff and throw it around seems a bit bonkers).
I call on you colourful hoppers out there to reveal your suppliers
(Perhaps this is more a just UK problem, but tell us anyway - your advice may help someone else near where you live later on)
I read the v useful coloured-flame spinning FAQ which tells me all the things I need to know (thanks for that)
I still have a problem though:
Where do you actually buy this stuff??
I went to the local chemist/DIY shop with my handwritten list of chemicals from the faq - but nobody could help me. Infact my local Boots store pharmacist took a REAL dislike to me - I'm sure she thought I needed this stuff for manafacturing homemade extasy tablets or something. (and lets face it... telling an elderly shop assistant you set fire to stuff and throw it around seems a bit bonkers).
I call on you colourful hoppers out there to reveal your suppliers
(Perhaps this is more a just UK problem, but tell us anyway - your advice may help someone else near where you live later on)
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
I know where I get it... Boric acid is roach poison sold at local stores near me. The rest of it I get cuz I'm a chemistry teacher.
That's notso helpful you you. I'd as around within the london crew, they gotta have a connection.
I know where I get it... Boric acid is roach poison sold at local stores near me. The rest of it I get cuz I'm a chemistry teacher.
That's notso helpful you you. I'd as around within the london crew, they gotta have a connection.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
GOLD Member
enthusiast, but not enthusiastic
367 posts
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
enthusiast, but not enthusiastic
367 posts
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Posted:
I'm glad the educational dollars that we spend are going for something useful. Sincerely. Given that we spend the most money per child in the world and still have poorly paid teachers and badly educated kids, it's good that you get a fringe benefit. [And obviously I'm assuming that you dip into the school supplies...but I'm sure in reality, in case the school board is reading, you wouldn't do that.....]
EDIT: In looking at this, I realized it might sound negative or judgmental and I want to clarify I didn't mean it that way. My belief is that there are a lot of things wrong with our educational system, and for the most part, the teachers aren't one of them. We allocate our money unwisely is the big issue, it seems. But this is getting WAY off-topic, which is why I didn't include it in the first place. It was meant to be funny, and it's not funny if you have to explain it, but sometimes you should explain.....ok, I'm shutting up now.
EDITED_BY: munkypunks (1112373876)
I'm glad the educational dollars that we spend are going for something useful. Sincerely. Given that we spend the most money per child in the world and still have poorly paid teachers and badly educated kids, it's good that you get a fringe benefit. [And obviously I'm assuming that you dip into the school supplies...but I'm sure in reality, in case the school board is reading, you wouldn't do that.....]
EDIT: In looking at this, I realized it might sound negative or judgmental and I want to clarify I didn't mean it that way. My belief is that there are a lot of things wrong with our educational system, and for the most part, the teachers aren't one of them. We allocate our money unwisely is the big issue, it seems. But this is getting WAY off-topic, which is why I didn't include it in the first place. It was meant to be funny, and it's not funny if you have to explain it, but sometimes you should explain.....ok, I'm shutting up now.
EDITED_BY: munkypunks (1112373876)
You can't fall off the floor, but sometimes you need a chair to reach the cookie jar.
member
41 posts
41 posts
Posted:
^^ LOL..
i got that you were kidding firstoff, so i doubt anyone would take offense.
Boric acid is sold as roach poisin, or as Antibacterial stuff at a pharmacy, or at pet stores as anti-flea stuff.... it should say right on the container "100% boric acid"
i've found a few of the other chemicals on Ebay, though i never got around to ordering them and don't know if jsut anyone can do it, though i'd assume so.
^^ LOL..
i got that you were kidding firstoff, so i doubt anyone would take offense.
Boric acid is sold as roach poisin, or as Antibacterial stuff at a pharmacy, or at pet stores as anti-flea stuff.... it should say right on the container "100% boric acid"
i've found a few of the other chemicals on Ebay, though i never got around to ordering them and don't know if jsut anyone can do it, though i'd assume so.
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Can you get Uranium on ebay?
*tootles off to have a look*
They do say you can sell and buy anything
Can you get Uranium on ebay?
*tootles off to have a look*
They do say you can sell and buy anything
GOLD Member
enthusiast
389 posts
Location: Utrecht [NL], Netherlands
enthusiast
389 posts
Location: Utrecht [NL], Netherlands
Posted:
lithium, boric acid and some other are largely available at pharmacies... 6 euros per 100g for boric acid afaik but don't know about lithium chlorid and other chemicals ... there still CHEMICALS... it was nice to do it a few times but the preps and maintenance are too much. i'll stick with normal firepoi, or doubles, or triples :P
lithium, boric acid and some other are largely available at pharmacies... 6 euros per 100g for boric acid afaik but don't know about lithium chlorid and other chemicals ... there still CHEMICALS... it was nice to do it a few times but the preps and maintenance are too much. i'll stick with normal firepoi, or doubles, or triples :P
"Don’t know how long, this one’s gonna take;
I could fail, but I’d rather be a fuckup, than a fake"
SILVER Member
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posted:
Thanks for the replies so far! Keep em coming, even if you're at the other side of the world..
But I still don't have a shop name, email address, telephone number or whatever for even the most common of these chemicals, 'boric acid'.
(I checked again in my local DIY shop for different ant killer powders, and NONE of them contain boric acid.. &^%^*&^E)
Anyone else know where to get this stuff?? A brand name will do
EDITED_BY: MarkMark (1112398090)
Thanks for the replies so far! Keep em coming, even if you're at the other side of the world..
But I still don't have a shop name, email address, telephone number or whatever for even the most common of these chemicals, 'boric acid'.
(I checked again in my local DIY shop for different ant killer powders, and NONE of them contain boric acid.. &^%^*&^E)
Anyone else know where to get this stuff?? A brand name will do
EDITED_BY: MarkMark (1112398090)
GOLD Member
member
53 posts
Location: Washington D.C.
member
53 posts
Location: Washington D.C.
Posted:
I have a question.....do you just mix the chems into the fuel? Or is there something else that is done to make this work?
I have a question.....do you just mix the chems into the fuel? Or is there something else that is done to make this work?
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war
for a lead role in a cage?
--Pink Floyd
GOLD Member
enthusiast
389 posts
Location: Utrecht [NL], Netherlands
enthusiast
389 posts
Location: Utrecht [NL], Netherlands
Posted:
mixing with the fuel is an option, though afaik it doesn't mix well. you can just put some chemical on the poi once you dipped it in the fuel.
after some 'chemical spinning' the outside of your poi will be covered in some hardened layer of chemicals (or whats left of it) and the inside will turn the colour of the chemical... at least, that's my expierence
anyways, beware of the fumes... both lit and unlit. it smells REALLY bad and you can get a MAJOR headache by hanging too long it those fumes :S
@mark: really, try a big pharmacy... im sure they'll store it. i was asked what i was going to do with it by the shopsman... i said 'to make coloured flames' and the guy had peace with it... he even gave me some tips for other colours
*edit* the FAQ says you can buy it in pottery stores... this ain't a joke, it's true. though the (big)pottery stores are a bit hard to find if you dont know were to look.
EDITED_BY: anonomatos (1112434233)
mixing with the fuel is an option, though afaik it doesn't mix well. you can just put some chemical on the poi once you dipped it in the fuel.
after some 'chemical spinning' the outside of your poi will be covered in some hardened layer of chemicals (or whats left of it) and the inside will turn the colour of the chemical... at least, that's my expierence
anyways, beware of the fumes... both lit and unlit. it smells REALLY bad and you can get a MAJOR headache by hanging too long it those fumes :S
@mark: really, try a big pharmacy... im sure they'll store it. i was asked what i was going to do with it by the shopsman... i said 'to make coloured flames' and the guy had peace with it... he even gave me some tips for other colours
*edit* the FAQ says you can buy it in pottery stores... this ain't a joke, it's true. though the (big)pottery stores are a bit hard to find if you dont know were to look.
EDITED_BY: anonomatos (1112434233)
"Don’t know how long, this one’s gonna take;
I could fail, but I’d rather be a fuckup, than a fake"
SILVER Member
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posted:
Anonomatos - thanks for the advice.
I did do a quick look up of potters supplies but I keep running into this problem of trade names... so it's sold under a different name eg. "Red-o-glaze" or whatever.. same problem I had in the DIY and chemists.
I'll stick with my parafin yellow for now ( >> reverts to Mr Traditionalist mode)
Mr "i can obtain fruit": uranium? for those radioactive nuclear glo-poi I suppose? Don't blow us all up will ya!
- you're a nutcase.. but funny with it
Anonomatos - thanks for the advice.
I did do a quick look up of potters supplies but I keep running into this problem of trade names... so it's sold under a different name eg. "Red-o-glaze" or whatever.. same problem I had in the DIY and chemists.
I'll stick with my parafin yellow for now ( >> reverts to Mr Traditionalist mode)
Mr "i can obtain fruit": uranium? for those radioactive nuclear glo-poi I suppose? Don't blow us all up will ya!
- you're a nutcase.. but funny with it
member
277 posts
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
277 posts
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Posted:
Check the FAQ on mixing -- roach powder (aka boric acid) is only soluable in denatured alcohol. However, some boric acid is powdery enough that you can get onto your poi by suspension as well as solution. Load up a small, sealable jar with alcohol+boric acid, shake well, and then pour over your poi. You'll get a very bright very green flame.
You can use kero/white gas *if* you shake very well, but the effect is still nowhere near as good as alcohol.
Check the FAQ on mixing -- roach powder (aka boric acid) is only soluable in denatured alcohol. However, some boric acid is powdery enough that you can get onto your poi by suspension as well as solution. Load up a small, sealable jar with alcohol+boric acid, shake well, and then pour over your poi. You'll get a very bright very green flame.
You can use kero/white gas *if* you shake very well, but the effect is still nowhere near as good as alcohol.
SILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia
Posted:
pj, i use meths, tis grouse.
UCOF, tell me when u know what color ur 'unique' flames go
good luck,
cheers, pete
pj, i use meths, tis grouse.
UCOF, tell me when u know what color ur 'unique' flames go
good luck,
cheers, pete
"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"
*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*
SILVER Member
with added berries
1,365 posts
Location: Manchester, England (UK)
with added berries
1,365 posts
Location: Manchester, England (UK)
Posted:
As a ceramic student, I can get most of these things from college. All the things like red on glaze, underglaze etc is not what you want, these are not pure chemicals, I won't bore you with the technicalities though.
The chemicals will all be listed under their name-try looking in OXIDES and METALLIC SALTS.
There are many suppliers, try a google search.
I thought you weren't meant to mix the chemicals with you're normal fuel as this dilutes the colour, whats the best thing to use?
As a ceramic student, I can get most of these things from college. All the things like red on glaze, underglaze etc is not what you want, these are not pure chemicals, I won't bore you with the technicalities though.
The chemicals will all be listed under their name-try looking in OXIDES and METALLIC SALTS.
There are many suppliers, try a google search.
I thought you weren't meant to mix the chemicals with you're normal fuel as this dilutes the colour, whats the best thing to use?
Live like there is no tomorrow,
dance like nobody is watching
and hula hoop like wiggling will save the world.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
SILVER Member
Scientist!
578 posts
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Scientist!
578 posts
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Posted:
Read the Coloured Fuel article on it and it describes everything you need to know
Read the Coloured Fuel article on it and it describes everything you need to know
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,136 posts
Location: Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Posted:
If you're looking to buy some around London, we've got some spare that we bought last year from a chemical supplier and would sell on at cost price to anyone whose serious/going to use them properly/not going to assult grannies with them. I can't remember the exact chemicals we have, but they're all legal as far as i know in the UK without a license. PM if you're interested
If you're looking to buy some around London, we've got some spare that we bought last year from a chemical supplier and would sell on at cost price to anyone whose serious/going to use them properly/not going to assult grannies with them. I can't remember the exact chemicals we have, but they're all legal as far as i know in the UK without a license. PM if you're interested
SILVER Member
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posted:
ImmortalAngel, thanks for the link. I had actually read it but it's actual suppliers I'm having trouble with. ie. where can I order this stuff from (here in the UK)
Thanks for the offer flid, I'll be in touch if I get around to it.
pj. re "roach powder", the closest equivelent to that here is ant powder (which contains "borate tetrachloride", a dirivative of boric.. but NOT the same)
ImmortalAngel, thanks for the link. I had actually read it but it's actual suppliers I'm having trouble with. ie. where can I order this stuff from (here in the UK)
Thanks for the offer flid, I'll be in touch if I get around to it.
pj. re "roach powder", the closest equivelent to that here is ant powder (which contains "borate tetrachloride", a dirivative of boric.. but NOT the same)
Pooh-Bah
2,354 posts
Location: Away from home
2,354 posts
Location: Away from home
Posted:
you can get boric acid at boots
in a little white box with green and blue writing on it
just don't frighten the people who you are asking to show you where it is
other than that, try contacting somewhere like Sigma who have a catalogue of chemicals about four inches thick. I'm sitting in a lab so I'm biased as to how easy such things are to come by, but the help people are very friendly. You might need a license but the only substances that the catalogues lists as requiring a license are such things as cocaine and testosterone (who knew?)
but I may be talking hippy-scientist-with-her-head-in-the-clouds talk
sorry if I am
you can get boric acid at boots
in a little white box with green and blue writing on it
just don't frighten the people who you are asking to show you where it is
other than that, try contacting somewhere like Sigma who have a catalogue of chemicals about four inches thick. I'm sitting in a lab so I'm biased as to how easy such things are to come by, but the help people are very friendly. You might need a license but the only substances that the catalogues lists as requiring a license are such things as cocaine and testosterone (who knew?)
but I may be talking hippy-scientist-with-her-head-in-the-clouds talk
sorry if I am
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
nope....most of the chemicals you want to use for colours are going to need a polar solvent...so any alcohol will work...
just had to add my 2cents...
oh! and chems like LiCl are used in pharmeceuticals as antidepressants....so buying them in bulk will be frowned upon if you can even get some...fireworks supply sites will have all the colouring agents you can think of...
as long as u know what your doing...
*hint
*hint
study your chemistry 150%
Written by: pj
Check the FAQ on mixing -- roach powder (aka boric acid) is only soluable in denatured alcohol.
nope....most of the chemicals you want to use for colours are going to need a polar solvent...so any alcohol will work...
just had to add my 2cents...
oh! and chems like LiCl are used in pharmeceuticals as antidepressants....so buying them in bulk will be frowned upon if you can even get some...fireworks supply sites will have all the colouring agents you can think of...
as long as u know what your doing...
*hint
*hint
study your chemistry 150%
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
SILVER Member
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posted:
Molly, thanks - you're a star!!!
Molly, thanks - you're a star!!!
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
Molly will you order me up some testosterone please?
Molly will you order me up some testosterone please?
Love is the law.
Pooh-Bah
2,354 posts
Location: Away from home
2,354 posts
Location: Away from home
Posted:
no
I don't have a home office license
but we do have a large tub of whatever the fly equivalent of viagra is downstairs
*disclaimer: molly is a very responsible grown up really and doesn't condone thieving chemicals for nefarious purposes. Not even for raisins.*
no
I don't have a home office license
but we do have a large tub of whatever the fly equivalent of viagra is downstairs
*disclaimer: molly is a very responsible grown up really and doesn't condone thieving chemicals for nefarious purposes. Not even for raisins.*
GOLD Member
member
53 posts
Location: Washington D.C.
member
53 posts
Location: Washington D.C.
Posted:
not even for raisins.......damn
Written by: Molly
*disclaimer: molly is a very responsible grown up really and doesn't condone thieving chemicals for nefarious purposes. Not even for raisins.*
not even for raisins.......damn
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war
for a lead role in a cage?
--Pink Floyd
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
thanks for the link molly...just got meself a catalogue
thanks for the link molly...just got meself a catalogue
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
old hand
725 posts
Location: Chester, UK
725 posts
Location: Chester, UK
Posted:
Chemicals...chemicals.
Let's see. I have...
3 x 100g pots Lithium chloride
1 x 500g barium chloride
1 x 500ml oleic acid (supposdly burns pink, never tried it)
2 x 250g strontium chloride
2 x 250g copper (II) chloride
1 x 500g potassium chloride
1 x 500g boric acid
Interested?
Chemicals...chemicals.
Let's see. I have...
3 x 100g pots Lithium chloride
1 x 500g barium chloride
1 x 500ml oleic acid (supposdly burns pink, never tried it)
2 x 250g strontium chloride
2 x 250g copper (II) chloride
1 x 500g potassium chloride
1 x 500g boric acid
Interested?
Spoiling Christmas for small children since 2003.
SILVER Member
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
[psylocibin fingerbobe].
479 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posted:
I'll give you your weight in raisins!
I'll give you your weight in raisins!
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
erm....dont have anything to give....so...
i'll whore myself out???
jk....pm me w\details.......and ive got a supply site for you as well...but i wont put it on here due to some of the chems that are available for sale on the site..so...
sheep...
pm me
erm....dont have anything to give....so...
i'll whore myself out???
jk....pm me w\details.......and ive got a supply site for you as well...but i wont put it on here due to some of the chems that are available for sale on the site..so...
sheep...
pm me
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
SILVER Member
(...trusty steed of the rodeo midget...)
403 posts
Location: the state of flux, Ireland
(...trusty steed of the rodeo midget...)
403 posts
Location: the state of flux, Ireland
Posted:
Darkpoet,
Which of the Sigma catalogues did you get?
Darkpoet,
Which of the Sigma catalogues did you get?
AnonymousPLATINUM Member
Posted:
For the people that have tried it, how much of the (x) chemical dissolves in the fuel? Because of it being a fuel i dont think it would dissolve much compared to something like water. I would think only something like a tea spoon would actually dissolve, the rest would sink to the bottem? If only i could get my hands on some to try it.
Matt.
For the people that have tried it, how much of the (x) chemical dissolves in the fuel? Because of it being a fuel i dont think it would dissolve much compared to something like water. I would think only something like a tea spoon would actually dissolve, the rest would sink to the bottem? If only i could get my hands on some to try it.
Matt.
member
277 posts
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
277 posts
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Posted:
We're not talking rocket science here. ;-) I just heap in the roach powder, pour in the alcohol, shake it good, then pour over my wicks. If there is a lot of sediment on the bottom I add more alcohol, if there isn't I add more roach powder. If I had to take a really rough guess, I'd say that one pound of roach powder is good for somewhere between 1-2 gallons of alcohol.
We're not talking rocket science here. ;-) I just heap in the roach powder, pour in the alcohol, shake it good, then pour over my wicks. If there is a lot of sediment on the bottom I add more alcohol, if there isn't I add more roach powder. If I had to take a really rough guess, I'd say that one pound of roach powder is good for somewhere between 1-2 gallons of alcohol.
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
ill find out when it arrives
Written by: squarefish
Darkpoet,
Which of the Sigma catalogues did you get?
ill find out when it arrives
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
SILVER Member
(...trusty steed of the rodeo midget...)
403 posts
Location: the state of flux, Ireland
(...trusty steed of the rodeo midget...)
403 posts
Location: the state of flux, Ireland
Posted:
Ah.....
Ah.....
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