Coloured Flames, How to Colour Fire Poi
Disclaimer: Special precautions must be taken when exposing chemicals to naked flame. Follow directions carefully and if unsure seek expert advice. Poi Poi can not be held responsible for the safety of those following the contents of this guide.
Fuels to Use
Fire poi wicks should be soaked in liquids which are flammble but not explosive. The most commonly used fuel is Parrafin (commonly used in camping/oil lamps). Retailers of juggling equipment often stock suitable fuels. Below is a list of suitable fuels:
* Parrafin
* Kerosine
* Specialist Fire Water
Flame Colourants: Theory
Non-explosive chemical compounds (as seen in the table below) can be dissolved into flammable liquids to produce coloured flames during combustion. In order for the chemical compounds to dissolve into the end product your liquid solvent must be alcohol based. Good solvents to use include Ethanol or Methylated Spirits. These liquids can be puchased from highsteet camping shops and chemists, and are commonly known as camping stove fuel (Methylated Spirits) or Anti-Freeze (sometimes Ethanol). Always check ingredients. Please note that standard fuels for fire poi such as Parrafin and Kerosine are not alcohol based and as such will not allow the colouring chemicals to adequately dissolve.
Mixtures & Measures
There are no real guidelines, other than the amount of chemical compound (usually powder form) that can be dissolved into the alcohol-fuel base. Add the colourant to the base and shake to dissolve. A rough guide would be two tablespoons of chemical powder to 1 litre of alcohol-fuel base.
