Over the years, magicians and mentalists have used many different props in their performances.
It’s no wonder the industry keeps developing new devices to add more spice to the shows.
One very common prop is Flash Paper.
Magicians have used this to wow and shock audiences for decades.
But what is Flash Paper?
And what are the different ways to use Flash Paper?
What are some cool Flash Paper tricks to learn?
We’re going to answer all these questions here.
So come along!
What Is Flash Paper?
Flash Paper (also known as flash cotton or nitrocellulose paper) looks a lot like regular paper or tissue…
But it flashes a very bright light when ignited.
That’s where the name comes from.
Also, Flash Paper leaves nothing behind when lit, disappearing into thin air.
How does the paper do that?
Well, it is treated with nitric acid. This allows the paper to combust immediately without any ashes or smoke.
As simple as that.
The 5 Different Ways to Use Flash Paper
The Flash Paper’s uncanny ability to produce a bright flame instantly has found a home in the world of magic and entertainment.
It is used to create visually stunning effects.
However, its flashy nature isn’t the only reason for its widespread use.
Magicians can use the bright flames as a diversion tactic to misdirect the audience’s attention.
They can use it in so many different ways.
Here, we’ll only look at the 5 most common ways magicians use Flash Paper.
#1: Vanishing Effects
Flash Paper is often incorporated into vanishing acts. This is thanks to its ability to disappear instantly when aflame.
And unlike ordinary paper that leaves ashes behind, Flash Paper has no residue.
This makes it look like it has vanished into thin air.
It’s often used with other vanishing acts, adding more shock value to the performance.
#2: Control Over the Elements
Magicians love to use Flash Paper to demonstrate their control over natural elements.
They will secretly light Flash Paper in their hands to exhibit their control over fire. The unknowing audience will surely be impressed.
The audience may be amazed by the ability of the magician to create fireballs at will.
More experienced magicians may even create stunning visuals with the unique flames, which helps elevate the trick entirely.
#3: Misdirection
Flash Paper is very helpful in serving as a distraction.
Well, that’s not hard to believe.
Flash Paper is so flashy that it can be the performance in and of itself.
At least, that’s what the magician wants you to think.
By diverting the audience’s attention to one point, they can maybe switch items out without anyone being the wiser.
The best magic tricks can rely on Flash Paper to help the magician pull a fast one on their audience.
Now you know how that magician turned a rabbit into a dove, using only a set of covers and Flash Paper!
#4: Dramatical Effects
Flash Paper is genuinely captivating on its own.
How does paper even do that?
It can add suspense, mystery, and drama to a magician’s performance.
Here, the magician may light Flash Paper in the dark to spook the audience or as a part of their entrance routine.
Flash Paper can turn a simple approach into a grand entrance.
#5: Comic Relief
If not for nothing, flames can simply entertain the audience.
Apart from trickery, magicians have to keep the audience laughing and grooving.
Flash Paper starts small controlled flames, where the magician may light his handkerchief or bow tie on fire by “accident.”
This type of trick is popularly performed in front of family audiences, where kids may get a big laugh from the planned mishap.
3 Common Flash Paper Tricks
Say you’re a magician who wants to add Flash Paper to your performance.
Well, you can choose one of these 3 great Flash Paper tricks…
Trick #1: Origami Rose
The Origami Rose trick has been performed in many shows and is a real crowd-pleaser.
It’s great for a date, too.
With this trick, the magician starts off by showing that their hands are empty. There is only one piece of paper on it (Hint: it’s not actually paper — it’s Flash Paper).
The performer starts to fold the paper into an origami rose.
When that’s done, they grab a lighter and ignite the paper rose.
As it’s Flash Paper, it instantly flames up and vanishes — revealing a real rose instead of the origami one.
The principle for this trick is very simple.
You just need to find a way to hide the real rose and grab it in time for the Flash Paper to disappear.
Trick #2: Flash Paper to Coins
Another trick involves ripping Flash Paper into tiny pieces.
The magician then ignites the smaller pieces, turning them into real coins!
They also set the coins ablaze, piece by piece, making them all disappear into thin air.
Finally, the magician makes them reappear from a purse in front of the audience.
This particular trick involves expert sleight of hand and misdirection to swap out the torn Flash Paper for the coins quickly. Also — to remove the coins and put more Flash Paper in its place.
It’s not the most complex trick, but it sure is mystifying in its own right.
The beauty lies in the simplicity.
Trick #3: Flash Paper to Cards
Here’s another similar trick to the first two.
Only this time, you turn the Flash Paper into cards.
Here, the magician lights Flash Paper to create a diversion before turning it into playing cards.
Making cards appear out of flames is certainly an astonishing illusion!
However, it can be more challenging than coins due to the combustible component of cards.
Magicians must be extra careful in bringing out the card, using impeccable timing to avoid burning themselves or the cards.
If you want to see how these Flash Paper tricks are done, check out how the Mask Magician turns Flash Paper into cash:
Precautions When Using Flash Paper
If you’re planning on getting in on the act, be warned that using Flash Paper comes with risks.
It can be a real fire hazard, especially for rookies.
While Flash Paper is a useful tool in a magician’s arsenal, it isn’t to be used casually or carelessly.
Even professionals take extra care by limiting the use of Flash Paper in their acts. It is a highly reactive material that has led to many accidents.
Moreover, Flash Paper needs to be carefully transported, protecting it from open flames.
It must be used in a highly controlled setting, too.
If you’re under 18 or don’t possess the necessary skills, executing any tricks using Flash Paper is inadvisable.
Conclusion
So those were the different ways to use Flash Paper.
Pretty cool, right?
It’s the perfect addition to any magician’s toolkit.
Flash Paper has the power to awe and shock the audience in the most simple way.
However, it is often used when combined with more masterful tricks.
Expert magicians usually rely on bright flames to captivate the audience…
Or to perform other tricks behind the flames.
If you’re interested in trying out Flash Paper, always remember that it can be dangerous. You should always have a fire extinguisher nearby while you’re still practicing how to use and control it.