How to Make Fireworks 101: Basic Chemistry of Compositions

A short explanation of what chemicals are responsible for the various effects seen in fireworks. This is a simple overview to provide a little bit of knowledge for those starting to look into the art of pyrotechnics.


Please put some thought into your questions. We support the safe and legal practice of the art of pyrotechnics, we will not provide information for anything that appears to be less than pure artistic intent.

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[_ThreeStrikes_]

To the FBI agent watching me: i am watching this for educational purposes only

[TheKingofRandom]

Great video. Thanks for more understanding on the subject. Where do you get your information on firework compositions?

[Nighthawkinlight]

@blobdabob I buy my chemicals in bulk wherever I can find them cheapest. More info about both of your questions can be found on my website, and APC forum. Links to both of those sites can be found in the video description.

[Nighthawkinlight]

That can depend on a lot of things, but typically no if you are in the US. I recommend that you visit the forum linked to in the video description to ask further questions and research if you have interest in learning about how to make fireworks.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Arteolike No. Copper sulfate is not used in fireworks because it degrades over time, and is generally very problematic to use. Also, potassium nitrate compositions cannot take color as I said in the video. You need another oxidizer such as potassium perchlorate in order to make colors. Finally, if you do make a perchlorate star composition, you may not ram it into a fountain, because only nitrate based compositions may be rammed safely.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@kcinkcinkcinnick Yes, you could do that. PVC is usually not the only fuel in a composition though. I suggest you ask further questions you have at amateurpyro(dot)com so that you can get more in depth input.

[bib]

this is genuinely everything ive been looking for in a full on beginner video in firework building! trying to teach myself and this is great man, much love ❤️

[Nighthawkinlight]

@d2kool594 Yes, it has been quite slow because of winter. I have many videos in the works however, and as you can see I have a new HD camera and studio setup to inspire me. This is the only channel I use.

[MrWTBilly]

This video was great for someone as inexperienced in the art of pyrotechnics as me and I deeply appreciate the time you took to make it. Thank you ever so much. :)

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Nanovirus5995 Be sure to join the forum at amateurpyro(dot)com, we would be glad to have you there.

Yes, that is 5 pounds of Mg.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@Flomounier1 It is perfectly legal to own all the chemicals I have shown today without a license if you are in the States. Depending on local regulation you may also use them to make fireworks and compositions, also no need for a license. Without an ATF approvable magazine however you may not store any fireworks or compositions for more than 24 hours after creation. You also may not transport your fireworks without a license.

The best way to find your local laws is to join a club.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@TheBombBros Ah I forgot about shellac. That is very often used as a binder. I have never heard of PVC being used as a binder, to my knowledge it is purely a chlorine donor. Red gum is sometimes used to bind stars, but it is not as strong as parlon or shellac.

[skyym]

Thank you for this basic illustration of the different chemicals and there use in fireworks. You really made that easy to understand.
Thumbs up as always and God Bless

[Nighthawkinlight]

@6squirrels When cornstarch is cooked it is a chemical process that is taking place which changes the very nature of the starch. It is similar to caramelizing sugar. Regular corn starch is useless as a glue, but dextrin is very sticky when wet and will harden into a solid mass which makes it perfect as a binder in stars.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@matthew2496 A match could be taken to every chemical shown in this video with no effect apart from the magnesium, which burns slowly in atmospheric O2. In order for any one of these to be particularly flammable they must be mixed with others. The oxidizers need fuel, and the fuels need oxidizers. They are stored separate and securely. In the event of a fire there would not be violent reactions. I do not store any mixed compositions, and I do not build fireworks indoors.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@666TECHNO666 No, it is too unstable when mixed with typical pyro chemicals. I have experimented with it and there is a reason it's not used in fireworks. It seems to degrade and react with any composition it is present in.

[RHINORyan]

Good stuff Nighthawk, keep posting videos on this because i want to start making my own fireworks, it will a hobby, but i want to be safe at doing this, but also have fun.

[Nighthawkinlight]

@lyrison $2.50/lb if I remember right. Magnesium powder is not expensive if you find the right supplier, the expensive part is shipping it.

[PyroPortrayal]

The informative quality is superb in this video NHL! Since I already know these facts, I will use this video as a tool to educate others that need guidance :)

[Nighthawkinlight]

Search for compositions for colored stars that have already been created. Be sure to double check that they are safe on a site such as amateurpyro(dot)com before using them.