Improved Titanium Sparkler

Almost everybody who has lit one of these Titanium sparklers has jumped up and down stiff-legged and begged for the formula.

Well my fellow pyro addict, thanks to the gracious permission of the AFN staff I'm going to show you this method for building a better sparkler.

This is just one of many cool fireworks ideas you can find in Best of AFN, Volume VI.

This project is a slight modification of the famous Spirit of America titanium sparkler formula.

The titanium, dextrin and guar gum are mixed with sufficient warm water to form a thick glop. It is stirred for a while. Then the potassium perchlorate is added with continued stirring.

More water is added while doing this until the consistency of the mix is thick enough for dipping. When this consistency is reached, the wires are dipped into it one or more times, allowing the coating to dry between dips, until the desired coating length and thickness are achieved.

The wire can be made from coat hangers. Or, for a straighter and more professional appearance, bundled 8-foot wires used for suspending ceiling can be purchased from a building supply store and cut to the desire length.

Be sure to use dextrin AND the guar gum. Guar is a thickening agent used to get a good, thick coating in only two dips. It costs very little and makes the slurry cling to the wires with only minimal dripping when drying. 

Alternatives and Substitutions:

• Guar gum works best CMC can be substituted. 
• Many fine (150-325 mesh) titanium powders will work with this formula. 150-200 mesh flake works best, but 200-325 mesh spherical or granular produce a very pleasing effect. Mixing titaniums gives a very full effect. 

Pretty simple, lovely effect, and you can get everything you need at here at Skylighter.