Looking for a Gel that will burn nicely....

[Frank Petronio]

I have an idea for some photos using fire as the light source. What I want to do is add a flammable substance to a concrete all and do a fairly long exposure through a strong ND filter....

I've used Gasoline before but it burns off too quickly. Lighter Fluid is pretty wimpy. So I need something inbetween... a gel would be idea because I could control exactly where it goes.

Any suggestions?

I've already tried some Ambroid (model airplane cement) but it burns too low and is expensive.

I figure that all you engineers and nerds are closet pyromaniacs and know you're doing ;-)

[John T]

It seems like the best product for your purpose would be Pyro Gel. This is the stuff that they use in movies when they light a person on fire. It is a gel that is spread on the person (in a firesuit if they want the person to survive) It is controllable, non-explosive.

[Jim Michael]

What type and color flame? Do you want smoke with it? What color?

[Jim Edmond]

Would Sterno work? I believe it's jellied alcohol.

[Nathan Potter]

Sterno was my thought also. Or an equivalent jellied fuel as used in camping. For more dramatic effects you can add other material such as magnesium chips for white sparkles or mothballs for smoke. Experiment a bit with small samples first, to get the feel of it.

Nate Potter, Austin TX.

[Frank Petronio]

I shoot B&W so who cares what color it is? ;-) Thanks.... rubber cement and sterno so far....

[jhogan]

Try Shoe-goo. Contains toluene which burns with a bright orange flame. Also excellent for concentrating and inhaling, if you're into that kind of thing.

[JRFrench]

Dissolve polystyrene foam in petrol, makes a very flammable goo Used to play with it as a kid, the fumes it gives off probably aren't that nice tho.

[Jerry Bodine]

Road hazard flares?

[percepts]

how big do you need the flames are will they be in shot?