Flash paper is a type of paper used by magicians in their performances to create a quick flash or burst of flame. It is a specially treated paper that burns quickly and completely without leaving any ash or residue behind. When ignited, it burns in a bright flash and produces a small puff of smoke, which can be used to create visual effects or to make objects appear or disappear in a puff of smoke.

Flash paper is typically made from a type of nitrocellulose material that is highly flammable and burns quickly. It is important to handle flash paper with care and to follow safety guidelines when using it, as it can be dangerous if not used properly. Magicians usually purchase flash paper from magic supply shops or online retailers, and it is available in various sizes and shapes to suit different performance needs.

Flash paper is made from a highly flammable nitrocellulose compound. Nitrocellulose is a highly combustible material that is commonly used in the production of explosives, propellants, and other pyrotechnic products.

The manufacturing process for flash paper involves soaking a thin, absorbent paper in a solution of nitrocellulose and other chemicals, such as potassium nitrate or magnesium powder. The paper is then dried and cut into sheets or rolls of various sizes.

When ignited, the nitrocellulose compound in the flash paper burns rapidly and completely, producing a bright flash of light and a small puff of smoke. Because the combustion reaction is so rapid, there is little time for heat to be transferred to the surroundings, which helps to minimize the risk of fire or injury. However, it is still important to use caution and follow proper safety procedures when handling and using flash paper.

Flash paper is a powerful tool that can enhance the impact of your magic tricks and add an element of surprise and excitement to your performance. Here are some tips on how to enhance your magic tricks with flash paper:

1. Use flash paper to produce a sudden burst of fire: One of the most popular uses for flash paper is to produce a burst of fire that can make your magic tricks more dramatic and memorable. Use flash paper to make objects appear or disappear in a puff of smoke, or to create a flash of fire that will surprise and delight your audience.

2. Use flash paper to create a distraction: Flash paper can also be used to create a distraction that can help you perform a sleight of hand or switch out a prop without your audience noticing. For example, you can ignite a small piece of flash paper to create a burst of smoke while you perform a secret move.

3. Use flash paper to enhance your story: Flash paper can be used to create a visual effect that enhances your story and makes your magic tricks more engaging. For example, you can use flash paper to make a magic wand appear out of thin air, or to make a piece of paper burst into flames to reveal a hidden message.

4. Use flash paper in combination with other props: Flash paper can be used in combination with other props, such as coins, cards, or silk handkerchiefs, to create a more dynamic and visually stunning magic trick. For example, you can make a coin vanish in a puff of smoke or transform a silk handkerchief into a bouquet of flowers using flash paper.

5. Practice safety and proper handling: Flash paper can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it's important to follow safety guidelines and practice your handling before performing in front of an audience. Always use a flame-resistant surface, keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby, and never hold the paper in your hand after it has been ignited.

By using flash paper creatively and safely, you can add a new level of excitement and impact to your magic tricks and leave your audience amazed and entertained.

Here are ten tricks that can be done with flash paper in a magic trick:

1. Vanishing object: The magician can light a small piece of flash paper and use it to make a small object, such as a coin or a piece of paper, vanish in a burst of flame.

2. Appearing object: The magician can hold a small piece of flash paper in their hand and use it to make an object, such as a rose or a silk handkerchief, appear in a burst of flame.

3. Transformation: The magician can use flash paper to transform one object into another. For example, they can light a small piece of flash paper over a picture of a flower and make it transform into a real flower.

4. Fireball production: The magician can light a larger piece of flash paper to produce a ball of flame, which can be used to add drama to a performance.

5. Levitation: The magician can light a small piece of flash paper under an object, such as a table or a chair, to make it appear to levitate.

6. Color change: The magician can use flash paper to create a sudden change in the color of an object. For example, they can light a piece of flash paper over a white silk handkerchief to turn it into a red one.

7. Card tricks: Flash paper can be used in various card tricks, such as making a selected card vanish or appear in a burst of flame.

8. Coin tricks: Flash paper can also be used in coin tricks, such as making a coin vanish or transform into another object.

9. Paper money tricks: Flash paper can be used to add a dramatic element to tricks involving paper money, such as making a banknote disappear or appear in a burst of flame.

10. Stage effects: Flash paper can be used to create stage effects, such as creating a sudden explosion or burst of flame to add excitement to a performance.

Flash paper can be dangerous if not used properly, so it is important to follow proper safety procedures when handling and using it. Here are some flash paper safety instructions:

1. Always read the instructions and warnings that come with the flash paper before use.

2. Store flash paper in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

3. Keep flash paper away from children and pets.

4. Never light flash paper near flammable materials or liquids, such as gasoline or alcohol.

5. Always use a flame-resistant surface, such as a metal tray or a ceramic plate, when igniting flash paper.

6. Use a lighter or a long-reach match to ignite the flash paper, and keep your fingers and other body parts away from the flame.

7. Only use a small piece of flash paper at a time, and never use more than one piece at once.

8. Do not hold the flash paper in your hand after it has been ignited. Instead, place it on the flame-resistant surface and let it burn completely.

9. Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency.

10. Only buy the amount of Flash Paper you need. That way you are not storing it for long periods of time. It is best to keep it stored wet with water and then let it air dry before using. 

Flash paper should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. This is important to prevent the nitrocellulose compound in the flash paper from deteriorating or decomposing, which can make it less stable and more dangerous to use.
Ideally you should store the flash paper wet with water inside a plastic bag. You can even use 2 bags so that way the wet paper will not evaporate. To store wet, use distilled water. This is the best as it will not have contaminates in the water that is left on the paper. Flash paper can be stored for up to a year wet. You can store it longer dry but it is more dangerous to store dry since it is in a more flammable state.

In general, it is important to handle flash paper with care and to follow proper safety guidelines when using it, regardless of how it is stored. By storing flash paper properly and taking the necessary precautions, you can help to ensure that it remains safe and stable for use in your magic performances.

Flash paper can deteriorate over time, especially if it is not stored properly or if it is exposed to moisture or heat. Here are some signs that flash paper may have expired and is no longer good:

1. It looks yellowish or discolored: Flash paper should be white or off-white in color. If it appears yellowish or discolored, this could be a sign that it has degraded or decomposed.

2. It feels damp or sticky: Flash paper should be dry and crisp to the touch. If it feels damp or sticky, this could be a sign that it has absorbed moisture and may be unstable.

3. It has a strange smell: Flash paper should not have a strong or unusual odor. If it smells strange, this could be a sign that it has degraded or decomposed.

4. It does not ignite properly: If flash paper does not ignite properly or burns slowly or incompletely, this could be a sign that it has degraded and is no longer safe to use.

5. It produces excessive smoke or ash: Flash paper should burn cleanly, producing a bright flash of light and minimal smoke or ash. If it produces excessive smoke or ash, this could be a sign that it has degraded and is no longer safe to use.

If you suspect that your flash paper has expired or is no longer good, it is best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it properly. Do not attempt to use expired flash paper, as it can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.