The choice of products needed to create an effect is influenced by the length of time the scene is needed. Each combination of products and delivery systems create a different winter effect in a different way for a different length of time, so the clean up varies accordingly. For a general explanation of the product groups, their uses and clear-up techniques click on the clear up bar.
Foam: Fast laying, cost effective, detergent based that is self-clearing. It is perfect for deep snow and background cover but not suitable for close-up detail on buildings or use near water. Care should be exercised near livestock and certain foliage.
C90: Fast laying, eco-friendly, pure cellulose delivered at high speed as a micro-fine powder which is relatively inexpensive and designed to be washed away by rain or low-pressure water hoses.
Snowcel paper snow A more stable, yet versatile, fast laying product which can be treated to comply with indoor fire regulations or left in a natural state for biodegradable all-round snow cover that can be washed away.
Polymer Our unique artificial ‘Instant snow’ expands to 40 times its’ own volume making it ideal to transport to remote sets locations but must be laid onto a porous membrane when used outdoors protect the location and ensure a speedy clear-up.
Plastic Snow Designed to give colour and lift to other products in studios where they are easily vacuumed away, they also come in a number of short-life biodegradable versions that can be used and safely washed away on location.
Wax (Ice effects)
Wax has become a very useful and versatile addition to the winter effects range. It can be sprayed on to any surface (even skin) to give the appearance of sub-zero temperatures, or floated onto water to create a totally believable frozen lake. After the wax is finished with you can peel it off, or scoop it out of the water to be recycled.
Starch designed as a biodegradable product for wild areas where clearing might be difficult, starch snow can become slippery when wet and dries to a tough, hard to remove layer if left on manufactured surfaces.
Salts One of the original artificial snows, salt-based products are now been recognised as being highly corrosive to buildings and very damaging to wildlife and the environment.
