Keep the rest of your body a safe distance away from the hand that is holding the fire. Fabrics like cotton, rayon, and acetate catch fire easily and burn quickly. [3] X Research source
Because of their high degree of flammability, gases like butane and methane burn extremely hot. Injury may result if any part of your skin not covered by the liquid solution is allowed to come into contact with the fire. For maximum protection, consider wearing rubber laboratory gloves when lighting your hands. It’s not quite as daring, but you’ll have a much lower chance of burning yourself.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case the flames catch something that they’re not supposed to. Serious burns should be examined and treated by a medical specialist immediately.
Almost anything will burn once it has been coated in the alcohol or gas solution. Choose a testing material that won’t catch once the solution has burned out, such as metal, rubber, ceramic or fiberglass. [7] X Research source Set up the experiment outdoors, or someplace where a fire won’t spread if something goes wrong.
Do not use hand sanitizer to wash your hands. Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol, which is itself mildly flammable. [9] X Research source
Some bottled isopropyl alcohol comes already diluted. Consider this when mixing the alcohol with water. If it’s a strong alcohol, like a 90/10 dilution, use about 11 ounces with 9 ounces of water. For weaker kinds, like a 70/30 dilution, you’ll need to use significantly more alcohol, closer to 14 ounces, with 6 ounces of water.
The longer you soak your hands, the more water absorbs into your skin, saturating it and safeguarding you from burns.
Alcohol doesn’t burn particularly long or hot, so this version, while providing the safest conditions, won’t be the most impressive. Wash your hands again when you’re done to remove any remaining traces of alcohol.
Flammable gases, especially in compressed canisters, should only be used under the supervision of an expert or knowledgeable adult. Butane can be purchased in small bottles with built-in nozzles for simple culinary use.
Any regular liquid dish soap will do the trick. Stay away from hand soaps and liquid laundry detergents. The lipids in the soap solution will naturally separate from the gas bubbles, keeping them away from your skin.
The bubbles themselves will be extremely flammable, so be careful and only use a little at a time. Methane bubbles, in particular, are light enough to stack up on top of one another interminably until the gas supply is shut off. [16] X Research source
Whatever gas bubbles come into contact with your hands will burn out before they reach your skin through the soap solution.
The bubbles and fumes from the gas will continue rising even after they’ve touched your skin. This means that they’ll catch fire as they’re moving away from you, making the experiment safe. [19] X Research source Look out for drips and drifting bubbles. These can be ignited on their own!
