How to Make Smoke Come Out of Your Fingers

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Smoking fingers is a mind-boggling trick that will make your audience scratch their head in curiosity. This easy trick only requires a lighter, matchbox, and a pair of gloves. Simply burn the striking strip of a matchbox, place the residue on your fingertips, and then rub your fingers together to release the smoke. This magic illusion can be dangerous, so ask an adult to demonstrate it for you, keep a fire extinguisher on hand, and always wear gloves. Have fun tricking your friends and family!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Doing the Trick

1
Put a ceramic dinner plate in the freezer for 30 minutes. This rapidly cools the plate down and helps to create a fire-proof surface to help you with your trick. When you take the plate out of the freezer, check that it feels cold. If it doesn’t feel cooler than the air temperature, leave it in the freezer for another 30 minutes to cool down.^{[1]
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- If you don’t have a freezer, put the plate in the fridge for 1 hour instead.
2
Cut the striking strip out of a matchbox. Remove the tray of matches from the matchbox and use a pair of scissors to trim off the striking strip. Try to trim off all the extra cardboard from around the striking strip, as this will create a more concentrated smoking powder.^{[2]
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- The striking strip is the coloured area on the side of the matchbox.
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3
Remove the cardboard backing from the striking strip. Peel the cardboard off the non-coloured side of the striking strip. This will make the smoking powder stronger and creates a more impressive trick.^{[3]
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- If you’re having trouble peeling off the cardboard backing, use a craft knife to help lift up the cardboard.
4
Fold the striking strip in half lengthways. Fold 1 of the long edges of the striking strip onto the other long edge. This helps to make the striking strip burn a little slower. Press down on the crease to secure the fold.^{[4]
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5
Place the striking strip on the plate and light it on fire. Hold your lighter over 1 end of the striking strip to light it on fire. Wait for the flame to completely burn out before you touch the ash.^{[5]
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- Keep an eye on the strip as it burns to make sure that it doesn’t spark. If it does spark, quickly pat out the fire with a heavy cloth or use a fire extinguisher, if necessary.
6
Pick up the brown residue with your gloved fingertips. Push the burnt paper remains out of the way and then rub your gloved fingertips over the brown residue. Try to pick up as much of the brown residue as you can, as this will make the smoke trick last longer.^{[6]
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- Try to concentrate the residue on your fingertips rather than your fingers, as this makes the trick easier.
7
Rub your fingers together to create smoke. The friction between your gloved fingers will cause the brown powder to turn into smoke. This makes it look like there is smoke coming out of your fingers! To make the trick more impressive, stand a short distance away from your audience so that they can’t see the brown powder.^{[7]
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- Wash your gloves after you have finished the trick to remove any remains of the brown residue.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Taking Caution

1
Wear gloves to prevent the chemicals from harming your skin. The chemicals in the residue from the burnt striking strip can irritate your skin. To mitigate this risk, always wear sturdy gloves, such as work gloves or gardening gloves.^{[8]
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2
Leave this trick for adults to demonstrate. Any tricks that involve fire contain an element of risk. For this reason, it is best to ask an adult to try this trick for you. If you do decide to try this trick yourself, make sure that you have an adult closely supervising.^{[9]
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- Always consider the potential risks before completing any trick or experiment involving fire.
3
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidents. Tricks that involve fire always have the potential to spark and create an unwanted fire. Have a fire extinguisher on hand to put out any fires.^{[10]
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- Make sure that you know how to use the fire extinguisher so that you can quickly and effectively put out the fire, if needed.
4
Complete the trick over a fireproof surface to minimise the risks. If possible, light the striking strip over a fireproof surface, such as concrete or steel. This helps to prevent any sparks from turning into a fire. If you don’t have a fireproof surface, move any objects that could easily catch fire, such as paper and fabric.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

How is it dangerous?

Community Answer

If you don't wash the residue off, then your finger will be flammable until you do.
Question

Is this really safe, and if it is, how?

Community Answer

It is safe, because it can't burn. If you don't take it off and you touch your eyes or mouth, it'll cause serious injuries.
Question

What is the best way to get all of the residue completely off?

Community Answer

Simply wash them well with soap and water. You may need to wash a few times.