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11054 County Road 71
Lexington Al 35648
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our products and services.
Evaporative Snow® by Global Special Effects is a laboratory formulated foam based solution that makes the brightest looking Evaporative Snow® effect. It is a water-based formula mixed with a surfactant property. Surfactants are elastic chemicals that make the hollow flakes. This solution, used in our snow machines, creates a realistic looking snowfall. The solution is air aerated at 1/10,000. The water starts to evaporate within seconds making the flakes become smaller and lighter until they disappear. The surfactants used in our Evaporative Snow® formulation are of the highest cosmetic grade possible. They are non-allergenic, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-staining.
When the machines are used properly, they leave no moisture. For years we have been making it snow on millions of visitors in theme parks, and we have never received one complaint of staining. If the flakes are made very large, they can hold some moisture, which can remove the pigment of silk and lacquer surfaces like a baby grand. In these cases, the flake size has to be adjusted to a quick evaporative flake size.
The product, used with the right settings, can be run continually without causing any slippery surfaces. This can be achieved by setting the flake size to evaporate before it hits the ground.
We are the only snow provider that tests snow fluid for wetness – slippage on various floor surfaces, a coefficient of friction meter testing. In all cases, the coefficient of friction increased after the snow fell with Global Special Effects Evaporative Snow® fluid brand. Our snow fluid test results found that floor surfaces are rated drier by 0.20+ after we ran snow for a long duration. That's why you only see Evaporative Snow® machines and fluid used in theme parks worldwide.
Many caterers and event planners use this product as part of a display, entrance ways to a party or as a "wow" effect as guests sit to have a full course meal. It is also used for many weddings as the bride and groom cut the cake. It is even kosher.
No, it has no odor.
Yes. It is a water-based product, and will not set off a sprinkler system.
Evaporative Snow® has a guaranteed 3-year shelf life. It can often last even longer when stored in a climate-controlled environment and away from direct sunlight.
Evaporative Snow® Pre-Mix is a premium, ready-to-use snow fluid with no dilution required. It delivers a consistent, beautiful snowfall right out of the bottle — no concerns about water quality or mixing ratios.
Evaporative Snow® Concentrate must be diluted with water at a ratio of 8 oz of Concentrate per 1 gallon of water. It delivers the lowest cost per ready-to-use gallon and significantly reduces shipping costs since you're not paying to ship water.
- 8 oz of concentrate = 1 gallon of ready-to-use snow fluid
- 1 gallon of concentrate = 16 gallons of ready-to-use snow fluid
- 5 gallons of concentrate = 80 gallons of ready-to-use snow fluid
- 55 gallons of concentrate = 880 gallons of ready-to-use snow fluid
De-ionized water is the base of all our pre-mixed formulations. This form of water has no minerals, hard properties, or chlorine. It produces the best effects and leaves behind no water stains. It was originally designed for the movie industry so that if the snow landed on a camera lens it would not leave a water ring.
Yes. If your event does not require the use of a movie camera or will not land on glass, it can be used. However, keep in mind that certain tap waters contain high mineral contents that may affect the quality and output of snow. These minerals may not produce a bright white flake or allow for maximum output. Results will vary. So while Evaporative Snow® Concentrate is compatible with tap water, we always say: "The cleaner the water, the prettier the snow!"
If you add a dye to the snow, it can stain. The best way to achieve a colored-snow effect is by using colored LED lights along with your snow machine.
Snow machines may remain outdoors as long as they are covered with one of our weatherproof snow machine covers or otherwise protected from the elements.
Yes, as long as you keep the solution warmer than 32 degrees. You can use a heating blanket, insulation, or a battery warmer.
The Automatic Fluid Refill Station System maintains the fluid levels in small machine reservoirs by refilling them automatically from a bulk storage container. It is especially useful for extended machine operations or in installations that make reservoir refilling difficult.
The Auto Refill Station is designed for one machine to be refilled of fluid. If you need more than one machine refilled, use multiple Auto Refill Stations.
We have tested up to 200 feet, but could potentially do even more depending on logistics.
We have tested 75 feet, but could potentially do even more depending on logistics.
First, the warranty is voided. After 10 minutes on dry use, a thermal switch will actuate and shut down the auto refill station. It will require a cool down period of 20 minutes.
It is best to set the pumping station and snow machine on the ground first to make sure the pump is primed. The pumping station needs a drop of fluid to prime — a dry pump will not move the fluid. You may need to blow fluid into the intake stem using a bulb or syringe while the pump is turned on. If the pumping station is making a loud noise, it likely needs this process. Make sure the inlet hose at the receiving bottle is below the flotation device, and the hose is on the bottom of the bulk fluid container. Wire-tying a bolt to the end of the hose works well as an anchor.
No greater than 6 feet.
Fog, bubble fluid, water, haze, and snow fluids. This unit is not intended for corrosive or explosive fluids.
It has the same viscosity as water. With proper dilution of foam fluid, it does not have slippery soap-like qualities.
Yes, it has water, and water will make your floor wet. Our solutions are the driest foam in the industry. If some say their foam is dry foam, it is untrue — you cannot have foam without water.
Participants may become damp over time while playing in the foam, depending on factors such as whether they are standing or sitting in it. However, as long as the foam solution is properly diluted, it should not leave anyone soaking wet.
It all depends on how many people play in the foam. As more people play in the foam, they break the bubbles. But usually, if foam is untouched, it can last for hours.
Once the foam dries, it turns into a light powder that can be easily swept away or blown away using a leaf blower. For faster cleanup, you can use our De-Foamer solution. When properly diluted, it won't leave behind any sticky residue. Depending on how much water and foam is used, there may be some residual moisture on the ground, which can be quickly mopped up if needed.
The foam has hypoallergenic cosmetic grade chemicals that will not hurt your eyes or skin. Our foam solutions also have a moisturizer for the skin. It is important to note that if the floors have been cleaned with bleach, it can react with the foam.
High Dilution Foam (HDF) produces a drier, denser foam with enhanced moisturizing properties, resulting in a higher-quality foam experience.
Value Foam generates a wetter foam, making it a budget-friendly choice for casual events or parties where cost efficiency is a priority.
Yes, we have many different scents such as bubble gum, Pina colada, cherry, and more. Foam can also be tinted blue, green, yellow, and pink. Keep in mind tinted foam may stain.
There are many ways to contain the foam: inflatable pits, barriers, construction of a containment area, using a dance floor, or just by using a suitable grassy area.
Foam can be used at church events, children's parties, camps, night clubs, and even fundraisers. People of all ages love to play in foam!
All our foam solutions are biodegradable and do not harm people, pets, or plants!
We have been manufacturing foam for decades, and we have not found a city ordinance that requires any kind of permit. However, if you have questions or concerns we advise checking with your local municipality.
Yes, our foam solutions are compatible with most foam machines.
You need one of two tanks:
1) A 50 pound pressure siphon tube tank. Make sure the tank has a liquid siphon tube with the pipe that drops to the bottom of the tank to get the liquid CO₂.
2) A Dewar tank, which is a low pressure refrigerated tank.
CO₂ can be sourced from many local supply stores. One reliable option is Airgas, a nationwide supplier specializing in welding products and gases, including CO₂.
A high pressure tank provides 1.5 minutes of effect. A Dewar tank provides 10 minutes of effect. The average blast is 2 seconds.
Yes, 25–40% when the effect is running.
Best at 20–30 foot hose. Not more than 50 feet long.
Yes. Global Special Effects can custom manufacture a hose to a specific size. Please contact us for more information.
They are affected by humidity. The more humidity, the better the white cloud of fog. Normally at least 20 to 30 feet.
We carry a variety of cartridge-based and liquid-based scent machines that feature coverage areas of 2,500–10,000 sq ft!
Scent cartridges can last up to 3 months (360 hours) on average.
We have a unique variety of scent options in stock. We can also produce an unlimited number of signature scents, as well as custom scents.
Cruise lines, hotels & resorts, major theme parks, funeral homes, universities, theaters, restaurants, award ceremonies, corporate events, and more! We also sell our machines for use in numerous private homes all across the globe. Any business environment can enhance productivity, sales, and customer satisfaction with scent. The brain forges a link between scent and memory that can identify your product, service, or place of business.
Yes, scent samples are available. Please contact us at info@globalspecialeffects.com or 256-239-5551
Flogos™ are synthesized from proprietary surfactant (soap) based foam formulations and lighter-than-air gases such as helium.
Flogos™ are designed to fly high and remain visible for as long as atmospheric conditions allow. On average, each Flogo™ lasts between 30 to 40 minutes, flying into the sky before eventually dissipating. Factors such as wind speed and humidity can impact both flight path and longevity, but in ideal conditions, they float upward and travel as far as the eye can see.
Flogos™ machines can be strategically positioned based on your event's location and desired visual impact. While Flogos™ follow the natural direction of wind currents, which may shift at higher altitudes, they remain highly visible as they ascend hundreds — even thousands — of feet into the sky. From there, they can travel for miles before dissipating.
Flogos™ can travel from 1 to 30 miles and float as high as 5,000 feet. They fly slowly, so they are visible for a long period of time. How far and how high they travel also varies depending on atmospheric and weather conditions.
Our Flogo™ Designers can create custom stencils tailored to your brand or event. In general, simpler designs produce stronger, longer-lasting Flogos™, especially in varying weather conditions. While more intricate designs are definitely possible and have been done many times, more complex designs may be more susceptible to the foam breaking while in air if flying in less-than-ideal atmospheric conditions. Our team is happy to review your ideas and help develop a stencil that best suits your vision.
Our in-house Flogo™ Designers can typically produce a mockup of your design within 24 hours.
Yes, Flogos™ are environmentally friendly and safe for people, pets, and plants.
Colored Flogos™ are possible, but keep in mind they have the potential to stain.
With each Flogo machine, on average, one Flogo will be produced every 15 to 50 seconds, depending on the machine size and desired thickness. If you have two machines alternating production, Flogos™ can fly approximately every 7 to 25 seconds.
The Baby Flogos™ Machine produces approximately 18" Flogos™, while the Flogos™ Lite Machine produces approximately 36" Flogos™. Because of the negative space sometimes required to successfully fly the Flogo, its final shape may be smaller in some cases. However, Flogos™ are also dimensional (thick).
Due to the fact that Flogos™ have minimal mass and are made out of majority air, they do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). It is a standard Flogo policy, however, that if a Flogo event is taking place within 5 miles of an airport, we notify the tower that we will be flying Flogos™ nearby.
Yes, Flogos™ can be used inside with very entertaining results. Generally, the higher the ceiling, the better the effect.
Flogos™ are protected by U.S. and international intellectual property rights, patent, copyright and trademark laws which vary by country. Federal law provides severe penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, exhibition, alteration, modification or other appropriation, in whole or in part, of copyrighted materials.
Renting takes 6 steps: select equipment and dates → submit rental request → pay deposit → make final payment before shipment → ship or pick up → return after use.
Rental periods vary by project. We typically accommodate event-based and multi-day rentals. Contact us with your project details and dates to confirm availability.
Up to $500 per machine. If you book within 30 days of your rental date, full payment (100%) is required at the time of booking.
Yes, if you cancel 30 or more days before your rental date, your deposit is fully refunded. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable.
Final payment is due before shipment or pickup. If booked within 30 days of the rental date, full payment is collected at booking.
Shipping is not included in the rental price. You are responsible for arranging and covering both outbound and return shipping costs.
Yes, local pickup is available. Equipment must be returned on time and in its original condition.
Yes, a support line is included with every rental.
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