Blood, the chemical way!

 by thecheatscalc
Featured
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Well well, well. It's Halloween. What would Halloween be like without blood effects? As much as I may despise this "holiday" it is Always fun to MAKE something awesome for a costume or just something to scare the crap out of anyone. I mean, that's what it's all about right? (or is it massive sugar rushes...?)

So we get onto the instructable itself.

Now, before I go any further, we are dealing with CHEMICALS. Yes, that's right, CHEMICALS! they may be awesome, but as a disclaimer (though these are not volatile, nor caustic) I take NO responsibility for your stupidity. One of the chemicals is a TOXIN hazard. AKA don't drink it, it's not good for you. Also, the final blood product is kind of like medical iodine, it WILL stain, and takes a fair amount of washing to get the color out of your skin. No burns, but toxic, and stains. Act accordingly.

This might also not be something smart for children under 10. Stick with red cool-ade.


That said, let's have fun! This can be used for special FX in movies and not only Halloween! For hair raising blood effects, I've never seen anything like this! It's so crazy close to REAL blood that you'll have your neighbors dropping their mouths and dialing the local hospital for an ambulance!

Even better, this requires no pumps (heart included, we're not actually cutting ourselves)

So what DO we need?
 
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Step 1: Materials

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Here's what you need.

Potassium Thiocyanate
Ferric Nitrate
Two plastic spoons
stirring rods (can be spoons)
shot glass
water
two containers to put your two part blood in. Should be easy to seal, and easy to carry.
Paint brush (optional, but recommended)
dull something to "cut" yourself with

Don't know where to get the chemicals? look here:
potassium thiocyanate:
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/catalog/chemistry/chemicals/chemicals-m-p/p_ch-kscn.html

Ferric nitrate:
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/catalog/chemistry/chemicals/chemicals-d-l/p_un1466.html

30g lasts a LONG time, and makes one heck of a lot of blood. Maximum you'll ever need is two bottles of each... unless you intend to bathe in the stuff... (see stupidity disclaimer)
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eviltechie says: Oct 17, 2007. 6:20 PM
This is so cool. This could be used as a great effect in theatre. I heard cyanate. Is'nt that related to cynide.
thecheatscalc (author) in reply to eviltechieOct 17, 2007. 6:42 PM
I'm not sure actually, but...

Cyanide is (C≡N)
cyanate is (O=C=N) or (O-C≡N)

So yes, I guess they would be related. Cyanate just has an Oxygen thrown in.
Nagarok in reply to thecheatscalcAug 11, 2011. 3:48 AM
That little oxygen is a significant factor though.
From Carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide is a major difference.

One kills you, one doesn't
one is only present in insignificant amounts naturally, one is the very reason why our world runs.
zimmemic25 says: Jan 23, 2011. 10:41 AM
Hi, I'd like to ask if there's another way to get this effect, because the problem I see is the potassium thiocyanate (the uncolored solution) is (at leas in EU) rated as "toxic when in contact with skin" (don't know the exact translation, original in germany is "R 21 Gesundheitsschädlich bei Berührung mit der Haut")... and that's the solution you paint on your skin…
navik says: Oct 15, 2010. 4:28 AM
does anyone know where to Potassium Thiocyanate and Ferric nitrate from because www.hometrainingtools.com dont sell it anymore.
hoppe_groda says: Sep 3, 2010. 7:17 AM
OMG! You are a freaking genius! :D
weesuzi says: Jul 23, 2010. 12:58 PM
http://cartwright.chem.ox.ac.uk/hsci/chemicals/potassium_thiocyanate.html Hmmm It is harmful so you are taking a bit of a risk with this stuff, check out the safety data sheet above
Duct Tape Dude says: Aug 12, 2009. 2:27 PM
Can you ummm... repeat the first two materials in English?
Movienoc101 in reply to Duct Tape DudeOct 26, 2009. 3:05 PM
I believe he did ;)
 
Duct Tape Dude in reply to Movienoc101Dec 7, 2009. 3:56 PM
I ment in terms I can understand (sorry for stupidity ^_^ )
iwon95 in reply to Duct Tape DudeAug 13, 2009. 2:56 PM
actually no those are the names of the chemicals. you know how chemicals always have long name :P
ilovegm says: Oct 13, 2009. 12:33 AM

Fake blood: [Fe(H20)5.SCN]^2+

Its an aqueous complex solution and thus watery, you can always try to thicken it with stuff like corn syrup.

Movienoc101 in reply to ilovegmOct 26, 2009. 3:05 PM
lol
 
bad ass pope in reply to Movienoc101Nov 10, 2009. 3:47 PM
You may "lol", but that's actually a very useful comment. I was thinking it looked rather watery.
krisking93 says: Mar 8, 2009. 9:54 AM
what if the fluids gets dry will it still work
Movienoc101 in reply to krisking93Oct 26, 2009. 3:06 PM
I don't think u would have it on that long. :)
 
Sniper72 says: Sep 14, 2009. 4:35 PM
The two components create a "chemical" blood, My question is does the "chemical" blood have a similar viscosity of that actual blood?
szechuan53 says: Jul 18, 2008. 3:41 PM
yay, unconscious mom!
PKTraceur in reply to szechuan53Mar 10, 2009. 4:33 AM
lol!
PKTraceur says: Mar 10, 2009. 4:32 AM
Aweosme! Probably not something I'd show off though. -PKT
maruawe says: Nov 25, 2008. 6:56 AM
When mixing chemicals you always turn the two chemicals into another chemical. What is the mixture called after mixing. and what is the possibility of the combined mix being toxic when dumped esp. washed down the sink where you have just cleaned with bleach or borax
Berkin says: Nov 25, 2008. 5:57 AM
This is pretty awesome.

It would be better, though, if you could not see the skin underneath the red in places. Because then it just looks like there is mysterious red liquid appearing, and no cut.

It would be a great improvement if you found something that could blacken the skin and make the blood, so it looks like an actual cut.
John Smith says: Oct 16, 2007. 6:50 PM
OK, let me start off by saying that this is awesome, and looks extremely cool. Anyway, here's the health part of the MSDS for Potassium Thio-whatever:

Potential Health Effects


Inhalation:
Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath.
Ingestion:
May cause psychosis, vomiting, disorientation, weakness, low blood pressure, convulsions and death which may be delayed. The probable lethal dose is between 15-30 grams.
Skin Contact:
Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain.
Eye Contact:
Causes irritation, redness, and pain.
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged or repeated skin exposure may cause dermatitis. Repeated ingestion of small amounts may cause weakness, confusion, central nervous system effects, nausea and skin eruptions.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
No information found.
Lftndbt in reply to John SmithOct 16, 2007. 9:33 PM
Skin Contact:: Causes irritation to skin, Symtoms include redness, itching and pain. This does not make me overconfident in slapping this on my skin. Any chance you could clarify this for me? Are these effects only "potential"?
szechuan53 in reply to LftndbtOct 20, 2008. 1:26 PM
these will probably only happen if you have an allergic reaction. if for some reason you want those symptoms, sprinkle on some powdered sodium. it also adds a flame.
(ps, don't do this)
John Smith in reply to LftndbtOct 17, 2007. 4:34 AM
I'm not sure, I just copied it from the MSDS. I think it is a potential, but I'm not sure.
John Smith in reply to John SmithOct 16, 2007. 6:53 PM
Here's the info on the Ferric nitrate:

Health Rating: 1 - Slight
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 3 - Severe (Oxidizer)
Contact Rating: 2 - Moderate
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES; LAB COAT
Storage Color Code: Yellow (Reactive)

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Not combustible, but substance is a strong oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition. Fire may produce poisonous or irritating gases.

Explosion:
Contact with oxidizable substances may cause extremely violent combustion. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. Sensitive to mechanical impact.

Fire Extinguishing Media:
Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray.

Special Information:
Wear full protective clothing and breathing equipment for high-intensity fire or potential explosion conditions.
John Smith in reply to John SmithOct 16, 2007. 6:54 PM
Explosion is supposed to be bold too.
szechuan53 says: Oct 20, 2008. 1:21 PM
just so you know, your link doesn't sell either of these anymore. however, you can still get them at american elements.
kmc512 says: Sep 22, 2008. 12:32 PM
wow. i want to do this. right now. but my roommates are all pretty girly and i don't want to freak them out too much. well done, two thumbs up. :)
bdblock94 in reply to kmc512Oct 15, 2008. 6:31 PM
thats y you freak the out
szechuan53 says: Oct 15, 2008. 3:26 PM
will it work if the potassium thiocyanate is dry???
lnknprkfrk13 says: Jul 28, 2008. 3:37 PM
Would this work if you let the stuff you put on the knife dry? If so it would look a little better and you wouldn't have to hide anything from the camera.
Pancakeslayer says: Apr 14, 2008. 2:26 PM
nice, you added a "incurable diseases" section on your safety issues, that'll make the youngins stay away from anything
Thaychris says: Mar 14, 2008. 4:27 PM
I bet if someone did a production of Sweeney Todd, this would come quite handy.
koax says: Jan 28, 2008. 9:04 PM
Somebody know where can I find some in Canada? (Quebec) Because US company wont ship it in canada.... Oh and thx man for this good Instructable if i can find the 2 chemicals it will really help me whit some magic trick +1
pengyduck says: Jan 19, 2008. 4:38 PM
I'd love to make this, but the chemicals aren't sold anymore in those sites. It stinks that that's happening.
Shifrin says: Jan 6, 2008. 6:45 PM
This is one of my favorite movie effects, its easy and it is more of a low cost. Nice Instructable! +1 Rating! -Alex Shifrin
darthdredge says: Oct 17, 2007. 6:31 PM
both of your links go to potassium thiocyanate. this is the link i found for ferric nitrate at that website:
Ferric Nitrate
thecheatscalc (author) in reply to darthdredgeOct 17, 2007. 6:35 PM
oops! thanks for catching that! (fixing right now...)
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