Fuse comparison - Visco vs Fuse paper & Blackmatch

In short, fuse paper is made by impregnating paper (typically kitchen towel) with a potassium nitrate solution which is left to dry. Blackmatch is produced by treating threads (or string) with a slurry of black powder to form a coating before being left to dry.

Lots of people make fuse paper and blackmatch as it's seen as being easier than making your own visco.

This is true of the initial outlay of time and resources, but once you've made a visco weaving model it's actually faster and a lot less hassle to make visco than fuse paper or blackmatch.

An important point is that although fuse paper and blackmatch can prove adequate, it's much less reliable than visco style fuse - as demonstrated in the video below (description underneath).

The first clips show that fuse paper can easily be blown out and whilst blackmatch is unlikely to go out its burn rate rapidly increase with increased airflow, neither of which is good for safe timings of fireworks. Visco fuse doesn't have this issue.

Fuse paper and black match are both unreliable in confined spaces as shown in the rocket nozzle example, occasionally burning out just as the fuse reaches the exhaust port. Again, visco fuse doesn't have this problem.

Finally, the lighting and burn rates of fuse paper and blackmatch can be inconsistent. Fuse papers burn rate will often slow and speed up again whilst blackmatch tends to burn a little too fast for ideal use in firework timings. In any event neither of these are suitable for more complex devices as they'll not withstand the force of a lift charge/break charge. The final clip shows blackmatch burning too fast, whilst fuse paper doesn't light at all in this example. Visco style fuse ignites perfectly and burns with a slow and steady rate.

Visco style fuse is also waterproof.

These are just a few reasons why visco style fuse is preferable to more basic fuses.