Fake snow

This article is about imitation snow. For artificially created real snow, see Snowmaking.

Fake snow is any product which simulates the appearance and texture of snow, without being made from frozen crystalline water.

A White House decoration volunteer throws fake snow onto a Christmas tree at the White House

Fake snow has been made from many materials. In the early 1900s, decorative snow was sometimes made from borax flakes and even ammonia.^[1]

Before the dangers of asbestos were known, the substance was sold for Christmas tree decoration. It was also used to simulate snow in films, including Citizen Kane and possibly The Wizard of Oz,^[2] although gypsum may have been used^[3] until it was banned. Actor Lon Chaney died after fake snow was lodged in his throat.

Fake snow has also been sold in spray cans which could apply the flocking to windows and indoor displays.^[4]

Film and theatre

Fake snow at a filming location for the Doctor Who 2013 Christmas Special

When snow-like scenery is needed in live theatre, materials have included feathers, cotton, paper, breakfast cereal and potato flakes.^[5] To reduce the cleanup problem, many theatres use "snow generators" which create soapy white bubbles which disappear after a short time.^[6] A similar process has been used in film studios and backlots; one well-known example is It's a Wonderful Life.^[7]

For outdoor film scenes needing large amounts of fake snow, salt was an inexpensive choice, but damaging to soil and plant life.^[8] Gypsum and bleached or painted cereal flakes have often been used;^[9] a less noisy alternative is paper, which is shredded and spread by specially-built machines.^[10]

Newer technology has created biodegradable, eco-friendly fake snow made of food grade ingredients that dissolve in the rain without leaving residue. Cellulose and other types leave harmful residue when they get wet.^[11][12]

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  Theater snow machine
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  Theater snow machine on wheels
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  Aerosol can of artificial snow