Question 1

What is the meaning of the word fluide?

Accepted Answer

In the context of event technology and stage effects, "fluide" is the French and German term for "fluid" — specifically referring to the liquids used in fog machines, hazers and special-effects devices to create atmospheric smoke, haze and fog effects. Stage fluids are precision-engineered formulations, typically water-based or oil-based, designed to be vaporised or atomised into visible particles that enhance lighting, add depth to stage designs and create dramatic visual atmospheres at concerts, theatre productions, clubs and corporate events.

Question 2

What types of effect fluids are available for stage use?

Accepted Answer

Professional stage fluids fall into two main categories: water-based fog fluids and oil-based haze fluids. Water-based fluids consist of distilled water mixed with glycol or glycerine compounds; when heated in fog machines, they produce dense, white fog that dissipates relatively quickly — ideal for dramatic smoke bursts and short-lived effects. Oil-based haze fluids are atomised in hazers to create fine, long-lasting mist that hangs in the air for extended periods, making lighting beams and laser effects visible. Specialised variants include quick-dissipating fluids for theatre, heavy-duty formulas for outdoor events and residue-free liquids for sensitive corporate environments.

Question 3

Which stage fluid should I use for my fog machine?

Accepted Answer

The correct stage fluid depends on your machine type and application requirements. Thermal fog machines (with heating blocks rated 400–3000 watts) require water-based fog fluids formulated with glycol-water ratios optimised for vaporisation. Hazers (compressor or ultrasonic models) need oil-based haze fluids designed for atomisation. Always consult your machine's technical manual and match fluid specifications exactly — using the wrong fluid type can damage heating elements, clog pumps and void warranties. For theatre applications, choose quick-dissipating fluids; for concerts and clubs, select long-hang haze formulas; for outdoor events, opt for heavy-duty, high-output fluids.

Question 4

How much stage fluid does a fog machine consume?

Accepted Answer

Stage fluid consumption varies significantly based on machine wattage, output setting and effect intensity. A typical 1000-watt fog machine consumes approximately 20–50 millilitres per minute at full output, meaning a 5-litre container provides 2–4 hours of intermittent use. Professional touring hazers running continuously consume 15–40 millilitres per minute, translating to 100–200 millilitres per hour in club environments or 1–2 litres per hour for high-output outdoor festival machines. Always calculate consumption based on your specific machine's technical specifications and purchase 20–30% more fluid than calculated minimum requirements to account for testing, cueing and unexpected extensions.

Question 5

Are stage fluids safe for indoor use?

Accepted Answer

Professional-grade stage fluids from established manufacturers like BeamZ, MagicFX and Showtec are formulated to be non-toxic and safe for use in occupied indoor venues when operated according to manufacturer guidelines. All fluids sold at LTT comply with European safety regulations including REACH and CLP directives, carry full safety data sheets (SDS) and are tested for skin and respiratory safety to meet occupational health standards. Water-based fog fluids and oil-based haze fluids are non-flammable in liquid form and produce particles that dissipate without harmful residues. However, always ensure adequate ventilation, avoid direct inhalation of concentrated fog and follow venue-specific safety protocols.

Question 6

What is the difference between fog fluid and haze fluid?

Accepted Answer

Fog fluid and haze fluid are engineered for different effects and machine types. Fog fluid is water-based and designed for thermal fog machines; when heated, it vaporises rapidly to create dense, white fog clouds with larger particles (5–20 micrometres) that dissipate relatively quickly — ideal for dramatic smoke bursts, concealing stage entrances and short-lived atmospheric effects. Haze fluid is oil-based and formulated for hazers; it is atomised into extremely fine particles (0.5–2 micrometres) that remain suspended in the air for extended periods, creating a subtle, long-lasting mist that makes lighting beams and laser effects visible without obscuring the stage or audience sightlines. The two fluid types are not interchangeable.

Question 7

How long does stage fog or haze last in the air?

Accepted Answer

The duration stage fog or haze remains visible depends on fluid formulation, machine type and environmental conditions. Quick-dissipating fog fluids clear in 30–90 seconds, making them ideal for theatre scene changes. Medium-dissipation fluids last 2–5 minutes and suit club environments and mobile DJ setups. Long-hang haze fluids remain suspended for 10–30 minutes or more, providing sustained atmospheric density for concert touring and large venues. Environmental factors such as air conditioning, ventilation systems, temperature and humidity significantly affect dissipation speed — outdoor events experience much faster dissipation due to wind, while enclosed spaces with minimal airflow retain haze longer.

Question 8

What do professional stage fluids cost?

Accepted Answer

Professional stage fluid pricing varies by formulation, brand and container size. Standard water-based fog fluids for general applications cost approximately €15–30 per 5 litres, with quick-dissipating theatre formulas ranging €25–40 per 5 litres. Oil-based haze fluids for professional touring and concert use are priced €60–120 per 5 litres, reflecting their specialised formulation and long hang-time performance. Heavy-duty fluids for outdoor festivals and high-output machines cost €30–50 per 5 litres. Bulk containers (20–25 litres) offer better value for touring companies and permanent installations, typically reducing per-litre cost by 20–30%. At LTT, you benefit from competitive pricing, free shipping on orders over €69 and wholesale rates for resellers.

Fluids