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How to Store Black Powder

Black powder is a term used for gunpowder, which has many uses. It is the explosive power inside bullets. Gun powder is also heavily used in pyrotechnics, in which manipulating explosions is an art form. Black powder can be volatile if it is not used and stored properly. The powder can ignite from a spark, potentially causing a large amount of damage to humans and property.

Things You'll Need

Latex gloves
Goggles
Dust mask
Small funnel

Instructions

- 1
  Keep the original container. Store the remainder of the powder in the same container after using it.
- 2
  Get rid of the static electricity on your body by touching a thimble, a coin, or another metal object. Remove the static from the room by lowering the humidity.
- 3
  Put on your safety equipment: the gloves, goggles and dust mask. Use these items -- the potassium nitrate in the black powder is toxic if ingested.
- 4
  Place the funnel into the mouth of the gunpowder container. Pull work mats or paper used on the work surface up from the table using the left and right sides to make a "U" shape. Carefully pour the black powder into the container using the small funnel. Use your hand or clean paintbrush to sweep the powder into the funnel if you did not use a work surface.
- 5
  Screw the lid on tight. Keep the container from any type of moisture, as this will cause the black powder to lose its potency.
- 6
  Store the container in dark place, at room temperature.

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