Have you ever been to a concert or party and noticed clouds of fog rolling across the stage?
That fog is not real smoke from fire. It is made with special fluids that create a mist you can see. Stage fog makes lights, beams, and performances look magical and can really change the mood of a show.
Most fog machines work by heating a mix of water and safe chemicals until it turns into tiny droplets that float in the air. Even though it looks thick and dramatic, it is just a harmless mist when used correctly.
In this article, we will explain what stage fog is made of, the different types, how it works, and how to stay safe while using it.
What’s in Most Fog Machine Fluid
Most stage fog comes from distilled water mixed with glycol or glycerin. When heated to vapor, it forms a mist you can see.
Main Ingredients
Stage fog usually has distilled water plus chemicals like propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, or glycerin. These ingredients help the liquid turn into tiny droplets when heated. The mixture is safe and does not burn like real smoke.
What It Becomes
When the fog machine heats the fluid, it turns into tiny droplets that float in the air. These droplets are called an aerosol. They create the fog you see on stage and make lights, beams, and effects more visible.
Why It Looks White
The fog looks white because the droplets are very small. Light bounces off these droplets, which makes the fog visible. The scattering of light makes the fog look thick and cloudy, even though it is just harmless mist.
How Stage Fog Is Made Visible
Stage fog becomes visible because of a simple process. The fog machine heats the fog fluid, turning it into a vapor. When this hot vapor meets the cooler air, it forms tiny droplets that float around. These droplets are what create the thick, cloudy fog you see on stage.
Heat → Vapor → Cool Air → Droplets
First, the fog fluid is heated inside the machine. This makes it turn into a hot vapor. When the vapor leaves the machine and hits the cooler air, it condenses into tiny droplets. These droplets are what you actually see as fog.
Fog vs “Real Smoke”
Fog is not real smoke from fire. Real smoke comes from burning materials and can be dangerous. Stage fog is just water and safe chemicals turned into mist. It is harmless when used properly and only looks like smoke to create effects on stage.
What Are the Main Types of Stage Fog Effects
Stage fog comes in different forms depending on the effect you want to create. Some fog stays in the air for a long time to show light beams, while other fog hugs the floor for a “cloud” effect. Different machines use different fluids or methods, and each works better in certain situations.
1. Water + Glycol/Glycerin Fog Fluid
This is the most common type of stage fog. The machine heats a mix of water and glycol or glycerin to create visible fog. It is safe and easy to use.
Where it is used: Clubs, theaters, DJ shows, and general stage effects. This fog works well for creating a cloudy look that makes lights and laser lights stand out.
2. Mineral Oil Haze
Mineral oil haze comes from oil-based haze machines. It produces a thin, even layer of mist that does not block visibility but makes beams of light very clear.
Where it is used: Concerts, beam shows, or anywhere you want to make lighting effects more visible. Haze spreads evenly across the stage.
3. Dry Ice Low-Lying Fog
Dry ice fog is made by adding CO₂ to hot water. It stays low to the ground, creating a cloud-like effect that looks like the performers are floating on clouds.
Where it is used: Weddings, theater reveals, or spooky floor effects in Halloween shows. It is dramatic and eye-catching, but it needs proper ventilation.
4. Chiller / Low Fog Machines
These machines use cooled fog fluid to create low-lying fog similar to dry ice but without CO₂. The fog stays close to the floor and looks very natural.
Where it is used: Dance performances, photography shoots, or small theater productions where you want floor-level fog safely.
5. Pyrotechnic Smoke
This is real smoke produced by small controlled combustion. It is very strong and dramatic, but can be risky.
Where it is used: Special FX for movies, live shows, or licensed events where regular fog machines are not enough. Only trained professionals should use this type.
| Fog Type | How It Is Made | How It Looks | Common Use |
| Water + Glycol/Glycerin Fog | Heated water mixed with glycol or glycerin | Thick fog that spreads and fades | Clubs, theaters, DJ shows |
| Mineral Oil Haze | Oil-based fluid turned into fine mist | Thin and even in the air | Concerts, beam lighting |
| Dry Ice Low-Lying Fog | Dry ice mixed with hot water | Stays low on the floor | Weddings, stage reveals |
| Chiller Low Fog Machine | Cooled fog fluid | Low fog without CO₂ | Dance shows, photoshoots |
| Pyrotechnic Smoke | Controlled combustion | Dense, real smoke | Special FX and licensed shows |
Is Stage Fog Safe
Stage fog is used in many shows, schools, churches, and events around the world. For most people, it does not cause serious problems when it is used the right way and in normal amounts. The fog fluids made for stage use are designed to be non-toxic and safe for short-term exposure.
Typical Effects for Most People
Most people do not feel anything unusual when stage fog is used properly. Some may notice mild dryness in the throat or nose, especially if the fog is heavy or the room is small.
This usually goes away quickly once the fog clears and fresh air comes in. In normal conditions, stage fog does not burn, does not smell strongly, and does not harm the lungs.
Who Should Be Extra Careful
People with asthma or COPD can be more sensitive to fog, especially thick fog or long exposure. Singers and voice professionals may feel throat dryness, which can affect the voice during a performance.
Children and people with sensitive eyes may notice mild irritation if the fog is too dense or used for a long time. In these cases, lighter haze, good ventilation, and short use times help reduce discomfort.
Check the Guidelines for Use of Theatrical Fog to learn more about it.
Fog vs Haze vs Smoke: What Are the Differences
People mostly use the words fog, haze, and smoke as if they mean the same thing. On stage, they are actually very different. Each one looks different in the air and is used for a different purpose.
| Type | Appearance | How It Moves | Main Use |
| Fog | Thick clouds, visible puffs | Fills space quickly | Dramatic stage effects, bursts, big visual impact |
| Haze | Thin, soft layer | Spreads slowly and evenly | Makes light beams and lasers visible |
| Smoke | Dense, from burning or pyrotechnics | Can rise or linger depending on air | Special FX, movies, licensed performances |
Fog
Fog is thick and easy to see. It comes out in clear bursts or puffs and fills the space quickly. You notice it right away, even without lights. Fog is used when you want big clouds, dramatic moments, or fast visual impact during a scene or music hit.
Haze
Haze is much lighter and spreads slowly. It does not form clouds or puffs. Instead, it creates a soft layer in the air. The main job of haze is to help light beams show clearly, especially moving head beams and lasers. Many people in the audience do not even notice the haze itself, only the lights it reveals.
Smoke
Smoke comes from burning or special effects, not from a normal fog machine. It is heavier, smells stronger, and behaves differently in the air. Smoke is usually used only in special effects or film work and often needs permits and trained operators. It is not meant for regular stage or event use.
What Are the Best Safety Differences by Type
Different types of stage fog have different safety considerations. It is important to know these before using them on stage or at events.
Dry Ice / CO₂ Fog
Fog made from dry ice can stay low to the ground because CO₂ is heavier than air. Make sure the room has good ventilation so the gas does not build up where people are standing or sitting.
Oil Haze
Oil-based haze can sometimes irritate the eyes or throat for sensitive people. It may also leave a thin residue on floors or surfaces if used a lot. Good ventilation helps reduce these effects.
Pyrotechnic Smoke
Smoke from pyrotechnics or combustion is stronger and can be risky. Only trained professionals should use it. Always follow venue rules and local laws to keep everyone safe.
Quick Choosing Guide
You can quickly decide which type of stage fog or smoke works for your show:
- Visible Beams: Haze makes light beams show clearly.
- Big Clouds: Water-based fog fills the room with thick fog.
- Low-Lying Fog: Dry ice or chiller fog hugs the floor.
- True Smoke: Pyro smoke for special effects only.
Conclusion
Stage fog and haze will make any performance look exciting. Each type creates a different effect, like thick clouds or lights standing out in the air. Using the right fog safely helps your show look professional and keeps everyone comfortable.
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FAQs
Can one type of fog work for everything?
Not really. Each fog type behaves differently, so using the right one gives the best effect.
Is stage fog safe for everyone?
Most people are fine, but those with asthma, breathing problems, or sensitive eyes should take extra care and use good ventilation.
How long does fog last?
It depends on the machine and the room size. Haze can stay in the air longer, regular fog clears faster, and low-lying fog stays near the floor for a few minutes.
Can I use dry ice fog in small rooms?
Yes, but make sure the room has proper ventilation so CO₂ does not build up near the floor.
