Ep 10. Plasma Gems, Special Effects Snow, and Piano Restoration

How It's Made season 24 episode 10 explores the fascinating process behind creating Plasma Gems, Special Effects Snow, and Piano Restoration.

The episode kicks off by taking a closer look at Plasma Gems, which are colorful lighting fixtures made for various events and occasions. The journey of making a Plasma Gem starts with shaping a piece of glass and coating it with a metal oxide solution. The glass is then filled with neon and argon gases before being sealed and baked at high temperatures. Once complete, the Plasma Gem illuminates with stunning plasma arcs that offer a beautiful display.

Next up, the show dives into the world of special effects snow used in films, TV shows, and theme parks. The process for creating artificial snow starts with mixing a solution of distilled water, soap, and a special ingredient called potato starch. This formula is poured into a large mixing machine with ice-cold water and mixed thoroughly to create a fluffy snow-like mixture. However, the process doesn't end here. The snow is then sorted into various grades to imitate different snow types, including powdery snow, wet snow, or heavy snowfall. The snow mixture is made in huge quantities and stored in giant refrigerated rooms until needed for a production.

Lastly, the episode looks at the meticulous process of restoring vintage pianos. The journey of restoring a piano starts by carefully disassembling its various parts, including keys, soundboard, and pin block. The wooden parts are then cleaned and repaired to their original condition. Afterward, the soundboard is sanded down and revarnished while the pin block is drilled and fitted with new tuning pins. The keys are cleaned, polished, and even replaced if necessary. Other parts like the strings and hammers are also checked and replaced if needed. Finally, the piano is reassembled, and the tuning process is begun to ensure it produces its best possible sound.

Overall, this episode of How It's Made explores three unique industries, each with fascinating stories behind the creation process. It highlights the artistry, care, and attention to detail required in the production of Plasma Gems, Special Effects Snow, and the meticulous restoration of vintage pianos.