Envelope X-Ray Spray

We're definitely not launching a "Sprayables" section or anything, but after Monday's post about that dubious PhotoBlocker spray which is supposed to be able to help you avoid getting caught by traffic cameras we couldn't help but indulge ourselves with another story about dodgy sprays. This one's the Envelope X-Ray Spray, which is supposed to let you spy on other people's mail (with the permission of the addressee, of course). You spray it on and it's supposed to make the envelope temporarily translucent for about 30 seconds before it goes back to its original state without any indication that you'd done any snooping (sure…and that janky illustration at right just seals the deal).

[Via TRFJ]

[Jurgen who's unsure about the details @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Yeah, well, I've recently heard about this product before, from usually trustable sources in government-related circles. That use it to read your mail, indeed.

[Bjarte Sorensen @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Once upon a time I collected stamps and used a liquid called petroleum ether (like a naphtha I think) which would temporarily make the stamp pretty much translucent so that any watermark would stand out. It would evaporate within a matter of seconds, not causing any damage to the stamp.

[www.MarkTAW.com @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Jeeze. Everyone knows you just take a generic can of compressed air, turn it upside down, and spray it on the envelope. The frion is what does it. Just be careful not to point it at body parts or things you don't want instantly frozen.

[vampirical @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

I believe you can do the same with alcohol, makes the envelope tranparent until it evaporates.

[Bill @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

I don't think in generic can of compressed air there's frion. It used in the refrigerator and a/c compressor, and it's bad for the environment if released in the air.

[James @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Just use lighter fuel.. I think. Test it out.

[arkowi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

batman keeps this right next to the shark repellant on his belt.

[strat @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Actually, I once read that Carbon Disulfide is a preferred chemical for this. Before anyone goes out to try this, I note that it is both flammable and the vapors are somewhat toxic, so don't do anything without adequate ventilation.

With regard to using compressed gas canisters, I should note that it's pretty tough to find freon anymore, even from Miller-Stephenson. Most of the duster cans out there nowadays are full of isobutane or similar hydrocarbons.

[Michael Blitch @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Plus keep in mind most mail is folded to fit into the envelope in the first place, so you really wouldn't be helped that much. Why don't you just steam it open then then reseal, even witha gluestick if needed? I've dont that when I realize that I forgot to add the UPC to a rebate (before I mailed it).

[gork @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Most of the consumer "canned air" dusters are filled with tetrafluoroethane. MSDS here: http://msds.pdc.cornell.edu/msds/msdsdod/a172/m85931.htm

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

In one of the Mr. Wizard books I read as a kid, he explained that you could just use aqua net or any aerosol hairspray to do the same thing.

Probably the alcohol as vampirical pointed out.

[FMephit @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Actually they (used to?) sell this stuff in the back of Lillian Carter-type catalogues for the purpose of spraying christmas presents to sneak a peek at what you're getting. Just don't go huffing those fumes, eh?

[akacheshire @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

try oil perfumes they do exactly that.seethrew for moments

[Mike P @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

I have a can, bought it a year or two ago as a novelty...It works just like it claims, but really its not that big of a deal.

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Tetrafluoroethane is R134-A. Both a refrigerant and safe for the environment.

[www.MarkTAW.com @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Okay, the frion thing is wrong (it was late) but that doesn't change the fact that most cans of compressed air tetrafluoroethane or otherwise, turned upside down will do the exact thing to an envelope that this product claims, and probably costs a heck of a lot less. Surely someone here has a can of compressed air and can confirm this by simply trying it.

[harry K @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

when women start wearing envelopes as clothing is when I will start to worry about this

[red_eye @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

TRICHLOROFLUOROETHANE

If I recall correctly this worked beautifully for making paper transparent and evaportes totally.

[Adrian Kostrubiak @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

Wow that's really amusing.
And the illustration looks so homeless...
Haha..

[Dean Ausfresser @ Dec 19th 2005 12:08AM]

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The Pros Investigative Information Service And Spy Gadgets.
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