This is so sweet, it works exactly like it states, but I have to admit I had doubts. I don't know if the smoke is heavier, more dense. But if you set it on any flat surface, the smoke gravitates downward in the most direct route. So I put it on the top-most platform and it snaked its way down, even flowing through the pinhole in the statue. Because I was filming it at the time, when I would move the camera it would disrupt the smoke so it never made it clear to the base in the video. When it can, it forms a smoke pool around the base. I love the colors. There is a great selection and all of them blend well with the stone look and color. Excellent painting and a solid little unit.