Regardless of age, most people can enjoy playing slime, especially if it glows in the dark. Also, if you prepare it with your hands you will have a whole new experience. There are several ways to make it, so you can experiment with different ingredients and quantities to achieve various types of textures and colors.
Ingrediants
Slime based on Borax or Liquid Starch
- 240 ml of hot water
- 120ml of non-toxic transparent liquid glue
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of phosphorescent paint
- 80 ml of hot water in a small bowl
- 17 g of borax or 10 ml of liquid starch
Corn Starch Based Slime
- 250 g of corn starch
- 240 ml of hot water
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) of phosphorescent paint
Slime based on Epsom salts
- 270 g of Epsom salts
- 240 ml of hot water
- 240 ml of liquid glue
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) of phosphorescent paint
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make Slime with Borax or Liquid Starch
Step 1. Pour the hot water into a medium sized bowl
It should not be hot, but hot when in contact with your hands.
Step 2. Add the clear glue
You can also use white glue, but the slime color won't come out very vivid.
Choose a non-toxic quality of glue, especially if children will be handling the slime
Step 3. Add the glow-in-the-dark paint and mix well to blend
You can buy it at most DIY stores or in the paint and paint department of a department store.
- As an alternative to gouache, you can use highlighter ink. Just open the bottom of the highlighter and drop the cartridge into the bowl of hot water and borax. Put on a glove and squeeze the sponge cartridge so that the ink comes out.
- Note that if you use highlighter ink, the slime will only shine under ultraviolet light.
Step 4. Add the borax (which you can find in the laundry aisle) to another bowl of hot water
Mix everything to make it blend.
As an alternative to borax and water you can add 125ml of liquid starch, which you can find in the laundry aisle
Step 5. Mix the borax solution
Gradually add (2 tablespoons at a time) the borax solution to the tempera solution, stirring constantly until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6. Store the dough in a ziplock bag or airtight container
If you don't store the slime properly, it will start to dry out.
However, if you leave it in an open container overnight it may become more rubbery. It depends on your preferences
Step 7. Finished
Have fun with your glow-in-the-dark slime!
Method 2 of 3: Making Corn Starch Slime
Step 1. Pour the cornstarch into a medium sized bowl
You can also use a smaller amount if you prefer a more liquid consistency.
Since you use cornstarch instead of borax or liquid starch, this recipe is a safer alternative for young children
Step 2. Add the water to the cornstarch bowl
Stir with a spoon or your hands to mix everything together.
Step 3. Add the gouache
Keep stirring until you reach the desired consistency. You can buy glow-in-the-dark gouache at most DIY stores or in the paint and color department of a department store.
- As an alternative to glow-in-the-dark gouache, you can use highlighter ink to color your slime. Open the bottom of the highlighter and drop the cartridge inside into the bowl of water and cornstarch. Put on a glove and squeeze the sponge cartridge so that the ink comes out.
- Note that if you use highlighter ink the slime will only shine under ultraviolet light.
- You can also add a few drops of food coloring to change the hue of the dough. Just remember that the dye can reduce the shine of the slime.
Step 4. Finished
Have fun with your glow-in-the-dark slime!
Method 3 of 3: Making Slime with Epsom Salts
Step 1. Put the water and Epsom salts in a medium sized bowl
Stir until the salts have dissolved.
Step 2. Add liquid glue and mix to blend everything together
By using clear glue, you will give the dough a brighter color than the effect white glue might give.
Remember to choose a non-toxic grade of glue, especially if children will be handling the slime
Step 3. Add the gouache
Stir the mixture to blend and continue until you reach the desired consistency.
- Highlighter ink can be an alternative to gouache. Just open the bottom of the tube and drop the cartridge into the slime mix. Squeeze it with a pair of gloves so that all the ink comes out well.
- However, keep in mind that the highlighter ink will only shine under ultraviolet light.
Step 4. Finished
Have fun with your glow-in-the-dark slime!
Advice
- If the glow effect wears off, just leave it in a bright room for at least 15 minutes.
- If you want a more phosphorescent dough, add more drops of food coloring. However, please be aware that using this product can reduce the shine of the slime.
- The slime typically lasts for about two weeks, after which it can start to smell or lose its texture.
- If you want to throw it away, just put it in a plastic bag with a lock and throw it in the trash.
- You can turn slime making into a science experiment with which to teach your kids various chemical reactions. For more information on this, consult this page or this other.
- Try using slime for artistic and creative projects. There are great ideas on the internet that you can draw inspiration from. Try Buzzfeed's suggestions.
- Slime can also be a small keepsake to leave after your child's birthday party or make a fun Halloween gift.
Warnings
- Keep it away from furniture and carpets.
- Borax is a toxic cleaner, so use it carefully if you involve children in slime making.