The "Silly Putty" was accidentally invented during World War II, while American scientists were trying to create synthetic rubber. To date, many have become familiar with this material that stretches and stretches like a rubber and bounces when thrown. If you want to have fun with your children, use one of the methods described to create the silly putty, they will immediately go crazy.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Liquid Starch Method
Step 1. Blend two parts of white vinyl glue with one part of liquid starch
Liquid starch (or starch) is available in all supermarkets, look for it in the area reserved for laundry detergents. Some brands will work better than others.
- Some types of vinyl glue (such as American Elmer) will not make your silly putty bounce. Use plain Vinavil. Either way, the multi-purpose Elmer glue will work.
- If you wish, you can add food coloring at this point. Be generous, the color will spread and lighten significantly.
Step 2. Find the right balance between proportions to replicate the classic silly putty texture
Step 3. When it has almost reached the desired consistency, remove it from the bowl and shape it with your hands
To get the best result you may have to work and knead it for a few moments. Roll it up, stretch it and fold it back on itself.
Step 4. After use, always store it in a clear, plastic, sealable container
To be preserved over time, your silly putty must be kept away from the air. If you prefer, you can store it in the refrigerator, the storage period will be extended even further. Alternatively, store it in a resealable food bag. The important thing is to keep it away from the air, remember to close the chosen container.
Method 2 of 3: Washing Machine Detergent Method
Step 1. Pour the contents of one pack of vinyl glue into a container
The amount of glue used should determine the final amount of silly putty. If you want to make a large amount, adjust the doses accordingly.
Step 2. If desired, add a food coloring of your choice to the glue
Pour several drops of color into the glue and mix thoroughly.
Step 3. Add 1 or 2 parts of powdered laundry detergent
Never replace it with dish soap, as the consistency is not the same.
Step 4. Stir carefully
As you stir, you will see the consistency of the mixture change from sticky to semi-solid, slowly taking on the pasty qualities of silly putty. If the mixture remains sticky after a few minutes, add more detergent gradually, a little at a time.
Step 5. Work the dough with your hands
Little by little it will take on further semblances of the silly putty, replicating its consistency. At this stage, excess detergent will be expelled from the mix.
Store it in an airtight container. Unless you're keeping it warm and flexible with your hands, you should keep it out of the air. To extend the life of your silly putty, place it in the refrigerator
Method 3 of 3: Borax Method
Step 1. In a bowl, mix 60ml of glue with 60ml of water
Stir to mix the two ingredients and obtain a homogeneous consistency. If you wish, you can add food coloring at this point. The more dye added, the darker the hue of your silly putty.
Step 2. Dissolve 1 tablespoon (15g) of borax in 30ml of water
Make sure the borax has completely dissolved - you don't want your silly putty to be grainy. It is important that you know that borax is dangerous and should not be ingested. However, it works perfectly for making silly putty.
Step 3. Combine the two blends
As you stir, you should notice that it starts to thicken. If it gets too sticky, add more borax. Keep stirring until it at least partially assumes the typical consistency of silly putty. After that, take it in your hands and knead it for about 5-10 minutes.
Plays! Your silly putty is ready. As long as it stays hot it will be flexible (and playable)
Step 4. Keep it in an airtight container for later use
If you wish, you can store it in the refrigerator. After removing it from the refrigerator, it will need to be remodeled but, in about 10 minutes, it should come back to life. Leaving it in the open air will lose its consistency.
Advice
- When using food coloring, cover your work surface and wear protective disposable gloves; food coloring is difficult to remove and can permanently stain if not rinsed off while still wet.
- To avoid creating too much clutter, line your workspace with newspaper and have your kids wear an old t-shirt or apron.
- You can store it in the refrigerator to keep it cool and prevent mold growth.
- After preparing and using it, always wash your hands.
- Work the dough very well with your hands. Some variants more than others will require a lot of manual work.
Warnings
- Keep it away from clothing. Silly putty sticks to tissues and cannot be removed easily.
- Do not ingest the silly putty. The ingredients are not edible.
- Some DIY recipes for silly putty involve using borax. Be careful, borax has been classified as "toxic for reproduction" and is on the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in the European Union.
