Corn starch paste can easily replace glue. Thanks to its low cost, it is affordable, not to mention that it is effective and you know what its ingredients are. It's also great for those with kids who mess up a lot when using glue for school projects. A few ingredients are enough to quickly prepare it at home and start using it for a chore.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make a Simple Corn Starch Paste
Step 1. Mix cornstarch and water
That's all! You can then modify the recipe to get the thickness you prefer. In fact, you can add more cornstarch or water until you get the desired consistency. Mix the two ingredients well. As the starch absorbs the water, the paste will thicken and begin to have properties similar to those of glue.
- If you prefer a diluted paste, use 3 tablespoons of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- If you prefer thick, use equal parts of cold water and cornstarch.
- Since starch can settle to the bottom, stir the paste just before using it.
Step 2. Heat the dough
If you want it to be thick, reheating it can make the preparation process easier. In a saucepan, pour half a cup of cornstarch and half a cup of water, then cook the ingredients over low heat. Mix them until you get a homogeneous, thick and sticky consistency. At this point, remove the pot from the heat. The finished product will be semi-transparent.
- Let it cool before pouring it into a plastic container and using it.
- You may want to use a whisk at first, but then when the dough has thickened, you'll need a sturdy spoon.
Step 3. Store the pasta in the fridge by placing it in a clean plastic or glass container
You can keep it for a month. If necessary, add more water and heat it slightly to soften it before use.
- If you make more, an old butter dish will do.
- If you are making pasta for multiple projects or for more than one person, small yogurt pots with lids will work well.
Step 4. Use the paste for your art and manual projects
Simple cornstarch paste can be paired with threads, twine, popsicle sticks, and other items typically used for crafting. After using it for a project, let it dry for 24 hours.
Method 2 of 3: Try a Corn Syrup Variant
Step 1. Use corn syrup and white vinegar
This variant allows you to create a stronger glue that can be used instead of the classic one. In a saucepan, combine 180 ml of water, 60 g of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of corn syrup and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. Cook the ingredients over low heat and mix until smooth, then remove the pan from the heat.
Step 2. Add another 60g of cornstarch and 60ml of water to the pot
Stir slowly and continuously until you get a homogeneous mixture. After a few minutes the paste will begin to thicken becoming more and more like glue.
Step 3. Let the pasta cool
It will be very hot, so handle it with care. After bringing it to room temperature, pour it into a plastic or glass container with the help of a spoon.
- Do not pour it into the container while it is still hot, as it could cause it to melt.
- Don't let children use it until it has cooled down completely.
Method 3 of 3: Customize it
Step 1. If you want the paste to dry quickly, you may want to add some vinyl glue
Use enough cornstarch and water to make a thick paste. After heating it until it is semi-transparent, remove it from the heat and add some vinyl glue. For best results, use equal parts of glue and paste.
- Make sure you mix it well after adding the vinyl glue, otherwise it won't bind to the starch paste.
- The final compound is great for projects that require more adhesive properties.
Step 2. Just before using the glue, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil
It only takes a little, so do not use more than 3-5 drops.
- Rose oil is great for a love letter.
- Peppermint is ideal for a Christmas card.
Step 3. Add some food coloring to modify the paste and make paper projects more beautiful
Experiment with various colors until you find the right one and get the desired transparency.
Step 4. Add some glitter
When the paste has hardened, you can add some glitter. This way you will have the opportunity to integrate them into your chore without making a mess. Make sure you don't add them too late, otherwise it will be difficult to mix them with the paste.
Advice
Apply the paste with the help of a thick-bristled brush
Warnings
- Corn starch and water do not bind permanently. Sooner or later they will split. Use the pasta within a few weeks of preparation.
- Throw the paste in the trash rather than the sink so you don't clog the drain.
