Making homemade slime is a fun project for kids, but sometimes the perfect stretchy slime consistency can be difficult to achieve which could lead to slime fails.
Slime fails can be anything from your slime being too sticky, too stiff, not stretchy enough, or just plain old not working. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you fix all those slime problems!
In this blog post, we will guide you through how to make a homemade slime as well as discuss possible errors you might encounter while making slime and how to fix them so that you can have a successful slime-making experience!
How to make slime?
Making slime can be done using a few simple ingredients with just a few steps.
Below, we’ve listed down some recipes that you can use or follow to create your own slime. You can choose one from any of the options below depending on the available materials you have at home.
Here are the basic materials you’ll need for whichever slime recipe you choose:
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food colouring (optional)
- Glitters (optional)
Option 1: Contact Solution Slime or Saline Slime Recipe
1 1/2 tablespoon contact solution or saline solution (should contain boric acid)
6oz bottle or 3/4 cup of Elmer’s glue (white glue, glitter glue)
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 cup of Water
Instructions:
1. Pour the glue into the mixing bowl.
2. Add the baking soda and mix with the glue.
3. Stir until combined then add water as needed to make a slime.
4. Knead the slime until the consistency is perfect.
5. Add food coloring, glitters, and other mix-ins as desired.
Option 2: Cornstarch and Glue Slime or Liquid Starch Slime Recipe
3/4 cup of cornstarch as slime activator
1/4 cup of PVA washable white glue
Instructions:
1. Pour the glue into a mixing bowl.
Note that if you prefer a colored slime, you may want to add the food coloring at this step.
2. Add the corn starch to the glue and mix them together until it forms a slime consistency.
Observe a 3:1 ratio of cornstarch to glue for a less sticky slime. If it’s too sticky, add more cornstarch. If it’s too stiff, add more glue.
3. Knead the slime until the consistency is perfect.
4. You can also add in other mix-ins such as glitter, sequins, or beads as desired.
Option 3: Shaving Foam Slime of Fluffy Slime Recipe
2/3 cup Elmer’s white glue
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoon contact lens solution or saline solution (should contain boric acid)
3 cups of shaving foam or shaving cream
Instructions:
1. Pour the glue into a bowl.
2. Add the baking soda and water. Then, mix them together.
3. Add the shaving cream until it forms a slime. If it’s too sticky, add more saline solution. If it’s too stiff, add more shaving cream.
4. Knead the slime until the consistency is perfect.
5. Add a few drops of food coloring, glitters, and other mix-ins as desired.
Option 4: Borax Slime Recipe
This recipe requires the use of Borax as a slime activator which is generally safe. However, it may cause certain skin reactions for some people. If your kids have sensitive skin, we recommend that you use one of the other slime recipes.
1/4 teaspoon borax powder
1/2 cup of hot water
1/2 cup of white washable PVA glue or clear glue (for clear glue slime)
Instructions:
1. Dissolve the borax powder in hot water and mix it thoroughly. Set it aside to cool.
2. Pour the glue into a different bowl.
3. Add 1/4 cup of the borax solution to the glue and mix together. If using white PVA glue, use a 1/2 cup of borax powder instead.
4. Mix until it forms a slime. If it’s too sticky, add more borax solution. If it’s too stiff, add more glue.
5. Knead the slime until the consistency is perfect.
6. Add a few drops of food coloring, glitters, and other mix-ins as desired. And that’s it! You can select any of the recipes above depending on what you have available at home.
Just follow the simple instructions and you’ll be able to make your own slime in no time! Now, let’s move on to discussing some of the most common issues you might face while making slime and how to fix them.
Possible slime fails and quick fixes
Some slime fails that are usually encountered are watery slime, hard slime, sticky slime, and lumpy slime. Each has its own quick fix that can help you achieve the perfect slime consistency.
Watery Slime:
This causes the slime to be soupy and runny, making it difficult to work with.
Reasons for watery slime
- Not enough slime activator was used
- Excess liquid or too much water was added
How to fix watery slime
If your slime is too watery, there are a few things you can do to fix it. Check out the tips and tricks below on how to rescue slime.
1. Add more glue: The first thing you can do is add more glue to the slime. This will help to thicken slime and make it less soupy.
2. Add more Borax: If adding more glue doesn’t seem to be working, you can try adding more Borax to the slime. This will help to thicken borax slime, firm it up and make it less runny.
3. Add more liquid starch: If you’re using liquid starch as your slime activator, you can try adding more of it to the slime. This will help to firm it up and make it less runny.
4. Add baking soda: Baking soda is a common ingredient for thickening slime. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Stir it longer: Sometimes, all you need to do is stir the slime for a longer period of time. If you didn’t stir it enough when you were making it, this can cause it to be too watery. Just keep stirring until the slime comes together and forms a cohesive ball.
6. Let it sit: If your slime is still too watery, you can try letting it sit for a while. This will allow the excess water to evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, more manageable slime. Just leave it out on a flat surface for an hour or so and check back periodically to see if it’s reached the desired consistency.
Hard Slime:
This is the opposite problem of watery slime and causes the slime to be too hard and difficult to stretch.
Reasons for hard slime:
- Too much activator was used (too much liquid starch, too much baking soda)
- Not enough water was added
How to fix hard slime:
To make your slime soft, here are a few things you can try doing:
1. Add more water: The first thing you can try is adding more water to the slime. This will help to thin it out and make the slime flexible.
2. Add extra shaving cream: Adding shaving cream can also help to soften hard slime. Just add a little at a time until the desired slime consistency is achieved.
Sticky Slime:
Sticky slime is a common slime fail that can make the slime difficult to work with and cause it to stick to everything it touches.
Reasons for sticky slime:
Not enough activator was used
Not letting it sit long enough
How to fix sticky slime:
If your slime is too sticky, there are a few things you can do to fix it. Check out the tips and tricks below on how to rescue slime:
1. Add more polymer: The first thing you can try is adding more of the polymer to the slime. Some examples of polymer include Borax, liquid starch, and laundry detergent. This will help to absorb some of the excess moisture and make the slime less sticky.
2. Let it sit: If your slime is still too sticky, you can try letting it sit for a while. This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate, leaving behind a less sticky slime. Just leave it out on a flat surface for an hour or so and check back periodically to see if it’s reached the desired consistency.
Lumpy Slime:
Lumpy slime is another common slime fail that can make the slime difficult to work with. It can cause the slime to be lumpy, dry, and crumbly.
Reasons for lumpy slime:
Not enough activator was used
Too much glue was used
How to fix lumpy slime:
There are a few things you can do to fix lumpy slime. Check out the tips and tricks below on how to rescue slime:
1. Add more activator: The first thing you can try is adding more of the activator to the slime. This will help to bind the ingredients together and make the slime less crumbly.
2. Knead it: If your slime is still too crumbly, you can try kneading it. This will help to break up the lumps and make the slime more pliable.
3. Let it sit: If your slime is still too crumbly, you can try letting it sit for a while. This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate, leaving behind a drier, less crumbly slime. Just leave it out on a flat surface for an hour or so and check back periodically to see if it’s reached the desired consistency.
4. Add more glue: If adding more activator doesn’t seem to be working, you can try adding more glue to the slime. This will help to bind the ingredients together and make the slime less crumbly.
5. Add more water: If your slime is still too crumbly, you can try adding more water to the slime. This will help to soften it up and make it more pliable.
How to avoid slime fails
There are a few things that can cause slime fails. Here are some tips on how to avoid these issues:
1. Make sure all of your ingredients are properly measured to avoid an unfavourable chemical reaction. Too much or too little of any ingredient can cause the slime to be too runny or not form at all.
2. Make sure to mix and knead the slime thoroughly. This will ensure that the ingredients are properly combined and the slime is the right consistency.
3. Be patient! If your slime is too runny, let it sit for a while and it will thicken up. If your slime is too hard, add more glue or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Store slime in an airtight container to keep it from drying out or becoming too hard.
With these tips, you should be able to fix any slime fail and have perfect slime every time!
Challenge and Takeaway
We hope these slime recipes, as well as tips on how to fix slime fails are helpful.
If you’re still having trouble, don’t worry – just keep experimenting and you’ll achieve the best slime in no time. And if you want a bigger challenge, why not try making slime using each of the above recipes?
Each one will have a unique texture and consistency, so it’s a great way to experiment and find your favorite. Just remember to have fun, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
There are so many possibilities out there – the sky’s the limit! Have fun experimenting and creating your own fluffy slime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal consistency for slime?
The perfect slime should be stretchy, but not too sticky. It should also be easy to mold and shape, but not too stiff. The ideal slime consistency is often compared to that of a rubber band.
Additionally, it is something that is not too runny or too hard. You want it to be a fluffy slime that’s stretchy and easy to mold, but not so watery that it’s difficult to work with.
Q: Is Borax safe for kids?
A: Borax is generally safe and should not cause any major issues if used in moderation. However, it is best to avoid using Borax with very young children. If you do use Borax, make sure to supervise children while they are using it and wash their hands afterwards as it may cause skin and eye irritation.
Q: What is boric acid and why is it important in slime?
A: Boric acid is a white, powdery substance that is often used in cleaning products and as an insecticide. In slime, boric acid is important because it helps to give the slime its stretchy, slimy consistency.
Q: Can I make slime without boric acid?
A: Yes, you can make slime without boric acid as listed in the above recipes. However, you may expect a different texture and flexibility for slimes that don’t contain one. But, you may use another slime activator, such as contact lens solution or baking soda, in place of the boric acid.
Q: How do I store my slime?
A: The best way to store your slime is in an airtight container. This will help to keep the slime from absorbing moisture from the air and becoming too watery. You can also store your slime in the refrigerator to help it last longer. You can check out this blog to know more about how to store slime properly.
Q: What can I do with my slime?
A: You can use your slime for a variety of different activities and experiments. You can also use it as a stress reliever or a fun activity to do with kids. There are endless possibilities when it comes to slime!
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