Thickener for slime: 15 types of activator, how to make at home

Making slime with your own hands is more fun than playing with it. There are dozens of slime recipes, and their number continues to grow endlessly. Glues, cosmetics, household products, and much more are used. But all recipes end the same way: at the last stage you need to add a thickener for the slime, otherwise an activator.

Popular thickeners

Basic Recipes

Before making a toy, you need to prepare components and materials: a container in which the components will be mixed, a stirring stick, rubber gloves and a container for further storage of the slime. The ingredients are combined in a bowl and kneaded until the final elastic state. The basic recipe can be varied by adding bright food colors or glitter to the slime, so it will be even more interesting for the child to play.

Rainbow

To make rainbow slime you will need different colors of food coloring. In several bowls, separate for each color, mix the components and bring the mass to the desired consistency. Ready-made slimes of different colors are combined into one, the resulting toy will be multi-colored.

Classic version of glowing slime

To make glowing slime, you need to take:

• glue (regular stationery or PVA, homemade glue for slime is also suitable);
• activator - sodium tetraborate (you can replace it with lens fluid, borax or borax);
• fluorescent marker.

Step-by-step instructions for making glowing slime are presented below:

• Prepare a luminous liquid from the core of a felt-tip pen and water.
• Glue is added to the resulting solution.
• The mixture is supplemented with any activator from the list.
• The resulting composition is mixed first with a stick, then as it thickens with hands protected by gloves.

Starch to thicken slime

Handgam from starch is very easy to make. To do this you need to take shampoo, vegetable oil and starch. If desired, add dye to the oil and shampoo and mix. We begin to gradually add starch so that the mass takes on a dough-like consistency.

If you replace the shampoo with condensed milk, you get another edible slime from which you can make jewelry.

Home care rules

To prevent the slime from shrinking and retain its elasticity, it must be stored correctly:

• The ideal storage location is the container with an airtight lid in which the toy was sold. Homemade slime is stored in plastic containers purchased at the store. A jar of cream or balm or a sealed bag with a zipper is suitable for storage. The main thing is that no air gets inside the container.
• The slime should be stored in a place where there are no sudden changes in temperature. The optimal range is considered to be from +4 to +9 degrees.
• The storage place must be reliably protected from sunlight.

In order for the slime to retain all its original properties for a long time, you need to follow a number of rules:

in the case of making slime yourself, you need to select the right, working recipes; it is important to follow the exact proportions specified in the recipe; To prevent the composition from deteriorating, you should remove the lump from the jar every day and knead it; for feeding you need to use only approved components and in acceptable dosages; the best ingredient for feeding is salt; The slime contains dust and dirt, so it needs to be cleaned regularly (large particles of dirt are removed with tweezers, the dust is washed under running warm water).

Why does it happen that the slime does not thicken, and how to fix it?

There are several reasons why your slime isn't thickening.:

• Too much water. If you used a lot of water while making slime, the slime will turn out runny.
• Not enough thickener. If you vigorously stir the liquid for several minutes and the slime still does not thicken, you may not have added enough activator.
• Incorrect thickener. Study the list of activators suitable for making slime - it can be found at the beginning of the article.
• Unsuitable glue. Try to buy a new tube of glue to make slime. In addition, some types of glue are not suitable for creating slimes.

How to fix slime that is too watery:

1. If the recipe used glue and water, the glue solution might turn out liquid and the activator might not work. To fix this, add glue and mix the mixture again.
2. Put the slime in the refrigerator - sometimes after cooking it needs to “ripen” for a couple of hours.
3. Mix the slime thoroughly and knead it with your fingers until the mass thickens.
4. Add the activator - be careful and add the thickener in small amounts, otherwise the slime may turn into a chunk of hard goo.

How to make thickening slime at home

Below you can find recipes for thickeners that allow you to make mucus at home. The appearance of such slimes will be identical to store-bought ones.

From liquid sodium tetraborate

The substance can be purchased at any pharmacy. The high level of concentration of the substance is a significant advantage. To make the main component of the slime from sodium tetraborate, you will need to dilute the solution with water, which will make it possible to reduce the concentration level of the substance. As a rule, 30 g of sodium tetraborate is required per 1000 ml of water

Glycerol is an auxiliary component of a pharmaceutical drug. The viscosity of the substance is high, which makes it impossible to completely dissolve in liquid.

Advice! In order to give the finished activator uniformity, you will need to mix the composition each time before use.

Excess water in slime makes it unusable

From salt or soda

Salt and baking soda can also be used in the process of making a slime activator. The bulk component is poured with warm water in a ratio of 3:1. The moistened thickener makes it easy to mix into the base. If the slime is not thickening well, it is recommended to add a small portion of salt. The finished anti-stress will look elastic and fluffy. In a hot room it may melt a little or begin to spread.

Sugar, powdered sugar

Often hand gums are made from powdered sugar/sugar. Experts recommend combining the sweet component with shampoo or another soap thickener.

To make a thickened toy, you will need to combine liquid soap with shampoo or shower gel and dissolve a teaspoon of powdered sugar/sugar in the composition. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, you should place the gum for your hands in the freezer.

Nail polish is an effective activator

Liquid for lenses

A thickened product can also be made from lens fluid containing a borate buffer. To enhance the thickening effect, add a small amount of soda to the solution used to clean lenses. Slime can be launched in the air and caught.

Nail polish

According to the recipe, you should mix sunflower oil with nail polish in a 3:1 ratio in a convenient container. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The resulting anti-stress will last perfectly and will not break through for a long time.

Washing liquid powder, gel Persil, Pervol, Losk, Ariel

According to the first recipe for creating a toy, you will need:

1. Mix 125 ml of PVA adhesive base and 10 ml of dishwashing detergent.
2. The ingredients are gently kneaded by hand.
3. The slime should turn out pearlescent.

According to the second recipe, the slimer will need:

1. Mix 125 ml of PVA adhesive base with a couple of laundry capsules.
2. To create a homogeneous mass, you will need to beat the composition.
3. The mixture should be left for 20 minutes.

Note! This method of preparing slime is not suitable for people who suffer from allergic rashes and skin diseases. Washing powder can be used as an activator

Washing powder can be used as an activator

Sprays

If you don’t have a salt or soap thickener on hand, but you really want to make slime, experts recommend using sprays that have a high level of fixation. However, it should be taken into account that the mass may not thicken well.

1. The PVA will need to be poured into a convenient container.
2. Little by little spray is sprayed into the adhesive base.
3. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed. How long will it take? As a rule, no more than 5 minutes.
4. The steps are repeated until the slime is ready. The slime will be good, thick and fluffy.

Spray slime will be thicker

What thickeners can be used for slime?

If you want to make a thickener for slime at home, you can use any recipe. How to thicken slime at home? Below are the most popular substances from which you can make slime with a thick consistency.

You may be interested in this: Recipes for making ninja slime yourself at home

Sodium tetraborate

Sodium tetraborate is often called borax. The substance goes on sale most often in the form of a powder containing a 20% glycerin solution.

Borax can be purchased at a pharmacy chain or in an online store. When making slime, it is important to adhere to basic safety precautions. Sodium tetraborate should never come into contact with the eyes.

The use of sodium tetraborate makes the slime especially soft and elastic. In this case, the base may not contain glycerin. Using sodium tetraborate, there is no doubt that the mucus will be of the desired consistency.

Boric acid

To make one small slime you will need half a teaspoon of acid. The interaction of the drug substances with soapy water promotes the formation of tetraborate, which helps to increase the softness of the toy. Boric acid will quickly thicken the toy.

Gelatin helps thicken the mass

Baking soda

During the preparation process, you will need to mix a certain amount of soda (1.5 tsp) with 50 g of base and 120 ml of slightly warmed water with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda makes it possible not only to achieve the best anti-stress consistency, but also to prevent the slime from sticking to your hands. The composition will thicken quickly. The toy will turn out to be jelly and similar to Ninja slime.

Liquid for lenses

How to make a thickener for slime? To make an activator, you should use a lens solution mixed with baking soda. The composition is gradually added to the base.

For reference! Using liquid for lenses allows you to make anti-stress voluminous.

Liquid starch

What can replace sodium tetraborate for slime? Quite often people use liquid starch. To create a thickener, you will need to mix 180 ml of a product that contains boron with the base.

The activator can be made from powdered sugar

Eye drops

All eye drops contain boric acid. Considering that the acid is added to the medicine in small quantities, it is worth purchasing several packages of the medicine at the pharmacy.

Corn starch

Starch is also suitable for making a thickener. You will need to mix it with thick shampoo. The composition will thicken quickly. The made toy will last a short period of time (no more than 20 hours), but you can always make slime using this simple recipe again.

Gelatin

To make slime, you can use gelatin. 1 sachet of the substance is mixed with 100 ml of warm water. After thoroughly mixing the components, add the slightly melted plasticine mixture. In this case, a small amount of shower gel should be used as a thickener.

Hairspray can be used instead of soap

Rules for choosing ingredients

Flavorings are divided into two types:

• cosmetic;
• food.

In the first case, it is customary to call the substance a fragrance. They contain components of synthetic origin. There are also flavors used for automotive products and household chemicals. Their composition is more aggressive.

Flavors of this type are not recommended for creating slime. Allergic reactions may occur upon contact with skin. If the human body does not tolerate the substance, the skin may itch, turn red and develop a rash. Even if a person is allergic to just one component in the composition, it is still not suitable

The question becomes especially important if the toy is being prepared for a child.

It is better to use cosmetic fragrances. There are a huge number of products on the market that you can buy and prepare your own fragrance. Thus, the slime acquires any smell.

Food flavorings

They are in first place on the list due to the safety of use. Aromatic substances are presented in liquid, gel and dry form. It is recommended to choose the liquid form.

According to the information, they use the following rules for choosing components to create flavors:

First of all, pay attention to the origin of the substance. It is better if it is as close to natural as possible. Components to which you are allergic are completely excluded. Form of ingredients

As a result, the flavor should be obtained in the form of a liquid.

The choice of ingredients is of great importance. Neglecting these rules will lead to negative consequences after playing with slimes

Therefore, the choice of ingredients is approached with great responsibility.

Is it possible or not to replace borax in the slime, what to thicken it with, besides it?

All the main components of the slime are represented by loose, hard or liquid substances, and the toy itself should be soft and elastic, which is why activators or thickeners are needed. All slime ingredients can be found in the kitchen or in your home medicine cabinet. However, slimes with these components are of lower quality and will take more time to prepare.

In order to get a dense and viscous slime, you need to add homemade thickeners that will replace sodium tetraborate. They are affordable and safe for the child’s health, which is important for playing with slime.

Tips and tricks

One of the main components of slime is sodium tetraborate. The substance acts as a thickener. Sodium tetraborate is usually added at the end of the work.

It’s easy to make your own slime using sodium tetraborate:

• 255 ml of hot water is poured into a container and 2.5 g of borax is dissolved in it;
• 55 ml of hot water is poured into another container, in which 32 g of PVA glue with the thickest consistency is dissolved;
• dye is added to the adhesive solution;
• pour in the solution with the thickener and stir with a stick;
• When the lump stops sticking to the walls of the bowl, take it in your hands and actively knead it.

To prevent the toy from deteriorating and retain all its properties for a long time, simple tips will help:

A thickener should be added to the mixture periodically. To make the composition softer, 2-3 drops are enough

After this, the slime is kneaded in your hands for 4 minutes. When purchasing, you need to pay special attention to the production time of the product and storage conditions in the store. You need to play with slime in moderation. You can't hold the slime in your hands for too long without a container. If the slime has become too watery, a few grains of salt will help.

Add grains of salt to the container where the slime is stored, cover with a lid and shake. Salt absorbs excess moisture and returns the slime to its original structure. The mass may harden. The cause is too intense, long play or overfeeding. Add a few drops of water to the mixture and leave it alone for three hours. Adding a thickener will help remove excess stickiness. After which the slime is placed in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours.

All these methods restore not only the structure, but also increase the size of the slime.

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Washing gel or dishwashing liquid

If you don't have sodium tetraborate, or you don't want to use it, you can thicken the slime with laundry gel (for example, Persil) or dishwashing liquid (Fairy is best suited).

In order to get slime, you need to mix two capsules of washing gel with a bottle of PVA glue (125 ml) and mix thoroughly until smooth. You can beat the mixture with a blender. Then the slime should stand for 15-20 minutes. After this, it is completely ready for use.

This recipe is not recommended for people with sensitive skin.

You can cook without Persil. A teaspoon of “Fairy” is added to the PVA glue, after which the mass is thoroughly kneaded by hand or on the table. The result is a pleasant to the touch and beautiful handgam.

What is an activator and what is it for?

A thickener is one of the main components of any slime, which acts as a binding link for a certain composition. It is impossible to create a slime with a thick consistency without a complex chemical compound. The slime activator can be of various shapes:

• liquid;
• gel;
• powdery.

Using a thickener in the process of making slime makes it possible to thicken the mass. The activator allows the liquid mixture to acquire an elastic form. Thanks to this, the slime has excellent stretch and can be kneaded easily. Below is information that will help you find out what you can use to thicken your slime.

Types of activator

There are several types of activators that allow you to achieve the desired slime consistency. To achieve a similar effect, you can use:

• Visine (eye drops);
• sodium tetraborate;
• gelatin;
• liquid laundry and dishwashing detergents;
• potato starch;
• hairspray;
• air freshener;
• baking soda;
• table salt;
• solution for contact lenses;
• alcohol tincture or acetylsalicylic acid;
• powdered sugar.

Boric acid can be used as an activator

Experts divide activators into several types:

• Salts are the most popular group of thickeners. This activator should be added at the end, when all the slime ingredients have been mixed. Salt activators contain borates. These thickeners include tetraborate and salt. The listed substances will quickly thicken the anti-stress toy.
• Soap activators are an excellent replacement for salt thickeners. Soap varieties include washing gel and powders.
• Sprays. Hairsprays and air fresheners that have a strong hold level can become effective activators for creating sticky mucus.

Note! It is worth remembering that if a spray is used as a thickener, the mass will thicken more slowly. Slime with contact lens liquid will be stringy

Slime with contact lens liquid will be stringy

What you can't do to thicken slime

Activation of slime is a chemical reaction. The ingredients in ready-made recipes are selected so that they not only impart certain properties to the slime, but also react with each other. If the recipe is changed, the reaction may not occur.

For example, a solution of sodium tetraborate, considered a universal thickener, cannot do anything with plasticine, and starch does not activate shampoo

When purchasing ingredients for slime, you need to monitor their expiration dates. Expired glue changes its structure; nothing can thicken it; it will simply curdle. The expiration date is also important when selecting shampoos, oils, gels and other substances.

But you also need to pay attention to the viscosity of the components. Too liquid substances with a high water content, although they will react with a properly selected thickener, will not give the desired result.

Purchased activators (eye drops, lens cleaning liquid, Teymurov spray and others) also have an expiration date, after which their chemical properties change.

How to make slime at home without sodium tetraborate?

Although sodium tetraborate is the best thickener for slimes due to the presence of boric acid in the composition, many slimers do not want to use it due to the caustic component and are looking for something to add instead.

In addition, not every home has sodium tetraborate, when sugar or starch are present in every kitchen. Let's look at what can replace sodium tetraborate and what substances to use as a thickener.

With any eye drops

Let's look at what eye liquid you can use and how much it costs at the pharmacy.

Ingredients:

• Any eye drops (preferably a brand called Visine).
• Silicate glue.
• Soda.

Visin eye drops are quite expensive, they cost about 500 Russian rubles.

Recipe:

1. Mix 50 grams of glue and 2-4 drops of Visine in a plastic container, depending on the desired consistency.
2. If you want to make your slime colored, add coloring.
3. Mix the mixture until smooth. If it becomes too thick, add a couple more drops of eye liquid.
4. Pour a tablespoon of soda dissolved in warm water into the mixture.
5. Mix until you get a small dense lump.
6. Take out the mixture and knead it in your hands for 5 minutes.

Slime is ready!

The resulting toy will stretch well in your hands. If you add too many eye drops during the cooking process, the slime may become tough.

Below we offer a video with a visual example of making slime from eye drops:

With liquid mealy powder

Liquid starch is sold at any hardware store; dissolved potato starch has other properties and is not suitable for this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of PVA glue.
• 50 grams of liquid starch.
• Half a glass of water.
• Food coloring or glitter if desired.

Recipe:

1. Mix glue and water in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
2. Add coloring or confetti. If you want clear slime, skip this step.
3. Pour in the liquid starch and stir the mixture until the liquid disappears.
4. Remove the toy from the container and knead it with your hands, giving it the desired shape.
5. Place the slime in a clean container for five minutes.
6. Done, you can enjoy the toy.

With Borax

Reference! Borax is similar in properties to sodium tetraborate; the difference is that Borax is available in powder form, and tetraborate is a ready-made solution sold in a pharmacy.

Ingredients:

• PVA glue, 100 grams.
• 1.5 glasses of water at room temperature.
• Two tablespoons of Borax.
• Dye if desired.

Recipe:

1. Dissolve Borax powder in a glass of warm water.
2. In another container, mix the remaining water and PVA glue.
3. Add dye.
4. Mix the mixture thoroughly.
5. Then slowly pour the dissolved powder into the mixture, stirring the mixture constantly.
6. Now knead the resulting mass thoroughly with your hands until smooth.
7. Lizun is ready! Remove it from the container and lightly knead it into the desired shape.

Made from glue and lens cleaner

This recipe does not contain strong thickeners, so it will take more time to make the slime.

Also, the slime from these components turns out transparent, but if you wish, you can add dyes or glitter.

Ingredients:

• Half a glass of water at room temperature.
• A teaspoon of soda.
• 50 grams of stationery glue.
• Contact lens solution, one pack.

Recipe:

1. Mix water and baking soda in a bowl, then add glue and mix again until smooth.
2. Gradually pour in the lens solution, but not all at once: add a little, mix, and add again. Do this until you have used up all the liquid.
3. Then stir the mixture until a homogeneous viscous substance is formed.
4. Place the resulting slime in a container, cover with a lid and refrigerate for 4-5 hours.
5. Afterwards you can play with the slime.

Is it possible to thicken slime with hydrogen peroxide?

Surprisingly, hydrogen peroxide is also used as a thickener for slimes in combination with starch. The recipe is simple:

• mix 1 part potato starch with 2 parts boiling water in a bowl;
• after cooling, pour 100 ml of PVA glue into the resulting jelly and add a drop of dye;
• add 5-6 drops of hydrogen peroxide and knead until smooth.

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Boric acid (powder)

Boric acid is an insecticide and antiseptic used in agriculture and medicine. Sodium tetraborate is made from it, but the powder can also be used to create slimes. The pros and cons of the acid are the same as those of the medicine.

You can buy a sachet or large package at the pharmacy (which is preferable), and if this is a substance for killing garden pests or fertilizing the soil, then at the store. Price – from 70 rub. for 10 g

Cooking method

1. Pour glue into a bowl.
2. In another container, mix boric acid and water.
3. Combine both liquids and stir.
4. If the mass is too tight, you can soften it with shower gel.

Read about the other 8 boric acid slime recipes. You will learn how to properly dilute boric acid and what ingredients are needed to make the right slime.

Little tricks

Many slimers cannot produce slimes without sodium tetraborate. There may be several reasons for failure:

• non-compliance with proportions;
• poor quality of ingredients used;
• violation of the algorithm of actions.

Typically, slime does not thicken due to the use of too thin shampoo, detergent or shower gel. And if you overdo it with the activator, the slime begins to tear when stretched. In both the first and second cases, the situation can be corrected:

• The slime is too runny. Excessive fluidity indicates a lack of binder. To increase the density, an activator is added - soda solution, boric acid, alcohol solution of iodine.
• The slime is very dense. To reduce the density of the handgam, add a little water, shampoo or PVA glue.
• The toy sticks to your hands. The stickiness of slime is eliminated with baking soda and starch.

Knowing the little secrets will save novice slimers from frustration. By using recipes that really work, you can make many unique toys in all sorts of colors and sizes.

What is slime made of?

The composition of slimes includes 2 components - a thickener and an activator. The first is a viscous substance (guar gum, glue, shampoo, etc.). An activator (sodium tetraborate) is introduced into it, which activates the properties of the thickener and changes the consistency of the mixture.

Important! An activator is often called a thickener and these concepts are confused. Thickener - base substance

An activator is necessary to thicken it.

When preparing slimes at home, PVA, silicate or titanium glue is often used as a thickener. These are the most common materials. But with prolonged contact they are toxic, so they try to prepare safe toys for children from non-toxic ingredients:

• shampoo;
• cleaning paste for teeth;
• gel for creasing dishes;
• washing gel;
• razor foam

The most effective activator is sodium tetraborate (boric acid salt). But prolonged contact with boron can cause health problems. In this regard, it is replaced with less toxic substances (soda, starch, salt, sugar or gelatin).

A popular recipe for PVA slime without a thickener is popular. It can be difficult to buy borax, so toys are prepared without it with the addition of components with similar effects (starch, soda or salt). The products are less toxic and safe.

Components:

• 50 g glue;
• 1 tablespoon of soda;
• half a glass of water.

Preparation method:

1. Dilute the glue with half the amount of water.
2. Add coloring if desired.
3. Dissolve baking soda in the remaining half of the water.
4. Mix both ingredients, kneading thoroughly with a spoon, then with your hands.

Despite the absence of tetraborate, the slime comes out elastic and viscous.

The working recipe for slime without glue and thickener implies that the composition will not contain PVA or silicate glue and sodium tetraborate. The product does not necessarily have the consistency of a store-bought toy, but is quite suitable for short-term entertainment for children.

Very soft but not sticky

Ingredients

To make a slippery slime with your own hands you will need:

a teaspoon of regular baking soda (do not use soda ash, it is too caustic and you cannot play with such a slime); a full glass of hot (60-70 degrees) water; fresh liquid gouache (a piece the size of a fingernail); 100 ml of thick PVA (it is very important that it is fresh and of high quality, otherwise you will not succeed and you will waste your time).

In any method for making slime, Luch brand PVA always works well. For other effective adhesive components, read the article “What glue is suitable for slime.”

Step-by-step instruction

Prepare a thickener solution that you will use instead of tetrabort. Pour baking soda into a glass of water and stir vigorously until the powder dissolves. Then leave the liquid to cool for about 20 minutes. It cannot be used hot. The water should be at room temperature.

How to make slime at home: mix PVA and gouache until the liquid acquires a uniform color. After this, pour in a teaspoon of soda liquid and knead the mass until it becomes dense and viscous.

If necessary, you can add a little more thickener to the glue mixture. As a result, you will be able to make a very slippery, but not at all sticky slime with your own hands without the help of tetraborate.

Activator composition

Making homemade slimes is impossible without an activator. This component starts a chemical reaction in the viscous base and converts it into an elastic mass. When a thickener is added to any polymer base, a partial hardening process begins, as a result of which the original liquid acquires density and elasticity. The main activating substances in toys are boric acid derivatives (borates) and salicylates.

To prepare “taffy”, several types of different thickeners are used. These substances differ in composition and origin. Based on their composition, activators are divided into the following categories:

• liquid chemical solutions and aerosols;
• dry powdery substances.

It’s not difficult to make the right and high-quality slime - the main thing is to choose the right thickener and mix it thoroughly with the main mass for the slime. Kneading allows you to evenly distribute the active substance so that the entire initial mass is involved in the reaction.

How to thicken it yourself

If the listed thickeners are missing, you can take another component. We are talking about regular flour, which is a good alternative to starch. You can thicken the slime using this ingredient, but this will negatively affect the result. The toy will be just as elastic, but it will not stretch well.

See also

7 recipes for making slime from salt at home

There is a recipe for making a slime activator with your own hands, which is suitable in any case. 100 ml of sodium tetraborate is poured into a medium-sized container. It needs to be shaken well. Here is the finished mixture. Suitable for any slime recipe, excluding edible versions. Each time you need to add a few teaspoons of the solution. Therefore, the volume will last for a long time.

Effective ways to increase slime

If you still fail to save the slime and it has decreased in volume, effective methods will help.

Soaking and stretching

The following recipe will help you make more slime:

• take the damaged slime into your hands, actively knead it and stretch it in different directions for 4 minutes;
• 105 ml of warm water is poured into the container;
• immerse the slime in water and stir with a stick for 35 seconds;
• take the lump in your hands again and quickly knead it.

Similar steps are repeated several times until the slime structure becomes soft and elastic.

Envelope with salt

If you give a toy moisture, it will become larger. A series of sequential actions should be performed:

• immerse the toy in warm water for 3 minutes;
• then a pinch of salt is poured onto the surface of the mass and the envelope is folded;
• begin to actively knead the lump.

Salt injections

Injections with salt will help return store-bought or homemade slime to its original size. Take a syringe with a needle and fill it with saline solution.

Preparation of the solution

It's easy to prepare the solution:

• 102 ml of warm water is poured into the container;
• add 4-5 g of salt;
• immerse the slime in the prepared solution for 4.5 minutes;
• take the lump in your hands and knead it with your fingers;
• If the mass sticks to the skin, then sprinkle a little salt on the surface of the slime.

Excess liquid from the surface of the slime is removed with paper napkins.

Injection

The next step is a restorative injection:

• 22 ml of water is poured into the container;
• dissolve 2 salts;
• the prepared liquid is drawn into a syringe;
• The needle is stuck into the slime and slowly saturated with the solution.

It is recommended to repeat the procedure three times with an interval of three hours. Don't inject too often. Otherwise, the composition will deteriorate and elasticity will be lost.

Using shaving gel

Regular shaving gel and baby powder will help increase slime:

• A small amount of powder is poured onto the surface of the slime and the mass is intensively kneaded.
• After this, two sprays of shaving gel are applied to the surface. Again stretch the slime in different directions.
• After just 4.5 minutes the lump will become large and elastic.

Shaving foam will also help save the toy without using other components. Squeeze a small ball of the product onto the lump, and then begin to actively knead it with your fingers for three minutes. The method will help not only increase the volume, but also make the composition soft and viscous.

How to enlarge using kinetic sand

You can enlarge the lump without using shaving foam. The component can be replaced with kinetic sand. It is sold in the stationery and toy department. The composition differs from ordinary sand in that it has a wetter structure. The method is suitable for enlarging only those slimes that initially had kinetic sand added to them:

• Kinetic sand 34 g is added to the mass.
• The slime is actively kneaded until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
• Add a portion of sand again and knead it.

With this method, the mass grows before our eyes. At the same time, the composition becomes soft and viscous.

Adding plasticine

If the slime is made from plasticine and gelatin, then this method of restoring volume is suitable for it. To work, you will need air plasticine, which is sold in small containers with lids.

The mass of such plasticine is very soft and sticks to your hands:

• A small piece of airy plasticine is mixed with slime.
• Knead the mass intensively with your fingers so that there are no lumps.

As a result of all these actions, you will get a large elastic lump that stretches well and does not stick to your hands. Instead of plasticine, you can use PVA glue. Suitable for both purchased and homemade slimes:

• the mass is placed in a polyethylene bag;
• add a little glue and tie the bag;
• The slime is kneaded until a homogeneous consistency is formed;
• then pick up the lump and continue kneading for another 5 minutes.

Office glue (5 recipes)

Stationery adhesive is a transparent adhesive made from synthetic components (including silicates) intended for working with paper and cardboard. Some of its types are also suitable for making slimes:

From office glue and sodium tetraborate

Using this recipe, with a minimum of ingredients, you can get a transparent slime. In all other respects, it retains the qualities of a classic toy, that is, it stretches and wrinkles well.

How to cook

1. Pour the glue into a deep plate.
2. Add sodium tetraborate.
3. Mix slowly with a spoon so that fewer air bubbles appear in the mixture.
4. Finish the slime with your hands.
5. Place it in a closed container for 2-3 days until the toy becomes transparent.

From office glue without sodium tetraborate

This slime turns out unusual - smooth, shiny, like glossy. It doesn't stretch very well and can tear. But the toy is pleasant to hold in your hands.

• 100 ml liquid stationery glue,
• a little dye,
• 1 tbsp. l. ethyl alcohol.

What is needed for slime

1. Pour the glue into a cup, tint with pigment, and shake with a spoon.
2. Pour in ethyl alcohol in portions, constantly stirring the mixture.
3. To complete the process, knead with your hands.

Watch this video on how to make slime without thickener:

From stationery glue and soda

You can make jelly slime using this method. The toy has only one drawback - it doesn't stretch well. But the slime is pleasant to the touch, and you can decorate it at your discretion.

How to make at home

1. Make a solution of soda and water, dissolve the grains well.
2. Slowly pour glue into the middle of the container with liquid.
3. Carefully remove any clumps that have formed in the water with a spatula.
4. Transfer them to another container and let them dry a little.

From stationery glue and salt

This method is useful for those who want to make transparent slime in a short time. It will be stretchy, not crunchy, similar to a piece of glass, but very soft.

How to make slime

1. Make a solution of salt and water, wait until it cools.
2. Pour office glue into the water-salt mixture along the wall of the dish.
3. Remove the thickened mass from the cup and knead lightly.

From office glue and shaving foam

This method allows you to get very fluffy slime with a minimum of glue. And you should pull the toy slowly so that it does not break.

Components

• 13-15 art. l. shaving foam,
• 5-6 tbsp. l. office glue,
• 1 tbsp. l. liquid soap,
• a drop of dye,
• 1-1.5 tsp. boric acid solution from the pharmacy.

Preparation method

1. Place shaving foam on a plate.
2. Add glue and mix the ingredients.
3. Pour liquid soap into the mixture and shake again with a spoon.
4. Tint the future slime.
5. Pour in boric acid and knead with a spoon.
6. Knead the thickened but still sticky slime with your hands until it is ready.

We recommend reading about what slime is. From the article you will learn about how slime differs from slime and chewing gum for hands, the benefits of slime, how to make it at home, and why the toy is dangerous.

And here is more information about how to make slime without sodium tetraborate.

Sometimes absolutely identical slimes are obtained from different types of glue. For most recipes, only a thick product is suitable, but for some, a liquid product works. With good glue, you get the highest quality toys, if you don’t spoil it with other components.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=yuUk4rnp3oU

What is not suitable as a thickener?

Some polymeric materials and polysaccharides undergo cross-coupling reactions only with certain components. Often slime does not work when used as a thickener:

• glycerin;
• boric ointment;
• sorbitol;
• pepsin;
• salicylic acid.

These components combine well with office glue, silicone and other synthetic substances. When using boric acid, soda or concentrated saline solution must be added to the mixture. To avoid failure, slimers advise using only proven recipes. If you follow the proportions, you will get full-fledged slimes with the properties of a non-Newtonian liquid.

Useful lifehacks

In order for the slime to be the right consistency and delight your child for a long time, you need to follow some recommendations when making it:

1. Shampoo and water should be used at room temperature.
2. Ready-made slime should not be placed on items with pile.
3. Slime should be kept away from pets.
4. To make the perfect slime, you need to choose fresh glue.
5. Slime is sensitive to exposure to the sun and air, so it must be stored in a closed container and preferably in the refrigerator.
6. If, over time, the slime begins to dry out, it should be placed in warm water.
7. If the slime starts to spread, a pinch of salt will help.
8. Slime should not be put in your mouth or rubbed into your eyes, and you should wash your hands thoroughly after playing with it.

Sodium tetraborate or borax is not a necessary element for creating slime ; other thickeners of organic origin can be used. If you follow all the proportions, spare no time and make every effort to prepare it, you can get an excellent anti-stress toy. This slime will become a child’s favorite pastime and will benefit the development of his imagination.

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How to keep slime longer or proper care

Create optimal conditions for the toy. This is a house, food, bath, place to play and storage. Sprinkle the slime regularly with salt and rinse under running water.

Sometimes small bubbles appear on the slime. To remove them, place the product in a separate container and leave for 4-5 days. After this time, check if there is a small bright spot on the surface - it must be transferred to another container.

Rinse the slime well with warm water and always put it in the house. You shouldn't play with slime often, as it absorbs the surrounding dust well and shrinks in size as a result.

Be sure to make such a toy with your child! You just need to show imagination and a little patience, and in return you will receive a lot of positive emotions. Just choose the recipe that suits you.

Advice for young designers

Having learned from the article how you can thicken slime, you are free to begin your own creativity. The main thing to remember is that each type of thickener presented gives the toy special properties. Some maximize elasticity and softness, others increase elasticity and ductility, and others affect the texture and format of the surface.

• Tips on how to easily make transparent slime →

Try to create a whole collection of slimes with your own hands, using simple ingredients available at home, easily available at the pharmacy or in online stores. Be bold, create unique designer slimes.

Slime consistency

The slime does not reach the required density for several reasons:

• Expired components. Before purchasing and using the ingredients needed to make slime, carefully check their expiration dates. Adding expired slime to the composition will reduce its properties.
• Large amount of water. When creating slime, it should be in moderation, otherwise it will simply spread. In addition, excess fluid suppresses the connecting reactions of the components.
• Changing the recipe. To get a high-quality toy, you must strictly follow the instructions for its manufacture and use the products specified in the recipe. By replacing them with analogue ones, you may not be able to make the right choice.
• Failure to comply with proportions. Most often, an insufficient amount of activator leads to the fact that the slime does not thicken. When correcting the situation, you should add it to the mucus carefully, in small portions.

Video on how to thicken slime: TOP 10 thickeners

It's time to take a closer look at the question of how you can thicken slime. If during the creative process there is a clear miscalculation with one of the components and the slime does not want to hold its shape, spreads or sticks to your hands, it is necessary to correct the defect. There are several ways to thicken mucus. Try each of them:

Almighty glue

In the case where the slime was made on the basis of PVA glue diluted with water, there may be an excess of liquid that inhibits the action of the activator. An additional portion of glue and thorough kneading of the mass will allow you to correct a small defect.

Exposure to cold

Low temperatures contribute to the thickening of slimes made on any basis (plasticine, glue, cosmetics and detergents). That is why, after the last stage of kneading, they must be placed in an airtight container and sent to the refrigerator for an hour and a half.

Mixing

This process must be repeated when introducing each of the slime ingredients. Stirring can be called a mechanical catalyst. It accelerates chemical reactions, forcing components to quickly and correctly interact with each other, leading to the desired result. Mixing is done not only with a spoon or spatula, but also by hand.

We call on the thickener to help

If the above methods do not give the desired result, there is only one way out - using an activator. A few drops are enough. You don't need to add much as the slime can become tough and brittle.

Storage methods

Below are the best ways to store slime:

• Fridge.
• Jars of creams, processed cheeses, coffee, medicines.
• Zip locks.

How to store slime
Thus, we can conclude that despite the fact that borax is the most commonly used activator for making slime, you can use many slime recipes that you can make with your own hands at home with other active substances, involve children in the process and open I have a lot of new things for myself.