Buzz
The tradition of incorporating colored powder into celebrations originated from the Indian Holi festival. Nowadays, this practice has spread worldwide, being utilized in various events such as marathons and gender reveals. If you've ever wondered how to produce colored powder at home, you're in luck—the process is quite simple, requiring only sufficient time for the powder to dry. Regardless of the occasion, this powder guarantees heaps of colorful enjoyment!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Dyeing Cornstarch
Combine cornstarch and water in a large mixing bowl. Measure out 1 cup (125 g) of cornstarch and place it into a bowl. Gradually add 1/3 to 1/2 cup (79–118 mL) of water, stirring the mixture with a spoon until it forms a thick paste. The consistency should be such that the paste drips slowly when the spoon is lifted from the bowl.
- Cornstarch may be referred to as cornflour in certain regions, such as the UK.
- If cornstarch or cornflour is unavailable, rice flour can be used as a substitute, which can be found in many Asian markets if not available at local grocery stores.
Incorporate 1 fl oz (30 mL) of icing dye into the mixture. To achieve vibrant colors in your powder, use an entire bottle of icing dye for each batch. Squeeze the entire bottle into the mixture and stir until fully blended.
- Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from the concentrated dye.
- Icing dye is thicker and more concentrated than regular food coloring.
- To create custom colors, experiment with mixing different dyes, ensuring they total 1 fl oz (30 mL). For example, combine 1/3 bottle of green dye with 2/3 bottle of blue dye for a beautiful teal shade.
Allow the colored cornstarch to air-dry in the mixing bowl for 2 days. Position the bowl in a safe place, such as a kitchen windowsill or atop the refrigerator, and leave it undisturbed for 2 days or until the surface becomes cracked and dry.
- In low-humidity environments, drying may take only 1 day, but allow for 2 days to ensure thorough drying. In very humid conditions, it may require up to 3 days.
Short on Time? Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake at 170 °F (77 °C) for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. However, note that the resulting powder may be slightly clumpier than air-dried.
Preheat your oven to its highest setting once the powder is dry. When the powdered cornstarch develops deep cracks across its surface, it's ready for the oven. Begin preheating the oven to its maximum temperature for approximately 15 minutes.
- The oven can preheat while you transfer the powder to the baking sheet.
Spread the colored powder onto a baking sheet. The dried powder may be firm to the touch, so use a fork to break it into chunks before pouring onto a baking sheet. Aim for a thin, even layer, breaking up any large chunks as necessary.
- A rubber spatula can aid in spreading the powder.
- A baking sheet measuring 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) or larger is ideal for this purpose.
Switch off the oven and place the powder inside for 5 minutes. To prevent scorching, turn off the oven after 15 minutes of heating. Then, insert the baking sheet into the oven and leave it there for approximately 5 minutes to eliminate any remaining moisture in the powder.
- Monitor the powder closely and remove it if it starts emitting a toasty odor.
Transfer the powder to a blender and pulse for 30 seconds. Using an oven mitt, take the powder out of the oven and carefully pour it into the blender bowl. Pulse the powder for about 15-30 seconds until it reaches a fine, chalky consistency.
- If preferred, a food processor can be used instead.
Keep the powder in resealable plastic bags for storage. Given the fine, highly-pigmented nature of the color run powder, storing it openly may result in a messy situation. Hence, transfer each color into its own bag, seal it securely, and store it until needed in a cool, dry location such as a kitchen cabinet to prevent clumping due to humidity.
Pro Tip: For added convenience, utilize the powder directly from the plastic bags! During festivities, simply grab a handful of powder from the bag and toss or blow it into the air to form a vibrant cloud.
Utilizing Your Color Run Powder
Invite your pals to join in your vibrant celebration! Color run powder adds a lively touch to any occasion, especially when shared with friends. Whether it's a gender reveal, field day, or themed party, creating color run powder can enhance the fun. Consider matching the powder to your favorite team's colors for a distinctive game-day gathering!
- To experience the traditional use of color run powder, partake in the Indian festival of Holi, which signifies the transition from winter to spring. If your area doesn't participate, host your own celebration!
Parents: Plan a color war for your kids' next bash! Whip up 3-4 colors of homemade color run powder. On party day, set out bowls of the powder and provide each guest with a white T-shirt. After the festivities, treat the shirts with vinegar to preserve the colors and return them to the guests at a later date.
Sport old clothes or matching attire. Even with prompt laundry care, color run powder's vibrant dye may stain clothing and shoes. Opt for attire you don't mind staining, such as work or yard clothes.
- To retain the color on your shirts, consider providing guests with plain white T-shirts or shirts bearing a special event logo.
- Bring along an old towel or blanket if you'll be traveling by car after the colorful fun.
Protect your eyes with safety glasses. While non-toxic, color run powder can cause discomfort if it gets in your eyes. Safeguard everyone's eyes with safety glasses, and consider using a bandana to shield faces from powder inhalation. Additionally, keep electronic devices safe by storing them in waterproof bags.
Playfully hurl handfuls of powder, but aim below the face. The joy of color powder lies in covering friends in vibrant hues, but ensure you aim away from faces to prevent discomfort. While it's non-toxic, inhaling powder or getting it in the eyes can still be unpleasant. For a gentler approach, hold the powder and blow it gently, being cautious not to inhale the cornstarch.
Immediately launder your garments in cold water if you wish to remove the color. While complete color removal isn't guaranteed, washing the clothes promptly after powder play offers the best chance of restoring their original appearance. Consider having replacement clothes ready for each person to expedite laundry. Blot shoes with a cold or cool water-dampened rag.
Protect the color by spritzing clothes with vinegar. To preserve color run shirts as keepsakes, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and saturate the clothes. While colors may bleed slightly, vinegar sets them into the fabric. Air-dry the shirt flat, then iron it inside-out before tumble-drying on high heat for about 10 minutes. Subsequently, wash and dry the shirt according to the care instructions. Following this process, the shirt can be safely laundered with regular loads in cold water, although color may gradually fade with multiple washes.
Helpful Hints
Items You'll Require
Dyeing Cornstarch
- 1 cup (125 g) of cornstarch
- 1⁄3–1⁄2 cup (79–118 mL) of water
- 1 ounce of icing color
- A large mixing bowl
- A spoon
- Latex gloves
- A food processor or blender
- A baking sheet
- A fork
- A spatula
- An oven mitt
- Resealable plastic bags
