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Making slime at home is an exciting way to explore art and science right in your kitchen. However, it can sometimes be frustrating when your homemade slime doesn't have the right consistency, as it can easily become too runny or too stiff. To thicken runny slime, you can add thickening agents like borax, glue, or cornstarch, depending on the type of slime you've made. You can also try other methods such as pouring out excess water from the slime container, kneading the slime longer, or adding baking soda if the slime is made with saline solution.
Steps
Add thickening agents
Add ¼ cup (60ml) of clear glue if your slime is made with liquid starch. Measure the clear glue and pour it into the slime bowl. Use a spoon to mix until the slime starts to stick together, then take the slime out of the bowl and knead it. The slime will thicken after about 2-3 minutes.
- If ¼ cup of clear glue isn't enough to thicken the slime, add another ¼ cup and mix the mixture again. By now, the slime should be thicker.
- If you have time, place the slime in a sealable bag and let it sit overnight after adding the clear glue. This helps the slime bond better.
Use baking soda to thicken saline-based slime. Add ¼ teaspoon (1g) of baking soda if your slime is made with clear glue. If you used white glue, add ½ teaspoon (2g) of baking soda. Stir the baking soda into the slime with a spoon and knead for 2-3 minutes. Continue adding baking soda if the slime remains too runny.
- Since baking soda has thickening properties, it's essential for saline-based slime recipes.
- Be cautious not to add too much baking soda at once, as it can make the slime too stiff.
Add cornstarch if your slime is made with cornstarch and dish soap. Mix in ½ teaspoon (3g) of cornstarch into the slime bowl and stir thoroughly with a spoon.
When making slime with cornstarch and dish soap, the slime gains elasticity from the dish soap, while the cornstarch helps give the slime firmness and prevents it from being too runny.
Add cornstarch to thicken slime made with cornstarch and glue. Mix in about 1 teaspoon (6g) of cornstarch and stir it into the slime. Slime made with cornstarch and glue requires more time to bind, so stir the mixture for about 5 minutes.
- If the slime isn't thick enough, add small amounts of cornstarch and stir. However, avoid adding too much at once, as it can make the slime too stiff.
Add a palm-sized amount of shaving cream to thicken fluffy slime. If the slime remains runny after kneading, add shaving cream. Simply spray the shaving cream into the center of the slime and knead.
- Continue adding shaving cream until the slime reaches your desired consistency.
Add ¼ tablespoon of borax if you need to thicken borax-based slime. Mix the borax into the slime bowl and stir thoroughly with a spoon. Continue adding ¼ tablespoon of borax at a time until the slime no longer appears watery.
Try alternative solutions
Pour out excess water from the slime container. Place the slime in a bowl or container and gently tilt it over the sink to drain any extra water. Work slowly while pouring and wait until the slime is no longer watery.
- Use one hand to hold the slime, or place a plate over the bowl or container while draining to prevent the slime from spilling. Leave a small gap for the water to escape.
- You can drain excess water from any type of slime, which helps thicken it. It’s best to remove excess water before attempting to thicken the slime further.
Knead the slime for about 5 minutes if it contains glue. Place the slime on a clean, flat surface. As you knead, observe whether the slime thickens. Also, handle any slime sticking to your hands to reduce excess moisture.
- Many types of slime, such as those with borax, liquid starch, or saline solution, contain clear or white glue. These slimes change texture when kneaded, often losing water and becoming thicker.
Freeze the slime for about 10 minutes if it contains shampoo or soap. First, place the slime in a sealed container. Freeze it for 5-10 minutes or until the slime reaches your desired consistency.
- You can use a ziplock bag instead of a sealed container for freezing.
Advice
- DO NOT add water to slime that does not contain water as an ingredient.
- If slime accidentally gets on clothes or carpets, clean the stain by dabbing vinegar on it.
Warning
- Always wash your hands after handling slime.
- Wear gloves if you are making slime with borax, liquid starch, or saline solution and have sensitive skin. These ingredients contain boron, which can cause skin irritation.
What You Need
Additional Thickening Ingredients
- Borax
- Clear Glue
- Baking Soda
- Cornstarch
- Shaving Cream
- Liquid Starch
Apply Alternative Solutions
- Airtight container or zippered bag
