Before discussing how to make Silly Putty, let’s first understand what it is made of. Silly Putty is a silicone-based polymer that was accidentally created by James Wright in 1943. He was attempting to create a substitute for rubber during World War II and ended up with a bouncy and stretchy material that became Silly Putty.
To make Silly Putty at home, all you need is white school glue (such as Elmer’s glue), liquid starch, and food coloring (optional). Here are the steps to follow:
1. Mix together equal parts of white school glue and liquid starch in a bowl. The amount depends on how much Silly Putty you want to make, but a good starting point is ½ cup of each.
2. Stir the mixture until it becomes thick and gooey. You may need to add a little more liquid starch or glue to get the right consistency.
3. If you want to add color to your Silly Putty, add a few drops of food coloring and stir until it is evenly mixed.
4. Once the Silly Putty is well mixed, use your hands to knead it until it becomes smooth and stretchy. This may take a few minutes, but it’s important to fully mix the ingredients.
5. Store your Silly Putty in an airtight container or plastic bag to keep it from drying out.
There you have it! With just a few simple steps, you can make your own Silly Putty at home. You can experiment with different colors and consistencies to find your perfect recipe.
One thing to keep in mind is that homemade Silly Putty may not be as bouncy or stretchy as the commercial version. This is because the commercial version is made with dimethylsiloxane, a type of silicone oil that is not readily available to consumers.
Another thing to remember is that Silly Putty should not be ingested or used near the eyes. It’s also important to keep Silly Putty away from clothing or furniture as it can be difficult to remove.
In conclusion, making Silly Putty at home is a fun and easy project that can provide hours of entertainment. By following these simple steps, you can create your own Silly Putty in just a few minutes. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or a unique gift idea, homemade Silly Putty is sure to fit the bill!