Color-changing slime is a fun way to keep your slime play interesting. Not only is it fun to make, but it’s also endlessly colorful as it changes colors right in your own hands!
I’m sure we can all agree that slime is incredibly fun to make, and I’ve watched my daughter make batch after batch at our kitchen table. Sometimes though, making slime is a lot more fun than playing with slime, and once the batch is finished…it’s set aside as another begins.
That’s not the case with color-changing slime!
Making color-changing slime is only the beginning, and it’s constantly changing during play. The warmth from your hands (or from sunlight) will cause the slime to change color right before your eyes, meaning that a single batch is endlessly entertaining.
Ingredients for Color Changing Slime
To make color-changing slime, you’ll need color-changing glue and an activator. That’s it, just two ingredients.
Glue for Color Changing Slime
Be sure you get “color-changing glue” rather than “color glue,” which is just glue with a color added (it doesn’t change).
It’s a special type of washable school glue that is “thermochromic” meaning it changes color in response to temperature. That’s a fun vocabulary word for the day! See if you (or your child) can say it three times fast.
Even if you can’t say thermochromic slime, it’s incredibly easy to make if you have the right ingredients.
Elmer’s makes a number of color-changing glues, and color-changing slime kits, including:
They also make a color-changing slime kit that contains all the ingredients you need to make multiple batches of color-changing slime.
If you’re looking to save a bit of money, color-changing glue (also known as solar glue), is available in bulk from Amazon Basics. They also sell premade bottles of generic slime activator that cost a lot less than the name brand.
Activator for Color Changing Slime
You can make it with a homemade slime activator (borax and water), saline or contact solution, or a specialty slime activator (like Elmer’s slime activator or amazon basics slime activator).
You can also activate your color-changing slime with a specialty activator. That’ll create a color-changing slime that has other properties, like foam slime, crunchy slime, or spreadable butter slime. I particularly like spreadable color-changing butter slime, my daughter loves the texture of foam slime, and my son is all about crunchy slime.
There’s a color-changing slime recipe for everyone.
If you use a homemade slime activator, you’ll have a basic color-changing slime. Adding any of these specialty slime activators creates a hybrid that’s even more fun:
- Metalic Slime Activator
- Glow in the Dark Slime Activator
- Crunchy Slime Activator
- Fluffy Slime Activator
- Butter Slime Activator
- Confetti Slime Activator
- Scented Slime Activators like Cherry Limeade or Green Apple
You can also get a variety pack of slime activators from Elmers which includes glow in the dark, crunchy slime, metallic slice, and confetti slime. It’s just the activators, so you can combine them with any glue you choose (even color-changing glue, obviously).
How to Make Color Changing Slime
The process for making color-changing slime is more or less the same as any homemade slime.
Empty a small 4 oz bottle of Elmer’s glue into a bowl, and add slime activator 1 teaspoon at a time until you’ve reached the desired consistency.
Be sure to stir thoroughly between additions, so that the activator gets fully incorporated into the slime mixture before you add more.
Troubleshooting Color Changing Slime
Having trouble with your homemade color-changing slime? Here are some of the most common problems:
Too Sticky or Won’t Set: If the slime is too sticky, add more activators. Be sure to fully knead the activator into the slime. If you don’t want to get it on your hands at this stage, I’d suggest using a silicone spatula as they work really well for stirring (but don’t stick to the batch like wooden or metal spoons).
Too Stiff or Won’t Stretch: If it’s too stiff, you can always add more glue. This will give more base for the activator to react with, and will loosen up the texture of the finished slime. If you’re short on glue, add just an ounce or two of extra glue, but mix the glue 1:1 with equal parts water. The water will extend the glue a bit, and help give your batch more stretch. Be sure to mix the water and glue before adding it to the batch.
Won’t Change Color: Color-changing slime reacts to both UV light and temperature, so if your slime won’t change color try using a small UV light bulb to activate it. These can be especially fun, since you can actually write on the slime with the small bulb. The color-changing slime kit from Elmers comes with a small light included to ensure success.
How to Make Color Changing Slime
Color-changing slime is an endlessly fun way to make homemade slime. It's always different, meaning that you'll never get bored with this homemade slime science project!
Materials
- Color Chaning Glue
- Slime Activator
Tools
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
Instructions
- Add about 4 ounces of color-changing glue to a mixing bowl.
- Add slime activator, about 1 teaspoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached. Be sure to mix thoroughly after each addition.
To make the slime glow, expose it to sunlight or warm it with your hands.
Slime Recipes & Tutorials
Looking for more slime recipes and tutorials?
- Basic Slime Recipe
- Glow in the Dark Slime Recipe
- Fluffy Slime Recipe
- Crunchy Slime Recipe
- Best Slime Kits of 2022
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