31 replies to this topic

[Jean Webb]

Hi again
As no one replied to my question about Slime in the discussion on playdough, thought I would start it as a new topic.
Surely someone else knows of this fascinating stuff?
Perhaps you know it by another name?
It is made with PVA glue, warm water, glycerine and borax. I am now having difficulty finding borax, Boots used to stock it, but no longer do so. Do you know where it can be obtained?
For those who haven't tried it, when successfully made, it has a thick jelly like consistency, it can be rolled into balls, and will then it bounce; it will stretch, and this can be a great fascination. When left it gradually returns to a smooth flat pancake, and is tempting to touch again.
Jean

[Susan]

Sorry Jean. Can't help!
although somewhere in the deep dark recesses of my brain, I have a vague recollection that I know what you mean but may have been something that I bought my sons or saw as a child.
Can you give us the exact "recipe"? although we also would need a source of Borax.
Is it a health & safety issue that its no longer stocked at Boots. Not aware that I've bought or needed any Borax either!

I have made cornflour Gloop or Ooblick with the children which has very similar properties, but I don't think it will bounce--its a liquid or a solid depending on the force exerated upon it (at least I think thats the explanation).

Hope someone else will pick this up for you, shall keep an eye. :)

Susan

[Helen]

Hello Jean,
This sounds fabulous stuff :D I've never heard of it before, and have no idea what Borax is, sorry. If you find out, please give us the recipe...I'd love to try it with our children.

[LJW]

I have made my own version of slime using the paint thickener granules which is wallpaper paste without the fungicide. It worked very well and you can add food colouring to it. Ours was for a dinosaur swamp!

[Linda McDowell]

I have a feeling that Borax is going to be hard to come by. It can be caustic if not handled properly and I would assume that is why Boots, and I would think most other chemists, no longer stock it. Your slime sounds wonderful! I wonder if there is anything else that could replace the Borax and still have the same or similar results? All you chemists out there, any ideas???
Linda

[AJMartin]

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I have previously made slime using borax and pva glue - I obtained borax from my local chemist - this was less than a year ago. I do not remember the exact recipe but if you type 'slime borax' into your search engine it comes up with a few websites which contain recipes. It does have to be supervised constantly but is great fun!

We also make slime using Soap Flakes, water and food colouring - not quite as good but just as messy! I find this improves over time and you just have to keep adding water until the consistency is right!

Hope this helps!

[Susan]

Hi AJMartin, welcome in and thanks for the info.
I can see you've been hiding in the wings for a while, interesting what prompts people to make their first post.
First of many, I hope! :D

Susan

[Linda McDowell]

I am concerned about the use of Borax with young children. It is used as an industrial chemical and for cleaning. I wonder if it could cause some children problems, especially those with allergies. If you do find it perhaps it might be a good idea to ask the pharmasist if it is safe to use with children.
Linda

[Susan]

I agree, Linda.
Sounds as if its best avoided, however wonderful on health & safety grounds.

Susan

[mundia]

I thought this too as I believe borax is, or used to be, used as an ant killer!!!

[jo365]

I have just found a recipe for soap flake slime.
3 cups of lux soap flakes
approx 1 litre of water
food colouring.

Sprinkle the flakes on the water and whisk until slimey froth is formed.

[Catherine]

We did this last week.

It is brilliant the children love it. We kept it for over a week.
Using it in different ways..........added duplo.......animals.......people and furniture (this was popular)......heavy/light things..............whisks........jugs..........spoons.........

You just have to make sure you keep a check on the floor as it is very slippery.

[bubblejack]

I used this receipe many years ago untill I couldn't buy the soap flakes any more . Where do you get yours from?

[Catherine]

I am not sure....................but I will find out for you and let you know.

[jo365]

I got mine in tesco's.'Grannys original soap flakes' Blue and pink box!