A slime activator initiates a chemical reaction within the glue, transforming it from a liquid into a moldable, stretchy material. Glue, particularly the washable school variety, contains long chains of molecules called polymers, specifically polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The activator provides ions that act as cross-linkers, creating chemical bonds between the PVA polymer chains. This cross-linking links the individual strands into a three-dimensional network, which gives slime its characteristic texture.
Boron-Based Activator Methods
The most reliable and popular activators rely on boron compounds to create the necessary cross-linking reaction. These methods provide the most consistent results because they directly supply the borate ions needed to link the glue’s polymer chains. Successful slime making depends heavily on precise measurement and proper mixing technique.
Using Borax Powder
A highly effective activator solution is created by dissolving borax powder in water. For a standard mixture, combine one teaspoon of borax powder with one cup of warm water, stirring until the powder is fully dissolved and the solution is clear. The warm temperature helps the sodium tetraborate in the borax fully dissociate, releasing the borate ions that bond with the PVA molecules in the glue. This solution is then added slowly to the glue mixture until the desired consistency is achieved.
Using Contact Lens Solution and Baking Soda
This two-part system is chemically equivalent to a borax solution but utilizes more common household items. The contact lens solution must contain boric acid or sodium borate, as these supply the necessary borate ions. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is mixed into the glue first to adjust the mixture’s pH, which is necessary for the borate ions to react properly. A common ratio involves mixing about a half teaspoon of baking soda with the glue, followed by slowly adding one to two tablespoons of contact lens solution. The borate ions then react with the glue’s polymers to form the cross-links, quickly thickening the mixture into slime.
Alternative Household Activators
Some household products that do not contain borax can still function as activators, though they rely on different chemical compounds or contain trace amounts of borate ions. Results with these alternatives can be more unpredictable, and the final slime texture may vary significantly compared to boron-activated slimes. The concentration of the active ingredients is not standardized for slime-making purposes, which causes this variation.
Liquid Laundry Detergent
Certain liquid laundry detergents can act as a single-ingredient activator because they contain sodium borate, an active ingredient similar to borax. To use this method, check the detergent’s ingredient label to ensure it contains a borate compound. The detergent is typically added to the glue one tablespoon at a time, with thorough mixing after each addition. Since the detergent is concentrated, adding it slowly is necessary to avoid over-activating the slime and making it too stiff.
Liquid Starch
Liquid starch, often used for clothing care, is another viable activator that contains sodium tetraborate. This compound facilitates the cross-linking reaction with the glue’s polymers. For a basic recipe, liquid starch can be mixed directly with the glue in a ratio of approximately one part starch to two parts glue, though this should be adjusted based on the brand of starch. The best approach is to pour the starch in gradually while stirring, watching for the mixture to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Troubleshooting Common Slime Issues
Achieving the perfect slime texture requires careful technique and knowledge of how to correct common mistakes. The most important step in the activation process is to always add the activator slowly and incrementally. This measured approach allows for precise control over the cross-linking reaction, which determines the final consistency of the slime.
Once the activator is mixed in, vigorous kneading is essential to fully incorporate the ingredients and strengthen the polymer bonds. The initial mixture may appear stringy or wet, but continued stretching and folding helps the slime bond into a cohesive mass. Skipping this kneading step often results in a final product that remains sticky.
Fixing under-activated slime, which is typically too sticky or runny, requires more of the activator. Add a few drops or a quarter teaspoon of your activator solution to the sticky slime and knead it in completely before deciding if more is needed. Conversely, over-activated slime is too stiff and prone to tearing, which means too many cross-links have formed. This issue is fixed by diluting the excess activator with a softening agent like warm water, hand lotion, or a small amount of fresh glue.