What is a slime toy?
- Lizun, also known as slime , is a toy that is made from a viscous jelly-like material that has the properties of a non-Newtonian fluid.
- For the first time, such a toy was produced back in 1976. It looked like green slime (this is what the word slime means in English) and was sold in small plastic containers.
- its name “lizun” because of its similarity with the famous character from the film “Ghostbusters” Lizun.
Lizun
Why do you need slime, what to do with it?
Slime is a toy that you can have fun with. However, it can be used not only for games, but also to relieve stress.
- Because of its consistency, the slime allows you to do almost anything with it.
- It can be crushed by hand, stretched, crumpled, divided into parts, and then molded.
- You can also throw it against a wall or ceiling. In this case, the toy will stick to the surface and slowly slide off it, or stick and smear.
- If children can simply have fun in this way, then adults can relieve stress with the help of slime. By kneading a toy in their hands, crushing it and wrapping it around their hand, adults can calm their nervous system and relieve tension. This is especially true for the use of those slimes that are sold with additives, for example, balls, figures, etc.
- You can also use slime to blow up big bubbles , which you can then burst with pleasure.
- Some even take baths with slimes, using them as bath toys.
- From some types of slimes you can sculpt various figures , which will retain their shape for some time after sculpting, and then spread.
- This toy can also be used to develop fine motor skills in children , strengthen muscles and exercise joints, as well as develop limbs after herbs.
For the development of motor skills
Slime made from water and shampoo
In the example above, we looked at the production of water, liquid soap, shaving foam and air plasticine. This time we will leave the same components, but will not use foam. If everything is ready, you can immediately start creating slime:
- Knead the airy plasticine in your hands. Place in a bowl and add shampoo.
Mix. The result should be elastic and pleasant. - All that's left is to add a little water. During the first few minutes of kneading, the mixture may stick to your hands. The final result will give you a consistency that will resemble slime or slime.
This preparation is complete.
What types of slimes are there, what do they look like: photo
If initially slimes were made only of one type of green color, today the number of their types is even difficult to count. Slimes differ depending on the material of manufacture, size, color, and other properties.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most popular types of slimes and their properties:
- Original. The slime has a semi-liquid form, stretches well and spreads strongly. Feels damp and slightly slippery. Available in green. This slime does not hold its shape, so it will not be possible to sculpt any figures from it.
Green
- Jiggly or glossy. The characteristics are similar to the original one, it spreads very much and does not hold its shape. But at the same time, the slime is presented in silver color and has a glossy shine.
- Fluffy. This slime is also called fluffy because it has a very airy and porous structure. It is very pleasant and gentle to the touch. It crunches a little when you touch it.
Air
- Handgam. This slime is also known as hand chewing gum. Its consistency is quite dense, different from the consistency of the previously described toys. Slime holds its shape well and can hold liquid similar to a balloon when water is poured into it. Handgam does not sink in water.
Lizun
- Crunch. Crunch or crispy slime is one of the most popular among all types. It is very pleasant and soft, crunches when touched. The basis for this slime is a simple original slime or a transparent jelly-like material, to which small foam balls are then added. This slime holds its shape well; if its quality is good, the balls do not fall out of the base.
Crunchy
- Bubble This slime differs from all others in its structure - it is airy, inside it there are many small bubbles, which, when exposed to the toy, burst and create a specific sound. This slime is very elastic, but does not spread. Can be made in different colors.
- Iceberg. The main difference between this slime and all the others is the crust that covers the base of the toy. This crust is very similar to ice cover, which is where the name slime comes from.
- Transparent. “Clear” or “clean” transparent slime has the same basic characteristics as the original one. The only difference is the color - it is completely transparent. It is often used as a base for making other types of slime.
- Batter. This slime has a consistency very similar to softened butter. It is very gentle and pleasant to the touch, it can be smeared on the table, any surface, or hands.
Batter
- Monster slime. The only difference with this slime is that it has eyes. It is his eyes that give him the appearance of a monster. Otherwise, such slime can be of any consistency and color.
- Magnetic. This type of slime is most popular and interesting among children. This slime contains iron powder, which determines the main properties of the toy. When approaching such a magnet slime, the first one takes on bizarre and funny shapes. The slime is harder to the touch than others and can be made in different colors.
Magnetic
- Insect. This is the name of a slime, which consists of a jelly-like material and a plastic insect inside it. The jelly-like material can be of any color, as long as it has a transparent base so that the insect is clearly visible. The most commonly chosen insects are spiders, beetles and lizards.
- Slime from the Lost World series. This slime is presented in the form of a jelly-like mass with a dinosaur inside. Most often, such slime is very liquid and is stored exclusively in an egg.
Transparent
- Luminous. This slime always delights both adults and children. During the day, this slime looks white, but in the dark it begins to glow or changes color. The toy is charged from sunlight or a lamp. Most often, the toy is presented in mint, blue, lilac and violet.
- Flavored. Any slime, any consistency and color can be flavored. In this case, the toy will smell of the selected flavor. There are a huge number of flavors: chocolate, cherry, vanilla, mint, pineapple, strawberry, mango, etc.
- Spitting. This toy is presented in the form of a smiley face. The emoticon contains the slime itself, which “spits out” from the emoticon when you click on it.
Spitting
- Thermoslime. Such slimes are also very popular because they can change their color. This reaction occurs when the toy is exposed to temperature. For example, green slime can turn dark green, orange - yellow, purple - blue.
- Space. This slime is most often presented in black. Its base can be liquid or thicker. In this case, stars and dyes are added to the base, which color part of the slime, creating the “Milky Way” effect. These toys glow in the dark.
- Ombre. This slime comes in several colors at once, which smoothly transition from one to another. The toy is soft, elastic and pliable to the touch.
Thermo
- Mountain. This slime got its name because of its resemblance to a mountain. It is represented by two or three colors that lie on top of each other (from bottom to top). The bottom of the toy is made in a dark color, and the top is light - this creates the appearance of mountains.
In addition to the types of slimes described above, there are many others, since each of us can come up with something of our own, using just a little imagination and applying our creativity.
How to make slime at home
Making anti-stress yourself is, firstly, cheaper, and secondly, more interesting.
You can give your slime exactly the look and consistency that you like. Why slime sticks - typical mistakes when making slime and how to fix them.
What is a thickener for?
A thickener or activator is a substance that must be added to the slime base to make it thick and elastic.
The most common thickeners:
- Sodium tetraborate. He is also borax, borax. Sold in pharmacies, it comes in powder or liquid form. The powder must be diluted in warm water. Aggressive substance, not recommended for use in slimes for small children. It is necessary to work with undiluted tetraborate with gloves and avoid contact with mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) .
- Washing gel. Dishwashing detergent or washing powder may also be suitable. It is better to test on a small number of ingredients first, since not all types of cleaning products are able to “activate” the slime.
Video review of slimes made from different thickeners: sodium tetraborate, iodine, hairspray, salt, dishwashing detergent
- Shaving foam . Used to create airy, soft slimes and handgams. Pay attention to the aroma of the foam, as the slime will smell the same. Choose a scent you like or an unscented foam.
- Starch or flour (recipes for slime made from starch and glue) . The safest thickeners are used to create slime for small children who can put the toy in their mouth. Unfortunately, flour slimes are short-lived and dry out quickly.
Slime recipes without borax
First, let's look at safer recipes without the use of sodium tetraborate.
Slime made from flour and shampoo
You will need:
- 15 g shampoo;
- 100 g flour;
- Food coloring or gouache;
- 125 ml warm water.
Let's start making:
- Pour water into the making container;
- Add shampoo and stir;
- Add coloring if desired;
- Pour in the flour and mix the whole mass thoroughly until it becomes thick and elastic;
- Place the slime in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, then rinse under running cold water;
- Anti-stress is ready, you can play.
Shaving foam slime
For this airy anti-stress you will need PVA glue and shaving foam in equal proportions. The amount of ingredients depends only on what size slime you want to get in the end . You can add dye, glitter, rhinestones or beads.
Manufacturing process:
- Pour glue into the container. Add dye or other decorative elements to it.
- Add shaving foam and stir with a plastic spoon.
- At this stage, the resulting mass sticks quite strongly to your hands, but this is normal. It needs to be kneaded and sculpted for a long time, then it will thicken.
Three two-ingredient slimes (no sodium tetraborate)
Slime made from plasticine and gelatin
This recipe will require regular, food-grade gelatin, as well as a little plasticine.
Components:
- 100 g plasticine;
- 15 g dry gelatin;
- 250 ml water.
Sequencing:
- Make gelatin according to package directions and let it cool slightly.
- Knead a piece of plasticine until it becomes soft and pliable. You can hold it in a radiator or water bath for a while.
- Combine gelatin with plasticine and stir with a wooden spatula. When the mass becomes thick enough, remember with your hands. Now all you have to do is put the anti-stress in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, after which the toy is ready.
Borax slime recipes
Slimes using borax are more toxic, but much closer to store-bought ones in properties.
Slime made from glue and laundry soap
If you do not use dyes, you can make transparent, “glass” slime using this method . If you paint anti-stress with pink, purple and blue dyes and add a little glitter to it, you will get “space” slime.
Components:
- 200 ml silicate (transparent) glue;
- A small piece of laundry soap;
- 6 tsp. sodium tetraborate.
How to do:
- Cut a few thin slices of soap and add hot water. When the solution has cooled slightly, pour sodium tetraborate into it.
- Pour silicate glue into a container for making. Add some Borax soap solution and stir. Add more thickener if necessary.
- The glass slime is now ready. To make it cosmic, divide the mass into several lumps and mix each with a different dye. Already thickened slimes, when combined, do not mix into a homogeneous mass; they form beautiful, galactic stains.
A simple slime recipe made from sodium tetraborate and PVA glue
Slime made from shampoo and glue
The simplest recipe that anyone can handle. The result will be a slimy, store-bought slime.
You will need:
- 1 tbsp. l. water;
- 1 tsp. shower gel, shampoo or liquid soap;
- 6 tsp. PVA glue or silicate glue;
- Sodium tetraborate;
- Food coloring.
Sequencing:
- Mix water with detergent until foam appears;
- Add dye to the mixture if you want to make the slime colored;
- Pour glue and mix until smooth;
- Add a little thickener and mix first with a spoon and then by hand. Add more thickener if necessary.
All that’s left to do is put the finished slime into an airtight container.
What are slimes made from in production?
Slimes were originally made from guar gum and borax. However, over time, the technology for their manufacture has changed somewhat.
- It is worth noting that the composition of the toy may differ depending on its type.
- If previously a polysaccharide (guar gum) was always used as a polymer, today other ingredients are also used. For example, glue.
- Borax is also often replaced with other thickeners. Here it is worth noting boric acid, starch, gelatin, etc.
- Also, the slimes contain various dyes that make the appearance of the toy more attractive.
- In addition to dyes, glitter, foam balls, rubber and plastic animals, beads, etc. improve the appearance of slime.
More detailed slime recipes can be found here.
Slime production
How to make slime from soda
Some believe that tetraborate is not needed in children's toys, and have resorted to creating borax-free slimes. It is an excellent substitute for ordinary baking soda. Moreover, from soda you can make both a beautiful transparent slime and a multi-colored slime (if you add dye).
Creating such a handgam is simple:
- first you need to dilute 100 ml of glue in 50 ml of water;
- using a wooden stick, add a little coloring matter into this liquid;
- the composition must be stirred until all ingredients are completely dissolved and combined;
- Now you need to mix 150 grams. soda and 15 ml of water;
- add this mixture to the color composition;
- Now you need to transfer the mass into a plastic bag, shake and knead thoroughly - from these manipulations the slime will gradually thicken and become elastic.
Just a minute of exposure and your own handgam is ready! Note! This slime should only be stored in a closed jar or bag, otherwise it will dry out and lose its elasticity.
How much does slime cost and where is it sold?
- Today, such a toy as slime is not in short supply; anyone can afford it.
- Since slime is a popular toy today, you can buy it at any toy store.
- Well, based on the fact that online shopping is becoming increasingly popular , you can buy slime on almost any trading platform or order it in any online store.
- The cost of slime can be completely different. This will depend on its quality, composition, size, number of pieces, if we are talking about a set of toys, etc. If we take the average price, then it varies from 50 rubles. up to 300 rub.
Toothpaste slime. Let's heat it up!
This slime recipe is unique in its simplicity and is an easy way to make a toy, but requires the attention of an adult. To create it you need two tubes of gel paste.
Squeeze the contents of the tube into a metal container, stir with a spoon and place on low heat. Keep stirring and monitor the concentration of the mass. Your slime will soon begin to thicken. Once this happens, remove the resulting mixture and let it cool. Your slime is ready, but I hope you can choose the dyes yourself.
Activities with a child are the key to a good relationship. Fantasy is limitless. By making toys with your baby, you will return to childhood and feel the joy and delight of the result. Don't be afraid to experiment. At first, I will help you with photo instructions that tell you how to make slime with your own hands. Give your baby pleasure and return to childhood. I wish you success!
How to buy slime on Aliexpress: links to the catalog
- Aliexpress today is one of the largest and most popular virtual trading platforms.
- This platform allows its customers to purchase various goods from China.
- At the same time, prices for goods on Aliexpress are much lower than those we see in regular stores and shopping centers.
- On this site you can buy almost everything, and slime is no exception.
Slime can be bought on Aliexpress.
To purchase such a toy on Aliexpress you need:
- Go to the Aliexpress trading platform website .
- Register on this site if you have not done so before, or simply log into your account if you have already registered before.
- Next, you need to select the “Everything for Children” category, then the “Toys and Hobbies” .
- After this, you can select one of the following categories and evaluate the assortment of products “Plasticine” , “Expander toys”.
- You can also find slime in the following way by typing the words “slime”, “slime”, “slime” into the “search” line.
Jumping slime
If you want to make not just a slime, but also a jumper. This slime is very interesting to play with, and the ingredients included in it are found in almost every home. Let's see the full description with step-by-step instructions.
You will need:
- Silicate glue
- Sodium tetraborate
- Dye
- Glitter
Progress:
- Pour glue and a little dye and glitter into the container.
- Next, add sodium tetraborate and mix thoroughly until our mass thickens.
- Now you can try your slime.
How to wash slime at home?
Since slimes are made of a jelly-like material, they tend to get dirty and dirty quickly. Another reason why slimes need to be washed is the options for playing with them, because slimes are often thrown on the walls and fall on the floor.
Washing slime at home is very simple:
- Fill a container with some warm water.
- Put slime in it.
- Rinse it in water.
- Shake the water off the toy and return it to the box.
Do this procedure regularly, this will help you not only preserve the appearance of the toy, but also its properties - stickiness, elasticity.
my
How slime is made in a factory
Most slime recipes call for the use of vinyl glue, which has two types of linear and thermoplastic polymers (polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol, commonly known as PVA). It’s not difficult to guess how slimes are made in a factory, but certain nuances depend on the specific manufacturer.
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What the slime looks like depends on what materials were used, including gelling agents, dyes, fillers and preservatives. Specially treated deionized water is also used.
Slime is classified as a liquid and is usually made by combining solutions of polyvinyl alcohol with borate ions in a large mixing container. The solution often has an unpleasant odor.
Mixing polymer threads will give a viscous structure; the mucus also contains a cross-linking agent. Such a liquid does not comply with the laws described by Newton.
For reference! Crosslinkers are ions that help temporarily join polymer strands with relatively weak ionic bonds. These bonds are strong enough to hold the polymer strands together, but not strong enough to make the mass solid.
Factory-made slime can be made from polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, or even fortified milk.
Fortunately, many factories pay attention to quality control. The raw materials used to make slime should not cause irritation to the skin or eyes, and the chemical composition must be carefully thought out. Additionally, consumers demand that slimes (and similar toys) not damage items such as clothing, upholstery, fabric, or carpeting. Manufacturers are looking for recipes to reduce the harmfulness of toys.
In large enterprises, the slime formula is developed in the laboratory. Chemists decide what the consistency will be, what color the toy will be and how it will smell. A small batch of toys are then made for testing. If specialists are satisfied with how the slime looks and its chemical composition, then they launch mass production of such a product.
How slime is made in a factory
How to keep slime in shape, how to extend the life of slime?
In order for the slime to remain in shape for a long time, retain its properties and make you happy, it must be properly cared for.
You can extend the life of slime by following these recommendations:
- Try not to contaminate the slime. First, only handle it with clean hands. Secondly, place it exclusively on clean surfaces, which we recommend first wiping from dust and dirt. Thirdly, try not to drop the slime on the floor, especially on a fleecy surface, carpet, etc.
- Do not let the toy dry out. Sometimes, due to insufficient air humidity, the slime can dry out, stop stretching, and stick. In this case, it may even simply crumble into small pieces. What to do? Place a few drops of ordinary water into the jar in which you store it, close it and wait until the slime absorbs it. Accordingly, you cannot store slime in an open box, without a box, or in a place where it is very dry.
- We also draw your attention to the fact that slime does not like extreme heat or extreme cold. In the summer, when the house is very hot and the toy may be exposed to bright sunlight, place it in the refrigerator; in winter, do not take it out into the cold.
- Bathe your slime periodically as described earlier. In this case, all the dust, lint and hairs that are stuck to it will fall away, and it will become nice and sticky again.
Keeping in shape
Slime without sodium tetraborate with detergent
If you don’t have time to run to the pharmacy, but you need to make a slime right now, then this manufacturing option is suitable for you. This version of the slime looks and feels as close as possible to the store-bought one. But since this slime contains detergent in its composition, you need to wash your hands after use.
You will need:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Soda
- Mixing container
- Hand cream
- Dye
Progress:
- First, mix dishwashing detergent and baking soda in a 1:2 ratio. Mix thoroughly.
- Now add hand cream and mix. The amount of glue must be determined during the mixing process.
- And add dye.
- When all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, the mass should have a slightly liquid consistency.
- Place our not-quite-ready slime in a bag and put it in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
- After the time has passed, take out the slime.
Are slimes harmful to health?
Like any other toy, slime can harm a person's health, however, most often this happens when it is not stored correctly and when it is not played correctly.
- Children under 3 years old cannot play with slime in principle, since at that age the child does not understand many things and can taste the toy, etc. The exception is when a small child plays with slime under parental supervision.
- Also, slimes can deteriorate, get very dirty, and become moldy. All this, as mentioned earlier, occurs due to improper storage of the toy. The entry of this mold and dirt into the child’s body is also fraught with serious consequences.
- Another disadvantage of slimes is the harm they can cause to a person if they get on the mucous membranes of his body. Such contact can cause allergies and redness.
Slime is not harmful, but has disadvantages
- Otherwise, slime is a safe and even useful toy that contributes to the development of the child.
- As you can see, slime is a very interesting and, to some extent, even useful toy that is available to everyone. Moreover, you can make such a toy yourself, using available materials that are found in every home. With the help of slime you can develop fine motor skills, calm the nervous system and simply relax.
Is slime dangerous - a new hobby for children and teenagers?
Many parents do not understand what slime is made from; they want to know whether the toy can cause harm. In fact, you can make this item yourself. And stores sell ready-made kits for creating slimes.
Unfortunately, YouTube tutorials that explain to children how to make slime using borax do not warn about the dangers of the substances from which the toy is made. At the same time, the composition often causes concern among literate people. For example, borax (one of the main ingredients in most recipes) causes skin and eye irritation and can lead to fertility problems. Accidental ingestion causes problems with the kidneys, breathing, and liver.
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The worst thing is that borax does not need to be consumed in large quantities; one teaspoon is enough to affect the health of a small child. Experts advise using a little liquid soap and clear glue instead of such a dangerous substance.
Attention! Slime making should be done by adults. Children can make slime at home only from the age of 12, exclusively under the supervision of their parents.
Children's doctors believe that it is urgent to stop contact with slime if the following symptoms occur:
- cough;
- difficulty breathing;
- the appearance of a rash on the body or arms;
- redness of the eyes;
- contact dermatitis;
- itching;
- allergic rhinitis.
It should be remembered that gelatin and starch are a breeding ground for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
Important! When working with glue, you need to use safety glasses and gloves. Children should not be allowed to taste the substance.
Slime can be dangerous for small children