PolyVinylAlcohol Slime (PVA Slime)
 

PVA or polyvinyl alcohol is used to produce professional quality slime such as those used in movies. PVA is included in the slime science kit or may be purchased directly from ChemicalStore.com. Warning: This project requires adult support and supervision. Preparation of materials in most cases must be done by an educated adult. It will take about 2 hours to prepare the materials.

Prepare your materials:

Step 1: Dissolve the Polyvinylalcohol in water and make a 4% solution.

In a steel or aluminum saucepan add 1250 ml water (5 of the blue measuring cup).  Add the entire 50 grams polyvinylalcohol to the saucepann. At this time mark the water level so that you can readjust the amount of water later if part of the water is lost due to the evaporation. Let the polyvinylalcohol soak in water for about 2 days and stir the mixture a few times each day. After 2 or 3 days of soaking, warm up  the pot over the stove and continuously stir the mixture until fully dissolved and a clear homogenous solution is formed. Transfer this solution to a jar or bottle and label it as "PolyVinylAlcohol, 4% solution".

Step 2: Dissolve the Borax in water and make a borax solution.

Dissolve the entire borax powder is 2 cups of warm or hot water. Stir it until fully dissolved and the solution becomes clear. Transfer the borax to a clean bottle and label it as Borax Solution.

Make your first slime:

In a science lab we use a beaker to make the slime. If you do not have a beaker, you may use a disposable bowl or cup to make the slime.

1. Transfer 1/2 cup of the PVA solution to a clean beaker (or disposable bowl/cup).
2. At this time if you want your slime be colored, you can add a few drops of food coloring.
3. Add one tablespoon borax solution while stirring with a spoon.

Note: The amount of borax solution you add to the PVA solution can be anything between 1/20 up to 1/2. (For example if you have 20 mL of PVA solution, you can add 1mL up to 10mL borax solution). The more borax you add, the more cross-links will be formed and the slime will be harder.

After you make your slime, you may place it in a bag for future use or display at the science fair. A plastic bag can keep your slime fresh and protect it from drying out.

Go Back to the Slime Home Page

You can order a Kit now

(Check price and availability)