How to Make Polymer Plastic

How to Make Polymer Plastic
Written By
Kim Blakesley
Kim Blakesley
Published: Aug 4, 2010
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
1 minute read

Polymer plastic is a type of plastic that conforms to the shape of a container. Good examples of polymer-based items are rubber bands, sneaker soles, Silly Putty, plastic soda bottles, Jell-O and chewing gum. Polymer molecules chain themselves together rather than holding together tightly like a solid object or spreading out like liquid. Make a polymer plastic at home using everyday household items. A sealed container is required to store the polymer plastic after the mixing process is complete.

glue bottle image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Borax Powder
  • Plastic Storage Container With Lid
  • Food Coloring
  • Disposable Cups
  • Measuring Cup (In Ounces)
  • Plastic Spoon
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Glue
  • Pour 8 oz. water in an 8 1/2-oz. disposable cup. Add 1 tbsp. borax powder and stir.

    Squeeze 1 inch of plain school glue in the bottom of an 8 1/2-oz. disposable cup. Add 3 tbsp. water. Stir the glue and water together thoroughly.

    Add three to five drops of the desired food coloring to the glue mixture. Stir thoroughly.

    Add 1 tbsp. borax solution to the glue mixture. Stir well.

    Let the mixture sit for 30 seconds. The mixture is now a polymer plastic.

    Remove the polymer plastic from the cup. Either play with the plastic or seal it in a plastic container for storage.

    Kim Blakesley

    Kim Blakesley is a home remodeling business owner, former art/business teacher and school principal. She began her writing and photography career in 2008. Blakesley's education, fine arts, remodeling, green living, and arts and crafts…

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