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Color Changing Slime

holding slime stretched out so that pink is one one side and purple is on another with the title "color changing slime"
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Learn how to make color changing slime that changes colors when you touch it! It only take a few minutes to make this unique slime recipe.

Table of Contents

Continuing with my slime making craze, I wanted to see what it would be like to make color changing slime. There are a couple different ways, but the full homemade recipe uses thermochromic pigment which allows you to use the pigment for something else.

You can also make it the quick and easy way using color changing glue.

I’ve also created a handy set of slime recipe cards to print and cut out. Download them below or from the shop.

Note: Some links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no cost to you, I may earn a commission.

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14+ Slime Recipe Cards - Printable PDF

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top photo shows hand stretching pink and purple slime with the bottom photo showing pink slime with a purple handprint. the title reads "step by step tutorial - color changing slime"

Quick and Easy Color Changing Slime

The quick and easy way to make color changing slime is by using color changing glue. You can buy it on Amazon. These glues already have the thermochromic pigment mixed in so all you need to do is mix in the slime activator and you’re done! However, if you want to make your own slime from scratch and choose your own colors, try making the full color changing slime recipe.
Elmer's Color Changing Liquid Glue | Makes Slime That Changes Color As You Play, Pink to Purple, 5 oz.
Elmer's Color Changing Liquid Glue | Makes Slime That Changes Color As You Play, Pink to Purple, 5 oz.
Elmer's Metallic Glue, Yellow/Red
Elmer's Metallic Glue, Yellow/Red
Elmer's Color Changing Liquid Glue, Great for Making Slime, Washable, Blue to Purple, 9 Ounces5%
Elmer's Color Changing Liquid Glue, Great for Making Slime, Washable, Blue to Purple, 9 Ounces
$15.71

Homemade Color Changing Slime Recipe

These materials include the water and borax to make your own slime activator.

Art 'N Glow Thermochromic Pigment - 20 Grams - 10+ Colors Available (Purple to Pink)
Art 'N Glow Thermochromic Pigment - 20 Grams - 10+ Colors Available (Purple to Pink)
Elmer's E3860 Multi-Purpose Glue-All, 1 Gallon, White18%
Elmer's E3860 Multi-Purpose Glue-All, 1 Gallon, White
$38.81 ($0.30 / Fl Oz)
Borax 20 Mule Team Detergent Booster, 65 Ounces6%
Borax 20 Mule Team Detergent Booster, 65 Ounces
$13.78

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Steps to Make Color Changing Slime

Prepare the Base for the Color Changing Slime

Pour some white glue into a bowl. (This is the type I used)

pouring white glue into a glass bowl

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Add the Pigment for the Color Changing Slime

Before the next step, be sure to put on a dust mask. Any time you work with powdered pigment, you need to wear a dust mask to make sure you don’t inhale any particles.

holding a black reusable dust mask

Once you have your mask on, add some thermochromic pigment to the glue. This the one I used, which changes from purple to pink. You can also get it in other colors!

pouring purple pigment powder into a glass bowl with glue

Mix it together and keep adding pigment until you get the color you want.

mixing glue and purple pigment powder with a plastic spoon

Add the Slime Activator to the Color Changing Slime

Once the color is how you like it, add a small amount of slime activator at a time.

To make your own slime activator, mix 1 tsp of borax with 1 cup of warm water. The activator will be used for multiple slimes.

Tip: Only mix in around 1/2 teaspoon to a teaspoon of the activator at a time.

pouring clear liquid into a bowl of purple liquid

Once the slime pulls away from the bowl, it’s ready to take out of the bowl.

Tip: I find it easiest to mix it with my hands at this point.

using hands to mix purple slime

Start stretching and kneading it until it’s smooth.

stretching chunky purple slime with hands

Play with Your Color Changing Slime!

Depending on the type of thermochromic pigment you use, the color will start changing when you touch it. But to really get the colors going, I find it more fun to dip the slime in warm water.

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putting purple color changing slime into a bowl of water so it changes colors to pink

Then you can play around with it. Since my hand was cooler at the time, I was able to make a fun hand print!

placing hand on pink color changing slime so it changes colors to purple
showing color changing slime with a purple handprint on the pinks slime

Try dunking in one side and stretching it to compare the colors.

stretching color changing slime while showing the purple and pink colors

Then mixing it up gives a fun streaked appearance. Just have fun with it!

You can even have bowls of hot and cold water to make different designs.

stretching color changing slime with streaks of purple and pink

More Slime Projects

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top photo shows hand stretching pink and purple slime with the bottom photo showing pink slime with a purple handprint. the title reads "step by step tutorial - color changing slime"

Color Changing Slime

Learn how to make color changing slime that changes colors when you touch it! It only take a few minutes to make this unique slime recipe.
Yield 1 Color Changing Slime
2 from 1 vote
Print Pin Share Tweet
Project Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes

Materials
  

  • 1 Cup Warm Water
  • 1 tsp Borax
  • White Glue
  • Thermochromic Pigment

Equipment

  • Dust Mask
  • Bowl
  • Spoon

Instructions
 

  • Pour some white glue into a bowl.
    White Glue
    pouring white glue into a glass bowl
  • Before the next step, be sure to put on a dust mask.
    holding a black reusable dust mask
  • Mix in some thermochromic pigment to the glue.
    Thermochromic Pigment
    pouring purple pigment powder into a glass bowl with glue
  • Add in slime activator, very little at a time (~½ teaspoon - 1 teaspoon). Make it by mixing the water and borax.
    1 Cup Warm Water, 1 tsp Borax
    pouring clear liquid into a bowl of purple liquid
  • Start stretching and kneading it until it’s smooth.
    stretching chunky purple slime with hands
  • Dip in warm and cold water to quickly have it change color and have fun!
    putting purple color changing slime into a bowl of water so it changes colors to pink

Notes

Make your own slime activator.
Keyword Color Changing, Slime, Slime Activator
Picture of Daniela Kretchmer

Daniela Kretchmer

Daniela is a lifelong crafter who loves to share her passion for crafting. Through classes or learning on her own, she likes to say she'll do pretty much any craft aside from scrapbooking. Her current personal obsessions include garden crafts, felting, and spinning yarn.

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2 thoughts on “Color Changing Slime”

  1. Kendall

    2 stars
    I tried making this with my 7yo child and 7yo nephew today. It turned out very rubbery, not like slime texture at all, and came apart easily. The thermochromic pigment I got wasn’t reacting to temperature changes even though it says that’s what it’s supposed to do. It would help if you put a specific amount of glue for the concentrated borax solution. The 1tsp to 1 Cup ratio seems to be too much for slime. It was more like breakable rubber. Maybe 1/2tsp borax to 1C warm water would be better for a 1/2 C glue.

    Reply
    1. Daniela

      Make sure to only mix in a very small amount of the slime activator at a time – around a 1/2 teaspoon to a teaspoon. I’ve updated the instructions so it’s more clear.
      The slime activator should be used for multiple slimes. It’s best to use the 1 tsp to 1 Cup ratio to make the activator, but only use small amounts of it for your slimes. If you make the solution with less borax, you’ll end up using more solution and risk ending up with a watery slime. It’s easier to add water than remove it. The problem that occurred was using too much solution.
      For the pigment, it depends on the pigment you use. It will either react to your body temperature after being dipped in cold water or will change in hot water. I recommend playing with it in hot and cold water.

      Reply

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