One of the coolest slime recipes we’ve ever made! This sunlight activated color changing slime is easy to make and changes color over and over again!
Color Changing Slime Recipe
The first time I saw color changing slime, it was this recipe from fellow kids activity blogger Anne at Left Brain Craft Brain. Her slime looked like so much fun to play with, but I’ve always wanted a way to make color changing slime without thermochromic pigment (which usually requires a special order).
That’s why I was beyond excited when I saw that Elmer’s released two new color changing glues! That’s right, the GLUE changes color!
The main difference between our color changing slime recipe and the recipe from Left Brain Craft Brain is what causes the slime to change color.
With thermochromic slime, heat causes the temperature change. With our color changing slime it is sunlight that causes the slime to change color.
I also love this particular color changing slime recipe because:
- No food coloring or pigments required (less likely to stain!)
- This Elmer’s color changing glue is washable and nontoxic.
- You can use any of our three most popular slime-making methods to make this recipe, depending on which you prefer or which ingredients you have on hand.
In the tutorial below, we’ll show you how to make this sunlight activated color changing slime using our contact solution slime recipe.
However, you can also make this color changing slime using the following methods too:
- Liquid starch slime recipe— Only 2 ingredients, this is one of our favorite ways to make slime!
- Elmer’s Magical Liquid slime recipe — Again, only 2 ingredients, and just about foolproof!
All you’ll need to do is swap out the glue we used in those tutorials with Elmer’s color changing glue and voila! You’ll have an awesome batch of color changing slime in no time!
Color Changing Slime Ingredients
For your convenience in re-creating our easy color changing slime, we’ve included shop-able ad links to the products we used. Our disclosure policy is available here.
* Be sure to use contact lens solution containing boric acid, as that is key for slime activation. Other types of contact solution won’t work to make slime.
How to Make Color Changing Slime
First, watch our quick demo video to see exactly how we make our color changing slime! Then keep reading for full step-by-step directions and a printable recipe card.
Click video to play:
Directions:
First, pour an entire 5oz bottle of Elmer’s color changing glue into a mixing bowl. (We used the yellow to red color changing glue, but they also have glue that changes from blue to purple.)
TIP: There are two sizes of glue available: 5oz and 9oz. If you can only find the 9oz bottle, use just a little over half of the bottle of glue and keep the other measurements the same. OR you can use the full bottle of glue and almost double the rest of the ingredients.
Add water to mixing bowl and stir until until well mixed with glue.
TIP: To get ALL the glue out of the bottle, pour some of the water into the glue bottle first and shake. Then pour this glue/water into your mixing bowl.
Add baking soda to bowl and stir until dissolved.
Finally, add contact solution and stir. Slime will begin to clump together, but may still be sticky (that’s ok!)
Finish kneading slime by hand until it is no longer sticky. If after 3-5 minutes of mixing, slime still sticks to hands, work in another spoonful of contact solution.
Slime Troubleshooting:
If your slime becomes too rubbery or starts to break, it’s likely overactivated. Click here to learn how to fix hard slime – there’s even a video tutorial to show you this cool trick!
How to Store Your Slime:
- Keep slime in an airtight container at room temperature, away from sunlight. Slime can last up to 2-3 weeks if stored properly.
- Wash hands before playing with slime to avoid contamination and your slime will last longer.
Learn to Master Slime
This is one of our starter recipes that form the base for LOTS of other slime recipes. Once you master these basic recipes, you can make almost anything!
Click here to learn how to make slime using our 3 starter recipes!
Important Slime Safety Tips
Slime is lots of fun and an amazing sensory experience for kids! However, please be sure to follow all of the following safety recommendations:
- This glitter slime is not edible. Please do not taste or eat.
- Always supervise children when making and playing with any slime recipe.
- As with many slime recipes, this slime involves a chemical reaction. Some ingredients may cause irritation to sensitive skin. Always wash hands thoroughly after play.
- Read this first: click here for more tips to make slime safely.
For glue-free slime alternatives, check out our complete guide: How to Make Slime (without Glue or Borax)
Color Changing Slime (Sunlight Activated)
Ingredients
- 5 oz Elmer's Color Changing Glue
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1-2 Tablespoons contact lens solution
Instructions
- First, pour a 5oz bottle of Elmer's color changing glue into a mixing bowl.
- Add water to mixing bowl with and stir.
- Add baking soda to bowl and stir until dissolved.
- Add contact solution and stir until slime starts to clump together.
- Finish kneading slime by hand until it is no longer sticky. If after 3-5 minutes of mixing, slime still sticks to hands, work in another spoonful of contact solution.
Video
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Carol says
Excellent and my grandchildren love slim and always want me to make more each visit. I’d love to have some new ideas
Mena says
That was the best slime everrrrrr!