how to make glue
How to Make Glue
Making glue at home is simple, quick, and easy. Plus, it is non-toxic, chemical-free, and cheap. Here are a few recipes to make glue at home.
Children, especially preschoolers, love to play with glue; whether it is sticking objects or smearing it all over themselves. But, while the little ones are creatively engaged, the store-bought glue might harm their delicate skin or eyes. So, why not make it at home? It can be made with things that are often found in the kitchen, like rice, flour, and water. Besides, your children might like to participate and start leaning the basics of cooking. It is quite frugal and a green option too, as the plastic packaging is quite harmful to the environment.
Once you know how to make glue at home, you will realize that it is actually such a simple procedure. You don't need to run to the store to get a new bottle every time you run out of it. So, follow these simple procedures to make environment-friendly, all-natural glue at home.
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Make Glue with Flour and Water
This glue is simple and as natural as it gets. You have to make it fresh though, and it will take longer for it to dry than store-bought glue. Best used for paper craft and paper mache, this glue is perfect for preschoolers as everything is edible. Plus, it is easy to apply, once you get the consistency right. Don't make it too runny though, as it will form ripples on the paper when you apply it.
What You Need -
Water - 3 cups
Flour - 1 cup
Sugar - ¾ cup
Vinegar - ½ teaspoon
Procedure:
1. Put all the flour and sugar in a pan and mix.
2. Pour water slowly while mixing continuously so that no lumps form. You can also let the kids do this step.
3. Place the pot on the stove, and heat on low flame till the mixture is clear.
4. Stir in the vinegar.
5. Allow it to reach room temperature before using.
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Making Glue with Rice
This is another simple, wholly natural, and inexpensive method of making glue, but the best thing is that you get a glue that looks transparent on drying. It is not so strong though, so it's best used for sticking paper. Also, you cannot store it for long, but making it fresh is a breeze.
What You Need -
Water - 4 cups (approx.)
Sticky Rice - 1 cup
Procedure:
1. Put the rice in a pot.
2. Cover the rice with about 3 cups of water.
3. Bring it to a boil, and continue boiling till the rice disintegrates and looks like porridge; add more water if required.
4. Take it off heat, and let is stand till it reaches room temperature.
5. Blend it; add more water if you feel it is too thick.
6. Use it immediately or transfer it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for future use.
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The Vinegar and Gelatin Glue
This is a lickable glue - just put it on an envelope, let it dry, and wet it when you want to stick the envelope. Or make some picture cutouts, and apply the glue on their blank sides to get homemade stickers. You can even store this glue for future use, so just pop it in the refrigerator. The glue will solidify, but don't worry. Keeping it in warm water for a few minutes ought to melt it again.
What You Need -
Gelatin (unflavored) - 6 teaspoons
Water - 1 cup
Flavor of your choice
Procedure:
1. Pour the vinegar in a pot and bring it to a boil.
2. Stop heating the pot and stir in gelatin; make sure it is completely dissolved.
3. Add any flavor you want, or skip this step altogether.
4. Let the glue cool down to room temperature.
5. Apply with a brush to your envelope.
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Glue with Milk and Vinegar
This glue is simple to make and requires no cooking at all. Plus, it is a fun science experiment, as the acidic vinegar reacts with the baking soda to form this glue. It works well when it has a honey-like consistency, and applied glue needs to be dried thoroughly or can it get moldy.
What You Need -
Skim Milk - 2 cups
Vinegar - ½ cup
Baking Soda - 4 teaspoons
Water
Procedure:
1. Mix milk and vinegar in a bowl and keep it aside for 15 minutes.
2. Once the milk has curdled completely, filter it through a coffee filter paper or muslin cloth.
3. You need to remove the water, so let the solids sit in the filter for about 10 minutes.
4. Mix the milk solids and baking soda in a bowl (you might hear a faint crackling sound or even see some bubbles). Add water to get the right consistency.
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Waterproof Glue
This glue is pretty strong, and you can even use it to stick glass or chinaware, but it gets spoiled pretty fast. Adding a few drops of clove oil will make it last for a day, but it is best to use it within a few hours.
What You Need -
Unflavored Gelatin - 2 packets
Skim Milk - 3 tablespoons
Water - 2 tablespoons
Procedure:
1. Take water in a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on it. Set it aside for about an hour.
2. Heat the milk, but don't boil.
3. Pour it in the bowl with water and gelatin, and mix it thoroughly.
4. Your waterproof glue is ready!
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Edible Sugar Glue
This glue is basically a sugar syrup and used mainly in baking, but you can try it for cardboard or any thick paper. It is not suitable for children though, as it needs to be used when it is hot.
What You Need -
Sugar - 2 cups
Water - 1 cup
Procedure:
1. Take a pot or pan, and put sugar and water in it.
2. Heat the pot, till the syrup has a nice golden color.
3. Keep it aside for cooling slightly, and use it when it is still hot.
4. If you see the syrup thicken, place the container in warm water.
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Waterproof Glue without Milk
This is a strong, clear glue and can be used for leather and cloth. It has to be used when it is warm though, but the best thing is that it can be stored for several months in a refrigerator. If it thickens, just keep the container in warm water for a few minutes.
What You Need -
Unflavored Gelatin (0.4 oz) - 1 packet
Water - 3 tablespoons
Vinegar - 1 tablespoon
Glycerin - 1 teaspoon
Procedure:
1. Take water in a pan, bring it to a boil, and take it off the heat.
2. Put the gelatin in the boiling water, and stir till it dissolves completely.
3. Stir in glycerin and vinegar.
4. Your glue is ready. Use it when warm.
Making glue at home also means you need not rush to the store when you run out of it. Just whip up a new batch, and your glue is ready within a few minutes.