Making glitter slime with clear glue is easy and if you want an even easier glitter slime recipe you can use glitter glue instead. This glitter slime can be made in any color!
RELATED: Fluffy Slime
Glitter Slime Recipe
We have a little obsession with glitter slimes. We’ve made glittery unicorn slime, mermaid slime, fairy slime and princess slime. Adding glitter and color to your slime is a fun way to turn it into themed-slime for a birthday party!
To make glitter slime from scratch, you’ll need clear glue, glitter (we like chunky or regular glitter, not fine glitter or it won’t show), contact lens solution, baking soda and water. See the full recipe down below.
Choose any of your favorite colors to make this slime.  This would be perfect to make for a birthday party, afternoon activity or even just for the slime fan in your house.
Biodegradable Glitter – If you’d like a biodegradable glitter option, we recommend this chunky biodegradable glitter as an alternative. Note that this glitter will start to break down after a few weeks when exposed to any liquid.
Watch the Video Tutorial!
What is Slime?
Slime is a polymer. Other examples of polymers are Jell-O, gum and rubber bands. White glue is also an example of a polymer. A polymer is made of long chains of polyvinyl acetate molecules. These chains slide easily making the substance like glue easily pourable.
The Science Behind Slime
When you add the contact lens solution to the glue, it counteracts the glue and forms a viscous substance of slime which can be shaped and pulled. This slime forms due to the glue molecules cross-linking with the borate ions. This is a bond that causes the large molecules to no longer slide freely past one another (like the substance was when it was a glue). Therefore resulting in the slime substance!
Will This Slime Recipe Work?
All of our slime recipes are easy to make and should turn out if you follow the instructions carefully. Do not substitute for other brands as your slime may not turn out. The type of contact lens solution we use is very important – this is what turns your glue into slime. We always recommend Elmer’s glue because it’s quality glue and creates the best slime. If you do not have Elmer’s glue in your country you can substitute the glue for another quality PVA glue.
Safety tips: Adults only should make the slime. See our full safety tips below.
How Long Will the Slime Last?
This slime recipe should last at least 1 week if stored properly. It will typically last much longer. Store in an air tight container or bag. We like to store in a resealable bag so we can press out all of the air from the bag.
Ingredients to Make Glitter Slime
- Elmer’s Clear Glue (6 oz)Â Â Note: We have only tested this with Elmer’s glue and recommend this brand as other brands may not work.
TIP: To save money we like to buy the gallon size of clear glue. You can also use Elmer’s glitter glue and add extra glitter to this.
- 1/4 cup of water
- Glitter – we like to use regular sized glitter because fine glitter will not show up in the slime. We used pink, turquoise and purple.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Liquid Food Coloring – this set comes with all kinds of vibrant pinks, purples and blues.
- 1.5 tablespoons of Contact lens solution. **Important: your brand of contact lens solution must contain boric acid and sodium borate. We like this brand the best and use it in all of our slime recipes. See our full contact solution slime recipe for the brands we recommend. Do not substitute for any other brands.
How to Make Glitter Slime
1. Get a bowl to mix your slime ingredients in.
2. Add 6 oz of clear glue to your bowl.
3. Add your food coloring in and mix.
We used pink, blue and purple. This set comes with all kinds of vibrant pinks, purples and blues.
4. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the bowl and mix.
5. Then add in 1/4 cup of water and mix.
TIP: To prevent the clear glue from making too many air bubbles and looking cloudy stir gently while making your slime.
6. Now add in your glitter.
7. Add in the contact lens solution.
Slowly add in your contact lens solution until it starts to pull away from the bowl. Add one tablespoon to start and then mix. Mix slowly to not over-mix and cause too many bubbles.
Once the slime starts to pull away from the bowl you can take the slime out and knead with your hands. It will still be sticky at this point and that is normal. Keep kneading for 5 minutes. The more you knead, the less sticky it should be.
Reminder: your contact lens solution should contain boric acid and sodium borate or your slime will not form.
What to Do if Your Slime Is Sticky
If you still find the slime to be too sticky after kneading for 5 minutes we recommend trying to add some baby oil or lotion to your hands first. That way you can makes sure you don’t over-activate the slime.
If you’ve tried all of the tips above and it’s still too sticky, you can also add in another 1/2 tablespoon of contact lens solution. Add this in slowly, an extra teaspoon at a time and continue to knead until you find it to be a consistency you like.
How to Store Glitter Slime
Store your slime in an air tight container or bag and it will last at least one week.
See more of our favorite slime recipes:
Slime Safety & Precautions
Note: Making slime is a science experiment and safety precautions should still be made when creating slime. By making this slime, you agree to our site terms which you can read here.
- Adults should handle any chemicals and products
- Adults should make the slime
- Always read and follow the labels of products used. If contact lens solution is accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
- This project is not suitable for children under 4.
- Slime should not be placed in the mouth. Always wash hands before and after playing with the slime.
- If you notice any skin irritation, discontinue use immediately. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves while making and playing with the slime.
- Slime is a science experiment and should be made and played with in moderation. Do not allow children to make their own slime and do not play with slime for an extended period of time.
Hi!
So many great recipes…thank you! At what point would I add charms etc to the slime?
Thanks so much!
Hi! You can add any charms as the last step.
I really like the colors of this slime and I really like the glitter
Is it ok to use white glue instead of clear glue?
Thank you
You an use white glue instead but the color will be different, it will be a little more muted.
Hi! I love how glittery this is. Will the food coloring transfer onto your hands after it’s done? We’re making it at a birthday party, I’m not sure I want 8 year old girls running around with food coloring hands lol.
Winnie
It shouldn’t once it’s fully made and kneaded. You can always use glitter glue also which cuts out the step of food coloring.