How to Make Glue

Guide Note Why buy glue when you can just make it yourself? How to Make Glue will give you a recipe that uses common household ingredients. You can save money on large craft projects or provide kids with a fun and educational activity for a rainy afternoon.

Table of Contents

Glue Making Tips

  1. Heat the milk for best results.
  2. The milk-vinegar mixture is ready to strain when the milk appears cloudy.
  3. Strain the whey a second time if you don't succeed in removing all the curds.
  4. Adjust the amount of hot water and baking soda to achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Allow the glue to harden overnight.
  6. Store the glue in an airtight container.

Introduction

  • Running out of glue doesn't have to be a sticky situation, as long as you have a few basic items in your kitchen. This version is even safe for kids to use (though adult supervision is recommended when handling hot liquids or using the stove). Crafts are even more fun when you make your own supplies!

What You'll Need

Ingredients

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Saucepan (optional)
  • Cup or Jar
  • Coffee Filter
  • Airtight Container

Step 1: Curdle the Milk

  • First you'll need to separate the milk into curds (solids) and whey (liquid). You can do this by adding vinegar.
  1. Though it's not necessary, heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave for the best results.1
  2. Stir the vinegar into the milk.
  3. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes.2 The milk will start to separate--you'll know it's ready when the milk appears cloudy.
  4. If the milk doesn't seem to be separating, add a little more vinegar.1

Step 2: Separate the Liquid and the Solids

  • Now you'll need to get rid of the whey. A coffee filter works best, but you can also use a paper towel.2
  1. Place a coffee filter over a cup and pour the mixture onto the filter. The whey will start to run into the cup, leaving the curds in the filter.
  2. Squeeze the remaining whey through the filter, being careful not to lose any of the curds. If you do, you can strain the whey again.1
  3. Scrape the curds into an airtight container.

Step 3: Add Water and Baking Soda

  1. Add hot water and baking soda.
  2. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Use and Store Your Glue

  • (Creative Commons photo by Will Fuller)
    (Creative Commons photo by Will Fuller)
    The glue will be somewhat watery. If you're working with thin materials, such as paper, you'll have to be careful not to damage your project. A little bit goes a long way. Follow these tips for best results:
  1. Allow your project to sit overnight. At first, this glue will create a weak bond, but it will become quite strong as it dries.
  2. Be sure to keep your glue refrigerated in an airtight container so that it will last longer.1
  3. Remove glue from skin and clothes with warm water.1

Variations

  1. If you don't have any milk, this recipe shows you how to use corn syrup and cornstarch.3
  2. Another recipe makes glue from overcooked rice.4
  3. Gelatin-based glue is good for woodworking projects or if you need a waterproof bond.5
  4. You can also try a gelatin glue recipe that makes a lickable adhesive for envelopes and stamps.5
  5. If you think plain old white glue is too boring, put in a few drops of food coloring.6
  6. Add a little glam to your glue with glitter. 7
  7. Add one Kool-Aid packet to 1/4 cup glue to make a colorful scented glue.7

References for How to Make Glue

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 About.com: Make Non-Toxic Glue from Milk
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 PBS Kids: Glue
  3. ↑ FamilyEducation.com: Homemade Glue and Paste Recipes
  4. ↑ Immortal Geisha: Making Rice Glue for Kanzashi
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Home & Garden Television: Recipes for Glue WARNING: Pop-ups
  6. ↑ About.com: How to Make Colored Glue
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Perpetual Preschool: Preschool Glue and Paste Recipes WARNING: Ad-Heavy


Didn't find what you were looking for?

Ask a question about How to Make Glue


110 characters left.