Make This: Glow-in-the-Dark Slime

Glow-in-the-dark slime is always a hit. It’s squishy, stretchy, science-y, and just spooky enough to make kids grin like they found treasure in a mad scientist’s drawer.

We’ve updated this recipe to replace the original Elmer’s Glow-in-the-Dark Glue and Elmer’s Magical Liquid with a more flexible DIY version using:

Elmer’s Clear School Glue
Glow-in-the-Dark Medium
Borax
Warm Water

The original Craft Warehouse post used 5 oz bottles of glow glue and Magical Liquid, with one 5 oz bottle making one slime jar. This update keeps the same fun glow-jar concept, but gives makers more control over the glow color and slime texture.

Supplies

Elmer’s Clear School Glue
Glow-in-the-Dark Medium
Borax
Warm water
Mixing bowl or smoothly rounded glass container
Disposable stirring utensil or craft stick
Measuring spoons/cups
Storage jar with lid
Optional: black vinyl jack-o-lantern faces, black self-adhesive vinyl, or black paint marker
Optional add-ins: glitter, plastic spiders, googly eyes, confetti, small creepy crawlies

Basic Glow Slime Recipe

Step 1: Make the glue mixture

Pour Elmer’s Clear School Glue into your mixing container. Add a small amount of Glow-in-the-Dark Medium and stir until fully blended.

Tip: Start with a little glow medium, then add more if you want a stronger glow. Too much can change the slime texture, so build slowly.

Step 2: Make the borax activator

In a separate cup, dissolve borax in warm water. Stir until the borax is fully dissolved.

Tip: Warm water helps the borax dissolve more evenly.

Step 3: Activate the slime

Add the borax solution to the glue mixture a little at a time, stirring between additions. The slime will start to thicken and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Once it’s thick enough, pick it up and knead it by hand until smooth and stretchy.

Slime note: Add activator slowly. Too much borax solution can make slime stiff or rubbery.

How to Make It Glow

Place your finished slime near a bright light source to “charge” it. Then turn off the lights and watch it glow.

Glow slime is extra fun stored in clear jars, especially with jack-o-lantern faces added to the outside for Halloween.

Make Glow-in-the-Dark Slime Jars

To turn your slime into a party favor or decoration:

Apply black vinyl faces to clear jars, or draw faces with a black paint marker.
Fill each jar with glow slime.
Place jars under light to charge.
Dim the room and enjoy the glow.

The original idea stored glow slime in snap-lid jars with jack-o-lantern faces, making it an activity, decoration, and take-home party favor all in one.

Slime Tips for Better Results

Add borax activator slowly.
Knead slime after mixing to improve stretch.
Store slime in an airtight container.
Wash hands before and after playing.
Keep slime away from fabric, carpet, hair, and furniture.
Adult supervision recommended.

Safety Note: Borax should be handled by an adult or with adult supervision. Do not eat slime, and keep supplies away from very young children or pets. Slime is a craft activity, not a food or bath product.

Find Slime Supplies at Craft Warehouse

Craft Warehouse has the clear glue, glow medium, jars, vinyl, paint markers, and spooky add-ins you need to make glow-in-the-dark slime jars for parties, sleepovers, Halloween fun, or creative science play.

Crafted by Crafters, for Crafters

Slime is messy magic in the best way: part craft, part experiment, part glow-up. Mix it, charge it, squish it, and let the fun shine. Craft Warehouse is your go-to for inspired creativity across Gresham Oregon, Vancouver & Kennewick Washington, and Meridian Idaho.