How to Make Disappearing Ink
Write secret messages or create a great magic trick with disappearing ink.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour ethyl alcohol in bowl Put on your safety goggles and pour the ethyl alcohol into a bowl.
- Step 2: Add thymolpthalein and water Mix in the thymolphthalein until it dissolves. Add the 900 milliliters of water, and stir.
- TIP: Replace the thymolphthalein with phenolphthalein to make red disappearing ink instead of blue.
- Step 3: Mix in molar sodium hydroxide Mix in the 3-molar sodium hydroxide. You now have blue disappearing ink.
- Step 4: Wash hands Wash your hands with soap and water.
- : If skin contact occurs, rinse the area with water. Never squirt the disappearing ink onto someone’s face or near eyes.
- Step 5: Test ink Pour the ink into a squirt bottle and test it by squirting the ink on a white cloth.
- Step 6: Watch ink disappear Watch the ink disappear as it dries. Wet a cotton ball with ammonia and rub the area to make the ink reappear.
- TIP: The color will vanish more quickly if you pour a little vinegar on it or if you blow on the spot.
- Step 7: Store in a container Store the ink in the squirt bottle to reuse.
- FACT: Did you know? In 2006, 40 percent of 26- to 40-year-olds had at least one tattoo.
You Will Need
- Safety goggles
- 100 milliliters ethyl alcohol
- A bowl
- 1 gram thymolphthalein
- 900 milliliters of water
- 10 milliliters 3-molar
- sodium hydroxide
- Soap and water
- A squirt bottle
- A white cloth
- A cotton ball
- Ammonia
- 1 gram phenolphthalein (optional)
- Vinegar