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Color Changing Play Dough

Published: Sep 13, 2021 · Modified: May 16, 2023 by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

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Text that sayas how to make color changing play dough so cool. Below is a ball of play dough that is yellow and red.

Color changing play dough is so much fun! It’s a cool experiment to do with kids and so fun to play with too.

color changing play dough on a marble background. The play dough is both yellow and red.

Affiliates Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase or sign up for a service. There is no extra cost to you.

I try my best to be a fun mom. What I want most is for my kids to look back on their childhoods and have tons of cool memories. I try to find lots of crafts and experiments for us to do together so we can make memories.

color changing play dough on a marble background. The play dough is both yellow and red.

My kids really enjoyed making this Kool Aid play dough so I thought it would be cool to try out this color changing play dough. It’s actually super easy to make and my kids thought it was the coolest thing ever.

How does it change colors?

Color changing play dough is made with a special pigment that changes color when in contact with heat which in this case will be your hands. Ours turned yellow from red when touched.

Ingredients needed

To make this play dough, you will need:

  • All purpose flour: The base of the play dough recipe.
  • Salt: The second part of the play dough base.
  • Cream of tartar: This helps the play dough stay fresh for longer and keeps it from crumbling.
  • Water: Use warm water for best results
  • Vegetable oil: You’ll need two tablespoons of vegetable oil for this recipe.
  • Color changing pigment: I used this type of color changing pigment from Amazon. According to the description it is non-toxic and specifically states it is safe for making slime or play dough with. We used red to yellow, the 5g size option.
Prestige THERMOCHROMIC Pigment That Changes Color at 88⁰F (31 ⁰C) from Colored to Transparent (Colored Below The Temperature, Transparent Above) Perfect for Color Changing Slime! (5g, RED to Yellow)
Prestige THERMOCHROMIC Pigment That Changes Color at 88⁰F (31 ⁰C) from Colored to Transparent (Colored Below The Temperature, Transparent Above) Perfect for Color Changing Slime! (5g, RED to Yellow)

Is this play dough taste safe?

This recipe is not meant to be eaten or tasted. This is best for older kids who no longer put things in their mouths.

Is the pigment safe to use for play dough?

I used this brand from Amazon. The item description states, “NON-TOXIC – This powder is safe for skin contact and uses no harsh chemicals (but not intended for consumption). Great for making color-changing slime, play dough, Sugru, Polymorph, and nail polish.”

How to store

Store this play dough in an airtight container at room temperature. Ours is still good after several weeks.

Other fun play dough posts:

  • How to Make Glitter Play Dough
    How to Make Glitter Play Dough
  • red kool aid play dough next to a packet of kool aid
    No Cook Kool Aid Play Dough
  • Text that says Alphabet Play Dough Mats below is a mock up of the "A" play dough mat.
    Free Printable Playdough Alphabet Mats
  • Text that says Halloween play dough mats with mock ups of the mats
    Free Halloween Play Dough Mats
color changing play dough

Color Changing Play Dough

Audrey
Color changing play dough is so much fun! It's a cool experiment to do with kids and so fun to play with too.
5 from 1 vote
Print Activity Pin Activity
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Active Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
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Equipment

  • Cooking pot

Materials
 

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ¾ cup salt plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 grams color changing pigment

Instructions
 

  • In a large cooking pot, add all of the ingredients except for the color changing pigment.
  • Stir well and cook over medium heat.
  • Continue to stir over medium heat for about five minutes or until the dough has thickened.
  • Continue to stir to avoid any lumps.
  • Once the dough has thickened, remove from heat and transfer to wax paper or a large bowl.
  • Let the dough cool and then add in the color changing pigment. You may need to knead the pigment in several times.

Notes

  • Store this play dough in an airtight container at room temperature. Ours is still good after several weeks.
  • There is no need to add food coloring, the pigment will color the dough.
  • Make sure to get the 5g size or bigger of pigment as there are different size options.
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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    September 26, 2022 at 6:35 am

    Where do you find the color changing pigment?

    Reply
    • Audrey says

      September 26, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      Hi Wendy, it is on amazon. I linked to the exact one we used in the post. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  2. MyWorldTheirWay says

    September 13, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    This looks like such a fun experiment to do with kids.

    Reply
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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Hi, I'm Audrey!

I’m a busy mom who loves to cook, bake, and craft with her kids. Here, you will find tons of recipes like easy weeknight dinners, copycat recipes, cookies, as well as lots of fun craft ideas for kids.

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