How to Make Cornstarch Paste

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Last Updated: July 11, 2024 Tested

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Cornstarch paste is a fairly simple replacement for store-bought glue. It's convenient because it's cheaper, you know what's in it, and it works. Cornstarch paste is also great for parents whose little ones have heavy hands when using glue sticks for school projects. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up a quick concoction at home and start using it for your crafts.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Simple Cornstarch Paste

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1
Combine cornstarch and water. That's it! From there, the recipe can deviate based on your preference for thickness; you can add more cornstarch or water until the paste is your preferred consistency. Thoroughly mix the two ingredients together. As the cornstarch absorbs water the mixture will thicken and begin to resemble glue.^{[1]
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- For thin cornstarch paste, use 3 tablespoon (44.4 ml) of cold water and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of cornstarch.
- For thick cornstarch paste, use equal parts cold water and cornstarch.
- Because the starch may settle, stir the simple cornstarch paste just before using it.
2
Heat the mixture. If you're creating a thick paste, adding it to heat can make the mixing process easier. Place 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Place the pan over low heat. Stir the ingredients together until they're smooth. When the consistency is thick and gluey, remove the mixture from heat. The finished product will be somewhat translucent.^{[2]
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- Allow everything to cool before pouring it into a plastic container for use.
- Using a whisk can work initially, but you'll need to switch to a heavy spoon when the mixture thickens.
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3
Store the paste in the refrigerator. Use a clean plastic or glass container for storage. The mixture will keep for as long as a month in the refrigerator. If necessary, you add more water and slightly heat the mixture to soften it before use.
- An old butter tub works well for larger amounts of paste.
- If you're making paste for multiple projects or more than one person, small yogurt containers with lids work well.
This simple cornstarch paste can be used with yarn, string, Popsicle sticks, and various other children's art. After using cornstarch paste in a craft project, allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Trying a Corn Syrup Variation

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This variation creates a stronger glue that can be used in craft projects in place of regular school glue. Mix 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 tablespoon (29.6 ml) corn syrup, and 1 tsp white vinegar into a saucepan. Place the pan over low heat. Stir the mixture it until it's blended together well, then remove it from heat.
Pour an additional 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup water into the saucepan. Slowly and continuously stir the mixture until everything is well combined. The mixture will begin to thicken into a glue-like substance after a few minutes of stirring. ^{[3]
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3
Allow the mixture to cool. The mixture will be very hot, so handle it with care. After bringing it to room temperature, spoon the mixture into a plastic or glass container for storage.
- Don't pour the mixture into a container while it's still hot, as it could melt the storage container.
- Do not allow a child to use the paste until it has completely cooled.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding a Personal Touch

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1
Add white glue to your mixture. If you'd like your cornstarch paste to dry quickly, you may want to add some white glue to the mixture. Blend enough cornstarch and water to make a thick paste. After heating the mixture until translucent, take it off the heat, and stir in the white glue.^{[4]
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Research source} For best results, use a 50/50 mixture of glue and paste.
- Make sure you stir thoroughly after the white glue is added. Otherwise, the glue will not bind with the cornstarch paste base.
- The resulting mixture is a good choice for craft projects that require extra gluing power.
2
Add a few drops of essential oil. Choose your favorite scent and stir in a few drops just before using the glue. A little goes a long way, so don't add more than 3-5 drops.
- Rose oil is a great touch for glue on a love letter.
- Peppermint would be an excellent addition to a Christmas card.
Change the appearance by putting in a bit of food coloring. This is a great way to add flair to paper craft projects. Experiment with food coloring until you get the right color and desired transparency.^{[5]
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When the paste is almost hardened, you can mix in some glitter to add sparkle. This is a great way to integrate glitter into arts and crafts without making a big mess. Ensure the glitter is not added too late, or it will be difficult to blend into the paste.

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Question

Will cornstarch paste hold fabric?

Community Answer

No. You will have to buy fabric glue. You can buy it from local craft shops or online.

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How can I make cornstarch at home?

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Grind corn in blender. Mix equal volume of tapioca flour. Add water and blend. Use the ratio of ground corn:tapioca flour:water = 1:1:3. Heat slowly on temperature not exceeding 60 degreesC for 15 minutes.

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Is cornstarch made from corn flour?

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Cornstarch is also called corn flour. It comes from corn. It's often called cornstarch more often so as to avoid confusion with regular flour, which is also a thickening agent, but made from wheat.

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Tips

Use a brush with thick bristles to apply the paste.

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Warnings

Cornstarch and water don't bind forever. Eventually the two will divide. Use your mixture within the first few weeks after making it.

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Dispose of cornstarch paste in the trash instead of the sink. It may clog drains.

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