What these materials are
How thinking putty differs from plasticine, slime and kinetic sand, and why it behaves like a liquid one moment and a rubber ball the next.
the world of hand-moulding materials: a reference guide
The world of hand-moulding materials
Thinking putty, ordinary plasticine, slime and kinetic sand are easy to mix up by name, but they behave very differently. Some stretch and slowly spread out, some hold their shape, and some crumble and then gather back into a lump. Here we calmly explain what these materials are, how to make them last longer, how to get them off clothes and what to keep in mind when putty ends up in a child's hands.
Putty rarely goes bad on its own. What usually ruins it is an open lid, a warm windowsill and an attempt to scrub out a stain with something harsh. All of this is easy to prevent once you know how the material works.
Where to start
Care and cleaning
How to store putty so it doesn't pick up dust or lose its bounce, and what to do if it gets stuck to trousers, a carpet or hair.
Child safety
The age on the pack, small parts, the "not in the mouth" rule and a separate word about putties with strong magnets.
Things to do
Ideas for a quiet evening with children or on your own: modelling, simple games, sensory boxes and keeping your hands busy at your desk.
Guide sections
- Topics
Four groups of topics: materials, care and storage, safety, activities and gifts.
- Practical
How to store and clean thinking putty so it lasts, plus a catalogue of practical articles.
- Questions
Short answers about material properties, stains on fabric and child safety.
- Collections
Reading paths: a child's first putty, putty for your desk, a family evening.
- Reference
Glossary: viscoelasticity, colour-changing and glow putties, labels and the age on the pack.
- New
A timeline of new pages in the guide, with a note on who each one is for.
- Archive
All pages by date and tag, plus the old addresses on this domain.
How to get thinking putty out of fabric in five steps
Don't rub the stain
Your first impulse is to rub the lump with a finger or a tissue, but that only pushes the putty deeper into the weave. Leave the fabric alone and work through the steps in order.
Chill the spot
Put the item in the freezer inside a bag, or hold an ice pack against the stain. Cold putty becomes firmer and clings less to the fibres.
Remove the bulk
While the putty is cold, carefully lift off the main lump with your fingers or the blunt side of a spoon. Work from the edges towards the centre so you don't smear what's left.
Lift the rest gently
Small bits often come away if you press a clean piece of the same putty against them: the material sticks to itself more readily than to fabric. Don't use solvents on children's clothes, even if the stain is stubborn.
Check the care label
Before washing, look at the temperature and cycle the care label allows. If the fabric is delicate or the stain won't budge, it's wiser to take the item to a dry cleaner and tell them what the stain is.
Frequently asked questions about this guide
Are you a shop?
No. Putty World is a reference site. Nothing can be ordered or paid for here: we don't sell putty, don't take requests and don't work for any manufacturer.
Where can I get thinking putty and how much does it cost?
That's not something we advise on: this guide names no brands, sellers or prices. Instead we describe what to check yourself: the age on the pack, clear instructions, the ingredients, a tight-fitting lid and no strong magnets in a children's set.
Can children play with these materials?
Go by the age shown on the pack and keep putty away from little ones who put everything in their mouths. Sets with magnets are not suitable for children: swallowed magnets can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, and that needs urgent medical help.
Is it true that thinking putty relieves stress?
We don't make medical promises. Many people simply like having something to do with their hands while they think or talk, and putty is handy for that. If you are worried about your wellbeing, it's best to talk to a professional.
About the project
This domain was once home to a shop selling thinking putty and gifts, and later it carried unrelated advertising. The current guide has nothing to do with that shop or that advertising: we sell nothing and do not keep their pages.
We write about hand-moulding materials in plain language. Specific facts, such as the history of thinking putty or the toy-safety regulation, are included only once checked. Where there is nothing to check, we keep to general terms and point you to the instructions on the pack.
Sources and basis of this text
- TR CU 008/2011 «On the safety of toys» (Eurasian Customs Union regulation, in force in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan; other countries have their own toy-safety rules)
- Manufacturers' instructions and labelling for moulding putties (general principles)
- Materials on the safety of children's toys (general principles)
Ingredients, labelling and manufacturers' recommendations change over time, so the instructions and markings on the pack of the specific product are always your main guide. This reference explains general principles and does not replace a doctor's advice if something goes wrong.