Smart putty: Fun & play with magnetic putty & Co.

Smart putty with very special features

Smart putty is particularly fascinating for children but also for adults because, unlike regular putty, it possesses many intriguing features:

• It stretches: Smart putty will not tear when you pull it apart slowly. Instead, it stretches like chewing gum and turns into a long thread.
• It shatters: On the other hand, if you pull the putty apart with a quick tug, it will rip like paper or shatter like porcelain with a clear breaking edge.
• It bounces: You can shape smart putty into a ball, for example. This ball bounces up and down like a rubber ball - without losing its shape!
• It melts: The putty changes its form over time. Let it sit out for a while and it will slowly lose its shape and melt into a flat blob.
• It doesn’t dry out: The putty consists of silicone and contains no water hence it does not dry out. It also does not stick to your hands, unlike regular putty.

How does smart putty work?

Smart putty has these many contrasting characteristics because it is a so-called non-Newtonian substance. That means, that the material has a changeable viscosity depending on the type of force applied to it. In the case of smart putty, it means that the material behaves like a solid when high pressure is applied. On the other hand, when exposed to slow movements it will behave like a liquid. The same (or reverse) effect can be observed with ketchup, pudding, toothpaste or even quicksand, for example. By contrast, Newtonian substances have a linear viscosity, independent of stress. Oil or water, for instance, are classic Newtonian substances.

What you should keep in mind when handling smart putty

After use, return the smart putty to the metal container to protect it from dirt particles, dust and hair. According to current knowledge, it will be impossible to clean the smart putty once it is very dirty. In that case, we can only recommend that you buy a new container of smart putty. According to the manufacturer, it is fine for the putty to come into brief contact with water, but it should not be used in water.
Even though smart putty is non-toxic, we still advise against allowing babies and small children to play with this putty. We recommend it only for children aged 4 years and older.

How to open stuck-on lids of smart putty tins

If a tin has been stored at an angle or upside down, the putty will leak into the space between the lid and the tin. As a result, the stuck-on lid can no longer be opened. Should this happen, warm the tin between your hands to soften the smart putty. Then it is best to use a sturdy, slightly longer nail as a tool. Of course, other pointed objects will also work. It is important that they are not too long, or else it will be difficult to hold the small sticky tins in your hand. Now try to get between the lid and the tin and push the lid straight up. A few millimetres will be enough. Repeat this step on all sides of the tin. With a little patience, continue to push the lid up until you can lift it off. Afterwards, make sure you remove all putty residue from the lid and outer rim of the tin so it won’t glue shut again. To do this, remove the putty from the tin and use it to dab the remnants off. When using sharp objects, please be careful not to slip and injure yourself.

How long does smart putty keep?

Since the putty does not dry out, it will keep indefinitely. You may have to replace it if the putty has become very dirty after prolonged use.

How to remove smart putty from clothing

When playing with putty, a piece of putty may fall unnoticed and get stuck on the carpet or your children’s clothes. Use these tips to remove the smart putty from natural materials such as cotton, wool or linen:

1. Take a separate piece of putty and use the dab method to remove the larger pieces of putty.
2. Remove the remaining smart putty residue that has already penetrated deeper into the fabric with rubbing alcohol (70%) and a cotton pad.
3. Any left-over paint residue can be washed out in the washing machine.

On synthetic fibres, try to remove the putty with oil. Rubbing alcohol is not suitable here as it would damage the fibres.

Different types of smart putty

Smart putty not only impresses with its great tricks but also with the fact that each product has its own unique feature. No two putties are alike! Here are the different types at a glance:

• Ferromagnetic putty: It contains ferromagnetic microparticles, which is why it is magically attracted to all magnets. Hold a strong neodymium magnet to this smart putty and watch in amazement how the putty moves toward the magnet.
• 'Metallic': Thanks to its glitter particles, this magical putty is reminiscent of molten metal. The effect is especially stunning when you pull the putty apart slowly.
• 'Flip-Flop': This smart putty shimmers in many different colours. The colour effects are especially beautiful in the sunlight.
• 'Glitter': If you like sparkly things, you will love this smart putty. The glitter particles create fantastic effects during play.
• 'Camo': The warmth generated during kneading causes this smart putty to change colour, guaranteeing great astonishment among children
• 'Crystal Clear': Liquid glass in a tin, that is what you will receive with this fascinating putty. It is transparent and looks like it's not even there. Keep an eye on it or you may have trouble finding this putty again!

Smart putty as therapeutic putty - more than just a toy

Smart putty has a firmer consistency than regular putty and therefore is a little harder. For this reason, it is often used in various therapies, for people who want to quit smoking, or for stress relief. Kneading the putty enhances finger dexterity and supports blood circulation, among other things. At the same time, patients reduce tension or aggression and work on their fine motor skills. This is especially helpful for people who had a stroke, rheumatic conditions, or major surgery. Some of the difficult exercises will be more fun with colourful putty.

The origins of smart putty

Like many other things, smart putty was invented by accident. Due to a shortage of natural rubber during World War II, the United States was looking for an artificial substitute. Earl Warrick is credited with having invented smart putty which he came across during his research. The smart putty did not possess all the necessary characteristics to replace natural rubber, but the characteristics it did have, were and still are fascinatingly versatile. That was the reason why, in 1949, this crazy putty was marketed in the USA under the name 'Silly Putty'. At first, it was aimed at adults, but the putty soon turned into a big hit with the kids. In 1961, it entered the European market and quickly became as popular as in the USA.