Learn How to Make Invisible Ink With Cornstarch

Do you want to write a secret message? Try making invisible ink! The writing for this invisible ink technique is done using cornstarch. An iodine solution is used to reveal the writing. What You Need CornstarchIodineWaterToothpick or Cotton SwabHot Plate or StovePaper Make the Invisible Ink Essentially you want to make a thin cornstarch gravy. You will write using the gravy, allow the writing to dry, then reveal the message using an iodine solution.If you dont have a pre-made iodine solution, you can make some by adding a teaspoon of iodine to about 10 teaspoons of water. Set the iodine aside for later.Mix about 2 Tbsp cornstarch with 4 tsp water in a pan. Heat, while stirring, until smooth. You can boil the mixture to make a gravy; just be careful not to burn it!Remove the cornstarch gravy from the heat. Dip a toothpick, small paintbrush, or cotton swab into it and use it to write your message on paper.Let the paper air-dry.Brush a small sponge, swab, or paintbrush dipped in the iodine solution over the paper to reveal the hidden message. The message should appear purple. Tips You can use simple cornstarch in water to write the message, but the writing wont be as invisible as it is using cornstarch gravy.If the heat source is a problem, try using very hot tap water to hydrate the cornstarch rather than using a stove or hot plate.Iodine binds to the starch molecules to reveal the message.Try using other starches instead of cornstarch, such as diluted mashed potatoes or  mashed cooked rice with water.Cornstarch slightly alters the surface of the paper, so another way to reveal the secret message is to heat the paper with the message over a flame or with an iron. The message will darken before the rest of the paper, revealing the secret.