Slime vs. Putty: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on November 11, 2023
Slime is a gooey, viscous substance often made for play, while putty is a firmer, moldable material used for various purposes, including sealing and play.
Key Differences
Slime is a playful, often colorful substance that is typically made with ingredients like glue, water, and borax. Putty, on the other hand, is a pliable material made of various compounds, originally designed for sealing and filling gaps.
The texture of slime is more fluid and stretchy, making it popular for sensory play. In contrast, putty has a denser consistency, allowing it to be molded and even bounced.
While both slime and putty can be made at home or purchased, slime has recently seen a surge in DIY recipes, especially among kids and teens. Putty, however, is more traditionally associated with construction and repair tasks.
Slime often has add-ins such as glitter, beads, and even scents for enhanced tactile and sensory experiences. Putty may have variants like magnetic or heat-sensitive putty but is generally less decorative than slime.
Over time, slime may lose its consistency faster and become runny or sticky. Putty, being firmer, tends to retain its texture longer and is less susceptible to drying out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Playful, sensory experience
Sealing gaps and play
Texture
Fluid, stretchy
Dense, moldable
Popularity
Trendy among kids and teens for DIY
More traditional, linked with construction and repair
Add-ins and Variants
Glitter, beads, scents
Magnetic, heat-sensitive
Durability
Loses consistency faster
Retains texture longer, less prone to drying out
ADVERTISEMENT
Slime and Putty Definitions
Slime
A viscous liquid or semi-solid often associated with mucus or other sticky substances.
The snail left a trail of slime behind.
Putty
Often made from calcium carbonate, whiting, and linseed oil.
Traditional window putty is made from a blend of linseed oil and whiting.
Slime
A gooey, stretchable substance often used for play.
Kids love making colorful slime during their free time.
Putty
A material that can be both functional and recreational.
While some use putty for repairs, others find it therapeutic to play with.
Slime
A material made primarily from glue, water, and borax.
Adding too much borax can change the consistency of the slime.
Putty
A malleable material often used to seal windows or fill gaps.
He used putty to seal the leak in the pipe.
Slime
A thick, sticky, slippery substance.
Putty
A doughlike cement made by mixing whiting and linseed oil, used to fill holes in woodwork and secure panes of glass.
Slime
(Biology) A mucous substance secreted by certain animals, such as catfishes and slugs.
Putty
A substance with a similar consistency or function.
Slime
Soft moist earth; mud.
Putty
A fine lime cement used as a finishing coat on plaster.
Slime
A slurry containing very fine particulate matter.
Putty
A yellowish or light brownish gray to grayish yellow or light grayish brown.
Slime
Vile or disgusting matter.
Putty
To fill, cover, or secure with putty.
Slime
(Slang) A despicable or repulsive person.
Putty
A form of cement, made from linseed oil and whiting, used to fix panes of glass.
Slime
To smear with slime.
Putty
Any of a range of similar substances.
Slime
To remove slime from (fish to be canned, for example).
Putty
An oxide of tin, or of lead and tin, used in polishing glass, etc.
Slime
To vilify or malign (someone), especially publicly.
Putty
A fine cement of lime only, used by plasterers.
Slime
A substance that can be messy if not handled properly.
She accidentally spilled slime on the carpet.
Putty
A golf ball made of composition and not gutta-percha.
Slime
Soft, moist earth or clay, having an adhesive quality; viscous mud; any substance of a dirty nature, that is moist, soft, and adhesive; bitumen; mud containing metallic ore, obtained in the preparatory dressing.
Putty
Of, pertaining to, or resembling putty.
Slime
Any mucilaginous substance; or a mucus-like substance which exudes from the bodies of certain animals, such as snails or slugs.
Putty
(transitive) To fix or fill using putty.
Slime
A sneaky, unethical person; a slimeball.
Putty
A kind of thick paste or cement compounded of whiting, or soft carbonate of lime, and linseed oil, when applied beaten or kneaded to the consistence of dough, - used in fastening glass in sashes, stopping crevices, and for similar purposes.
Slime
A monster having the form of a slimy blob.
Putty
A ball made of composition and not gutta percha.
Slime
Human flesh, seen disparagingly; mere human form.
Putty
A kind of gaiter of waterproof cloth wrapped around the leg, used by soldiers, etc.
Slime
(obsolete) Jew’s slime (bitumen).
Putty
To cement, or stop, with putty.
Slime
A friend; a homie.
Putty
A dough-like mixture of whiting and boiled linseed oil; used especially to patch woodwork or secure panes of glass
Slime
(transitive) To coat with slime.
Putty
Apply putty in order to fix or fill;
Putty the window sash
Slime
To besmirch or disparage.
Putty
A pliable compound that can be molded and shaped.
Children enjoy playing with putty just as much as with clay.
Slime
To carve (fish), removing the offal.
Putty
A substance with a consistency denser than slime.
This putty is so firm; it feels like dough.
Slime
Soft, moist earth or clay, having an adhesive quality; viscous mud.
As it [Nilus] ebbs, the seedsmanUpon the slime and ooze scatters his grain.
Slime
Any mucilaginous substance; any substance of a dirty nature, that is moist, soft, and adhesive.
Slime
Bitumen.
Slime had they for mortar.
Slime
Mud containing metallic ore, obtained in the preparatory dressing.
Slime
A mucuslike substance which exudes from the bodies of certain animals.
Slime
To smear with slime.
Slime
Any thick messy substance
Slime
Cover or stain with slime;
The snake slimed his victim
Slime
A sensory plaything popular among children.
Slime workshops have become popular birthday party activities.
FAQs
Can putty be used for play?
Yes, there are playful versions of putty, such as "silly putty," which can be molded and bounced.
Can slime dry out?
Yes, if left exposed to air for long periods, slime can dry out and lose its stretchy consistency.
Why is putty used in construction?
Putty is used to seal gaps, fill holes, and secure window panes.
Are there types of putty that change with heat or magnets?
Yes, there are special putties that are heat-sensitive or magnetic.
Is slime edible?
No, typical slime recipes are not edible and should be kept away from the mouth.
Why is slime so popular among kids?
Slime offers a sensory and creative experience, making it fun to play with and customize.
What is slime primarily made of?
Slime is often made from glue, water, and borax or other activators.
How long can putty last?
When stored properly, putty can last for years without drying out.
Can I add color to slime?
Yes, food coloring, paint, or dye can be added to slime for color.
What should I do if slime gets into clothing or fabric?
It's best to let it dry and then scrape off, or use vinegar and warm water to dissolve and remove it.
Is slime safe for toddlers?
While non-toxic slime is generally safe, it's crucial to supervise toddlers to ensure they don't ingest or place it in their mouths.
Is putty toxic?
It depends on the type; while many putties are non-toxic, some formulations, especially older ones, might contain harmful ingredients.
Why does slime become hard?
Too much of an activator or extended exposure to air can cause slime to lose its elasticity.
Are there natural alternatives to traditional putty?
Yes, some putties are made using natural ingredients like clay or beeswax.
Is putty stretchy like slime?
While putty is malleable, it's generally not as stretchy and fluid as slime.
Can I repair toys with putty?
Some putties can be used for minor toy repairs, but it's essential to ensure it's appropriate for the material.
What is "silly putty"?
Silly putty is a toy putty that can be stretched, molded, and even used to lift prints from newspapers.
Do I always need borax for slime?
No, there are borax-free recipes using ingredients like contact lens solution or baking soda.
Can putty be colored?
Yes, putty can be colored using dyes or pigments.
How do I store slime for longevity?
Store slime in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
