My daughter and I are making snow globes.What dye or chemical can we use in them so mold will not grow?

Question

We would like to dye the water in them blue , but last year when we made them we used food coloring and unfortunetly the Christmas globes we sent out grew mold inside after a few weeks.Is there anything we can add to the water that won't fade the color,like bleach,that will also prevent mold?

Answer 1

Instead of using mineral oil, use distilled water and a drop of glycerin. This should clear up the problem.

Answer 2

Several things will work, but using only distilled water can work, as can waterbed conditioner.

If you have "snow" or other particles you want to float down though, you might want to mix it half and half with glycerin.

There are more things you can use --and should avoid for various reasons including mold-- discussed on this page of my site:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/outdoor_snowglobes_fountains.htm
(the first 7 categories are what you'll want to look at, beginning with BASIC INFO...MAKING SNOWGLOBES)

(we also make *polymer clay* items to use in snowglobes, so that's what the page was originally written to help with... but you'll find lots of helpful stuff about using any materials there as well)


Have fun!

Diane B.

Answer 3

Im thinking alcohol... Its clear and probably wont affect the color, and im pretty sure that it prevents mold from growing.. The only problem i can think of is that the alchohol may seperate from the water after a while (not sure on this).

Answer 4

I agree with Dark lineage's answer and I would buy distilled water and use that, not tap water.