Scented invisible ink

Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed.
February 23, 2013

Today’s message is being brought to you by Courtney…

Have you ever made a fun discovery and just can’t wait to share it with someone? Well, that is exactly what happened when I figured out a new way to make invisible ink…

We’ve been exploring mysteries at preschool this week! Find out more about how we solved our missing snack mystery by clicking here. The children learned about our missing snack by revealing a message written in invisible ink. Once I had decided on our mystery theme and scavenger hunt, I knew I somehow wanted to incorporate invisible ink. I began scouring the internet for the best invisible ink recipe that I could find. I tried several different recipes using common ingredients found around the home and classroom, but none of them seemed to work out very well. So, that’s when I began to brainstorm…

I really wanted this process to be as simple as possible, in case our students wanted to try it, as well. Through my research, I learned that their was usually a chemical reaction taking place in order for the secret message to appear. One common ingredient among the recipes was lemon juice or grape juice. Another common ingredient was baking soda. I deduced that both of the juices contained citric acid, which would react with the baking soda. I had baking soda, but no lemon juice or grape juice. That is when I began thinking outside the box. I began thinking of other things that contain citric acid. That is when I thought of powdered drink mix, otherwise known as Kool-Aid. We keep Kool-Aid at preschool for scenting playdough. Since we had the two main ingredients, it was time to test my creation…

Making invisible ink is a two step process.

First you need to make the ink and create your invisible message.
The second step is to create your magic revealing potion.

To make your invisible ink, you mix equal parts baking soda and water. Dip a clean paintbrush into the invisible ink mixture and create your message on white paper. Let the invisible ink dry. It should only take a few minutes to dry…

To make your magic revealing potion empty the packets of drink mix into cups and mix with a small amount (probably about 1/4 – 1/3 cup) of water. If you add too much water, the citric acid will be diluted and your message may disappear again after it dries. The wonderful thing about using powdered drink mix is that it smells nice and fruity, adding a nice sensory element to this activity! The children won’t be able to resist smelling this yummy paint…

When your baking soda/water invisible ink is dry, you are ready to start painting over it with the powdered drink mix/water magic revealing potion…

Not only does the magic revealing potion smell wonderful, it also makes a nice fizzing sound as the baking soda reacts with the citric acid. Continue to paint your entire surface until all of the secret message is revealed…

Our secret message said, “Snack is missing. Can you help us solve this mystery?” Painting with invisible ink was just one of the fun activities we did during our mysteries unit. Stick around for more fun mystery ideas…

Available on Amazon

Links to grow on:

Message in a bottle by Minieco

Secret message paintings by Familylicious

Pumpkin patch scavenger hunt by Teach Preschool

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'