Science, Tech, Math › Science How to Make Invisible Ink Print denistorm, Getty Images Science Chemistry Projects & Experiments Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 30, 2019 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 Read More How to Make Your Own Invisible Ink By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Cornstarch Iodine Water Toothpick or Cotton Swab Hot Plate or Stove Paper 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 don't 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 won't 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. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Make Invisible Ink." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/make-invisible-ink-with-corn-starch-602223. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). How to Make Invisible Ink. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/make-invisible-ink-with-corn-starch-602223 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Make Invisible Ink." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/make-invisible-ink-with-corn-starch-602223 (accessed April 20, 2024). copy citation