Over the years I have been involved in either running or supporting a whole range of events that have wanted Gunge or messy games. In this section I aim to share some of my experiences which hopefully will help out others wanting to put on an event using gunge.
Virtually all the gunges/ slimes used in film and television, but not theatre are based on a food thickener. In most cases this is an industrial product that is not easily available to the public. These are usually based on a cellulose product, chemically not too dissimilar to wallpaper paste, although natural or chemically synthesised gums can be used.
Methylcellulose- Known by the trade name Methocel was used in Ghostbusters
Hydroxyethylcellulose- Known by the trade name Natrosol used by the BBC for Noels House Party amongst other programmes
Xanthan Gum- If my memory serves me correctly, this was the material used for Run the Risk
The first few events I created Gunge for, I used Guar Gum
which was obtained as samples from a commercial food ingredient supplier. This
worked quite effectively when made up, but proved to be very hard work to mix. I
started by mixing some flour into the volume of hot water, in an attempt to give
some opacity to the water, this coupled with food colouring would give it the
look we wanted. The gum has a tendency to clump , which makes mixing it to
smooth consistency very difficult. The photo at the head of the page is of an
event at the University of Surrey Student's union using this type. See the link
on the left for more info.
I have since found that using kids ready mixed paint is a
much better option to food colouring. Food colouring does have a tendency to
stain (where the paint doesn't). Even when heavily diluted it will stain white
fabric. The paint is available in a wider range of colours (including
fluorescent), and by varying concentration the opacity will also change. I have
even been able to match a gunge colour to a Pantone colour with a little
experimentation. Some experimentation will be needed to determine the amount of
paint to use- only a small amount will be needed to get bulk colour, but to make
it opaque when in small quantities (ie when over skin), considerably greater
quantities of paint are needed. (I have found approx 1/3 bottle upwards in a 50l
batch generally works).
Around 8 years ago the BBC published on it's website, as
part of the Red Nose Day section, details of the gunge it used on programmes
such as Noel's House Party. Details of the supplier are on the left. The
material is available in quantities of 1kg and above. I have found the company
to be quick and efficient. Costs do change, so contact them first- My last order
was about £26 for 1kg, including postage- this is far better value, but maybe
less convenient than the suppliers selling on Ebay.
The Natrasol is easy to mix, but it's worth bearing in mind a couple of points:
Water must be hot for the mixing to work correctly. If dispersed into cold water it tends to drop out and form a jelly that won't then mix correctly.
Leave the gunge to stand before using it. It will need time to cool, and as the viscosity slows convection, this will take a lot longer than ordinary water. The mix will take about an hour to thicken up to full viscosity anyway. I find leaving to stand all night is probably best.
1kg will make approx 100l of suitably thick gunge for most uses, Changing the mix ratio will obviously affect the viscosity (thickness), but I have never gone past approx 1kg to 70l as beyond this it is starting to get to the point where it won't flow!
Batch made up prior to a Cub Funday
Other Options
Wallpaper Paste
In the UK it is difficult to obtain wallpaper paste that hasn't had a fungicidal additive mixed in with it. For this reason I wouldn't consider using it as a gunge.
Theatrical Slosh
This is the traditional mess used in theatre in the UK made by grating a shaving stick in to hot water. I have personally not had any experience in using it, but I understand it is relatively easy to clean up. Probably needs some investigation.
Jelly/ Jello/ Gelatine
In small quantities this is easily available and easy to
make, however I avoid using it for a number of reasons- Primarily it is
difficult to make in volume as it requires boiling water and refrigeration.
Couple this with the fact it's viscosity is temperature dependent and doesn't
store well when mixed makes it difficult to use.
Supplier Details
The Basic Chemical Company (UK) Ltd
Hillbottom Road
Sands Industrial Estate
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 4HJ
01494 450701
http://www.basicchemicals.co.uk/