Why is glycerin used in snow globes?

Asked by: Laura Torres

One of the secret ingredients to any snow globe is glycerin, a clear liquid typically made from vegetable oils, which is widely used to slow down the effect of shaken water and glitter, to the effect of falling snow.

Do you have to use glycerin in snow globes?

But glycerin can be hard to find in stores… especially during the busy holiday season. To make a snow globe without glycerin, simply use clear glue instead.

Can you use baby oil instead of glycerin for snow globes?

It is important to not fill water all the way to the top! A good ratio is 1 cup of water, 3 teaspoons glycerin, and 3 teaspoons glitter. Glycerin can be substituted for olive oil, vegetable oil, or baby oil. Adding more oil will make the glitter fall slower.

Is baby oil or glycerin better for snow globes?

Add several drops of glycerin to keep your “snow” suspended, so it falls correctly. Another option is to fill your jar with mineral oil or baby oil instead of using the distilled water and glycerin.

Does glycerin make glitter float?

The finer the glitter, the better it floats (I tried glitter leaves and big fleck glitter and neither worked well at all). From what I can tell, the amount of glycerine used is totally an inexact science and really dependent on your glitter. If your glitter all floats at the top, you don’t have enough.

What is a good substitute for glycerin?

Glycerine Substitutes

• Diethylene Glycol. Diethylene glycol, or DEG, is a liquid with a sharp sweet taste. …
• Propylene Glycol. Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid with similar humectant, or moisturizing, properties to glycerin. …
• Ceramides. …
• Oils and Butters.

What can I substitute for glycerin in a snow globe?

There are plenty of ways you can substitute glycerin when bringing your homemade snow globes to life. Some glycerin alternatives include light corn syrup, mineral oil, baby oil, or a clear cooking oil.

What is the best glitter for in a snow globe?

Tinsel glitter – After much experimenting I found that tinsel glitter, which has larger particles, worked best for making DIY snow globes as it looks most like snow when falling through the water.

How do you thicken water in a snow globe?

Fill your mason jar up about 75% with distilled water. Then, add 2-3 drops of glycerin. This will help to thicken the water so the glitter floats slower – but don’t overdo it, or it’ll be too goopy!

What liquid do you use to make a snow globe tumbler?

If you go with the glue mix, you’ll need one part glue to two parts water. I ended up using about two ounces of clear glue and four ounces of water for my mixture. Pour them into a measuring cup and stir to combine. Then, pour the mixture into an empty plastic squirt bottle.

How much glycerin do you put in a snow globe tumbler?

If you want a tumbler with tons of movement when it’s shake go with: 1/4 cup glycerin and 3/4 cups water.

How do you keep glitter from clumping in water?

Glycerine – this slows the movement of the glitter through the water. Washing liquid – helps to stop the glitter from clumping. Superglue. Water.

How much baby oil do you put in a snow globe?

Fill the jar three-quarters full with baby oil. Use unscented oil, as scented oils may yellow over time.

Is baby oil the same as glycerin?

Glycerin has a density of about 1.2gm per cm3, while baby oil has density of 0.8. The less dense baby oil offers less resistance and I imagine will give quicker falling flakes of snow. How much difference you actually notice is the real test.

How do you make glycerin for snow globes?

To make the snowglobe, place 2-3 tsp of glycerine into the jar and slowly top up with water, leaving a small gap at the top. Add ½-1 tsp biodegradable glitter and mix. 5. Line the rim of the jar with a small amount of strong clear glue.

Can you use vegetable oil in a snow globe?

Pour canola or vegetable oil into the jar, leaving enough room so it doesn’t overflow when you add the figure. Oil allows the snow to fall at a slower rate, since it is thicker than water. Canola or vegetable oil should be used because it is edible. Do not use mineral oil or body oil, which can be toxic if swallowed.

Can you coconut oil in snow globes?

Now because I still get people saying you know oh well you know you can't use coconut oil it's gonna solidify.

What do you mix with water for a snow globe?

Directions

• Put glue on the inside of the jar’s lid. Place and stick your child’s plastic figurine on it.
• Fill the jar with cold water.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of glitter and stir.
• Add a few drops of glycerin.
• Screw the lid on the jar. You can glue it if you’re concerned about your child trying to open it.
• That’s it!

What do you refill snow globes with?

Don’t you just love snow globes? Such a simple thing that makes us smile! First, does it have a plug? If so, you can carefully empty the water and refill with distilled water using a turkey baster.

What is the liquid in snow globes?

One of the secret ingredients to any snow globe is glycerin, a clear liquid typically made from vegetable oils, which is widely used to slow down the effect of shaken water and glitter, to the effect of falling snow.

What is the fluid in a water globe?

Many people think that snow globes are just filled with water. But some globes, especially ones from overseas, actually have a small amount of ethylene glycol (antifreeze) mixed in. This can help keep the water from freezing during shipping, but ethylene glycol can be very harmful if you swallow it.