Homemade Magic Ink

Write invisible messages with magic ink.

Create your own magic ink with ingredients found in your kitchen. Write invisible messages that magically appear when the paper you have written on is warmed. Create a secret message or magic trick to amaze your friends.

Things You'll Need

• Electric lamp
• Lemon juice
• Bowl
• Paint brush
• White paper

Instructions

1. 

   Lemon juice is an ingredient in magic ink.

   Pour two ounces of lemon juice into a bowl or glass.

2. Dip the paint brush into the lemon juice and write a message on the white paper. Allow the paper to dry thoroughly.

3. Remove the shade from an electric table lamp and turn it on. Allow two minutes for the light bulb to become hot.

4. Hold the paper two inches over the light bulb, moving the paper from side to side to warm the area that contains the writing, until the written message appears.

Tips & Warnings

• The citric acid in the lemon juice is what turns brown when heat is applied. This is how the message magically appears.

• Try other kitchen ingredients that also contain citric acid, like orange, lime, and apple juice.

• Never touch a hot light bulb. Also, do not touch the paper to the hot light bulb; the paper will catch on fire.

References

• "101 Incredible Experiments For The Weekend Scientist;" Rob Beattie; 2007.
• The Science Museum: Make Invisible Ink

Resources

• Silviamar: How to Make Invisible Ink