How To Thicken Acrylic Paint | Thickening Gel, Talcum Powder, Flour, Sand & Cornstarch?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

If you enjoy weird painting materials then you might enjoy this strange paintbrush review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hInCqZmhabCHgbs 🎨👨🏼‍🎨

[@onbekendedame3971]

I thought that cornflower needs to be cooked in little water first. It gets thick then. Another thing could be modeling plaster. Any clue what Anselm Kiefer is using!? Huge amounts of chalkpowder .. not likely.

[@emmasheppard2639]

Love how you say “paint” you from up north?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

@@emmasheppard2639 Haha 😆 I am indeed. Durham born and raised!

[@mewmew816]

Hey Anthony, thank you sooo much for this vid. I had a project in mind and the flour and especially that medium was just what I envisioned in my mind. Can I bother you what kind of liquitex medium was that? Btw I added your vid to my painting playlist, such a great one that I can refer to again 🤍 thanks heaps x

[@NewmNetwork]

Need more cornflour. Hard to see with black paint too. So far the talc seems to be the win

[@josephpedulla7831]

The black paint makes it difficult to see how the texture changes with each additive. It would have been much better if he had used a light blue.

[@tamiyaharrison9774]

Since yall cant see it in the video well, I tried the baby powder method with acrylic paint,baby powder,and water and it worked amazingly. Your painting will smell like baby powder tho lol

[@KTSCGTS]

Did it change the color tho texture?

[@alexandriamangano5418]

Did it crack at all?

[@hiryanu2]

@@alexandriamangano5418 to avoid crack use little pv white glue

[@paigebeaulieu8238]

Did it crack or anything at all over the years?

[@josephpedulla7831]

Two other thickeners that work very well are 1. Calcium Carbonate in powder form and 2. Diatomaceous Earth, which can be purchased at any Home Depot or Lowe's or any pool maintenance store. Diatomaceous Earth is used quite often in pool filters. It is derived from the fossilized skeletons of diatoms, which are microscopic algae. You will be surprised how light it is, yet it thickens paint and makes it matte as well. The calcium carbonate is also great if you want matte paint. Both of these are inert and will not change the chemical stability of the paint. More, both of them do not measurably change the color of the paint, even though both are white.

[@OK85]

can i use the ones made for pest control? figure it might help keep the termites away haha

[@sachirome7557]

It's also in the garden section for pest control works great and is safe for pets and children

[@LIFESaWONDER]

Be very careful not to inhale, wear a proper mask and ventilate.

[@shabanahussain4707]

Would a raised stencil made using calcium carbonate crack when drying a canvas. Thank you in advance.

[@annoirb5431]

If your gonna do all that you may as well go buy thicker paint lol

[@emmahanley2037]

All of the store here were sold out of good paint so I had to buy cheaper stuff. This helped me out a bit thanks :)

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! Glad I could help!

[@shepopop]

I wanted to recreate the deep Majorel blue with a vivid blue pigment mineral powder from Moroco using only ancestral techniques. Adding warm water + flour + Moroccan natural potassium . It turned into a sort of thick gel with a pungent sulphuric scent that dissipated after a couple of days . Painted the wooden wildlife bird house 6 years ago . Battered with rain , the paint has not chipped . Interesting tip that I thought to share with you .

[@tnt3171]

It’s been 4 years, do you still keep the samples to see which withhold the test of time?

[@LavenderRain24]

Thank you for posting this video! It's just what I needed to know which materials/mediums would work best with thickening acrylic paint. I've got a huge commission of 3 paintings for one person coming up and I'm writing a list of supplies to get for it. So this helps a lot thank you!!

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! Glad I could help! 😊

[@kimiskanvas]

Hello Lavender Rain, I humbly suggest you at least ready my comment above. I loved seeing Anthony Crammens comparisons as well. I just had some long term bad luck with a few of my own experiments of this same subject. Anthony I surely mean NO disrespect.

[@freedombee9900]

@@AnthonyCrammen I think a lot of ppl would be very upset to think they were spending good money on paintings that were not guarateed to last the test of time

[@kimiskanvas]

I have a question as I tried some of these methods on my own, twelve years ago and that is have you tested your splotches on a piece of paper so as to see if you bent or folded the paper, would they Break, crack or even possibly crackle off after movements such as traveling to a show or to the customer.?? I have experienced some of that with the flour and glue and I also experimented with spackling paste and acrylic, then also a test with drywall compound and acrylics, both of which I added acrylic paint to, painted it on a stretched canvas which allowed some movement of course and they cracked and fell in pieces of colored paint onto the floor after six months of drying and being displayed. I was so embarrassed and humiliated. Of course I apologized profusely and offered to replace the painting but all they wanted was their money back, which I did not blame them so I certainly obliged. I just wanted to mention that cracking , long term stability and archival integrity are also something to consider in these thrifty substitutes. And if you are playing with a piece for yourself to learn and see how you can make new textures while on a small budget like I was, I totally applaud you. But when it comes to sales or even gifts you may not want to use these methods as it only takes one embarrassing mistake to ruin your reputation. Just food for thought.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Ah sorry to hear that you had a bit of a bad experience with some of the mediums you tried. This video was just a bit of fun really that I recorded 3 years ago so can't remember what I actually did lol. Obviously you would have to do some experiments with any medium to see how it holds up for years to come, but everything will eventually break, fade and discolour over the years without proper care. If I was in doubt I would obviously stick to proper paint mediums, however there are many artists who have used very unconventional materials in their work and it's still around today. If you ever look up and artist called Anselm Kiefer, he used straw and even poo in his paintings lol. So yeah not sure on how any of these would work for your art, it was just a bit of fun! 😁

[@onbekendedame3971]

Hey Anthony you mention Kiefer. I am wondering how he makes his thick big amount of emulsion. Any idea?

[@beauti60]

Just Brilliant just what I was looking for to thicken my Acrylic Paint up Thank you for sharing.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Ah no problem Patricia! Glad I could help! 😊😊

[@stephenmcdonald6311]

..thank you for the information , it's been very helpful , I was considering adding a bit of PVA glue and some dust from when I've crushed rock pieces for my miniature bases ground work , ...

[@kbeetles]

With a different colour(other than black - after all black is just black!) the texture would be more visible.

[@claasw]

That's really interesting. Thanks!

[@KMBarber0527]

Just found your channel and I'm quite glad that I did. I will be subscribing because I see that you do a lot experimenting on your channel and that's exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. I'm constantly changing up my art projects with different mediums and ideas, but I don't have the budget to afford all of the "professional" or otherwise conventional supplies to achieve my desired effect. I currently am in the process of making a flat 3D dove for a painting and glad I watched this.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Welcome to the channel Karla! This is a pretty old video but I do like experimenting with different materials too! Oh well enjoy your making! 😁

[@onbekendedame3971]

If using flower, put a little salt in it to prevent mould.

[@oddryblack3066]

Thank you so much for this video Anthony

[@TRADERSFRIEND]

Thank you for saving us a lot of trial and error!!!😁😁😁

[@kaytkar499]

Thank you for the video. What's the ratio of talcum to paint, sand to paint, sand+glue to paint you advise?

[@cuernavacadave]

I’m going to give this a shot. I’m using more expensive paints trying to learn different techniques and it’s getting too expensive to use them and end up with muddy paintings. Until I get the results I’d like, it’s much cheaper to use dollar store paints and thicken it and once I’m happy with the outcome, I’ll use more expensive paints. Thanks for the tips.

[@KadettKrock]

Very nice Video! Thank you very much for All your work and help with this matter. 😀

[@MonPetitPois68]

Great! Thank you! I'm getting talking powder for sure.

[@anniebell5323]

I I have used talcum powder in the past and it’s always worked for me, I make up a lot at a time and store it in screw top jars.It always stays perfect for weeks.

[@najlaalwahshi]

Does it crack after long time like years ?

[@DI_Arpita_CY]

You’re so smart!! I wouldn’t have thought of so many options!! Definitely smart!! New sub here.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Oh I'm not sure I'm that smart! 😂 But thankyou for the kind words and welcome to the channel!! 😁😁😁

[@DI_Arpita_CY]

Anthony Crammen - Oh you am Anthony, you definitely am. 😁 Thank you.

[@brittanieleugers2916]

Which liquitex medium did you use? I purchased one and it isnt behaving the same , so i think I may have gotten something softer.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

I used 'Liquithick Thickening Gel' from Liquitex. What does yours say?

[@brittanieleugers2916]

It just says gel medium so it definitely isnt right whoops!!

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Ah that might be why! 🙈

[@spudmint]

I read that if you use too much thickening medium it can make the paint unstable which might be why yours turned to funny mud. I'm glad I've read this because I need something to thicken acrylic but in Germany so hard to know what I'm looking for. Was going to buy a gel medium but now after reading this comment I'm not sure :-s

[@attorneycarissa]

I guess I was hoping to see if these make cheaper acrylics thicker or more opaque. Using white would have helped to see effect on color.

[@dezi1768]

Great helpful information. Thanks for sharing!

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! Glad I could help! 😁

[@johnbyers1097]

Hi Anthony. Just discovered your great channel. I was given a paint set which included some cheap acrylic paint. They are very thin and transparent, in the main. I'm looking to thickening them. Found this and I'm delighted! Did you try using talc and PVA glue?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Ah glad I could help. I didn't try glue and talc but I think the glue might end up making it runnier but I'm not sure! Talc on its own worked great though!

[@samarsaeed8504]

I use talc with glue, never thought of using it alone, I'll try it. Thank you for thia video, I have always wondered what other materials works! Thank you so much ❤️

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed it! 😁😁

[@abdullahshabbir9370]

Hi! How long lasting is talc and glue ? Does it crack after a couple of year specially on a flexible base? Can you also tell the proportion you use it with paint?

[@ashtls6273]

Which one you suggest to use for model kit painting? (Painting on plastic)

[@AnthonyCrammen]

I think talc would work best or the medium!

[@ashtls6273]

@@AnthonyCrammen does any specific talcum powder required?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Just any I don't think it matters.

[@ashtls6273]

@@AnthonyCrammen thank your for the replies!🌟

[@MommaBearsCorner]

Of course, if it works that's the important thing at first, but how the longevity of the painting with it, is the final concern I have with the different hacks. people using powders NEED to wear masks. they are harmful to the lungs even when you dont see it, it can get in the air. Thanks for sharing. interesting. great video

[@kimiskanvas]

The most educated person I know about almost ALL art supplies and mediums is "Lindsay the Frugal Crafter" found here on you tube. This girl knows all about the chemical make up of different inks, paints, wc pencils, Professsional verses student grade colored pencil and all in all the entire gambit. She knows what will and will not sacrifice the binding quality of the paint AND what is archival and may not last fifty years for you. Besides college She used to work somewhere where she had to know all of this and now she is self employed and is SO open, upbeat and kind to share her knowledge with us on KZbin. And no she is not in my family, I have never met her and I am surely not getting paid to say this. I just happened to be bowled over by her knowledge and info she openly shares with the public artist and crafter. I think you won't be sorry if you look her up and see some of her comparison videos on different products. I am Southern and talk and listen much slower and Lindsay talks fast at a mile a minute so I have a hard time keeping up sometimes but gladly KZbin makes it where I can watch over and over.

[@MommaBearsCorner]

@@kimiskanvas southern gal myself here. lol I'm just an ole turtle myself.. thanks for sharing. will also look her up too.

[@healgoth]

J&J had lawsuits with people having cancer from using their powders(!)

[@rebeccamiller3248]

Was the corn flour white or yellow? If it was yellow it's flour. Corn starch is white. They are not the same thing. Corn flour is also cornmeal it's used to make bread. Cornflour in bread requires a starch and yeast element to help it thicken and rise. Cornstarch is a thickening agent. Cornstarch is also shelf stable meaning no mold once varnished.

[@staciahblack7951]

talcum powder, marble powder , pva glue and acrylic paint makes awesome relief sculpture paste

[@Matteesside]

Thanks for posting that. It was interesting to see the difference.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂🙂

[@michelleewel2829]

I tried powdered sugar. It was a process for sure, but I was actually surprised.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Oh might have to try that sometime! 😁

[@christinamoynihan4021]

Yeah!! Thank you for this effort and these results.:)

[@KishaJ2681]

This was very helpful. I'm looking to make/find a very fluffy/airy paint like a whipped buttercream and am at a loss so far. Maybe adding Talc to my heavy body paint, you think??

[@StellarStina]

I feel like I have seen wall spackle or maybe caulk used this way.

[@melissagarzam]

How did you do?

[@KishaJ2681]

@@melissagarzam I wish I could attach a photo! I ended up using spackle and it turned out fantastic.

[@melissagarzam]

@@KishaJ2681 excellent! How much did you put of each? I’m assuming you mixed both the spackle and acrylic paint? I also want to make an airy/fluffy paint but I’m still not sure how

[@hayaq9991]

Thanks for investing your time into this experiment.. but using black was counterproductive

[@emilyestefania5002]

Thank you for the this video!’

[@profilnamn9657]

This is a very informative video!! Thank you!!!

[@cocomint4176]

Wow...thanks..now i know what i should mix

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem, glad I could help! 🙂

[@Belenbelenn]

Thank you! Super helpful

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! 😊😊

[@FarinaReinprecht]

Thank you!👍

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! 😊

[@shabanahussain4707]

Omg, I've been looking for a cheap method to make a textured paste to make raised stencils on canvas. In between binge watching your recent videos (you chear me up no end) Imagine my surprise when this came up in my search. I had to comment u probably won't ever read this. But who would of thought Anthony 0.5 is incredibly sensible. Love you and your videos. Ps if u should read this, can u do update. I want to know would a raised stencil crack when dry.

[@ShePaints]

hello - I'm aware that this isn't my channel, and i quite enjoy Anthony's videos! I do a lot of professional work with designing and painting furniture as well as canvas art, and you can also use simple spackle or joint compound for a raised stencil. It's cheap and easy, and as long as you let it dry well, and then paint right on it, and use whatever sealer you nornally would for your art, it doesn't crack and holds up well!

[@okmama]

Informative video with no fluff. I was wondering if the Johnson's ingredients say "talcum powder"? It is also sold with "corn starch" instead of talc. I'm in the US. I'm not sure if you are as well.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Hi Okmama! Glad you enjoyed the video. I was using Johnson's talcum powder and yes it was talc. I'm in the UK so not sure whether there are different variations sold over here as to the US.

[@felipeg664]

same as baby powder

[@StellarStina]

I was looking for this question, haven't been able to find talc in local stores since it's not used in baby powder in the US anymore (have been looking for another project) so time to order online. It's interesting that other places have the same brands with different formulations.

[@MomentswithMoniPodcast]

Very interesting. I want to try them all. Also saw someone use baking soda and glue.

[@TRADERSFRIEND]

Thank you for mentioning this as I also thought of baking powder and glue!!!

[@michaeldylan]

Your No1 fan going through all Ur vids 😁

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Enjoy the cringefest! 😂

[@michaeldylan]

@@AnthonyCrammen best cringefest ever 😂

[@TinasMessyCraftyLife]

awesome thanks for sharing

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Glad you enjoyed Tina!

[@reichhopprivatwatch1406]

thanks, this is definitely helpful

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Glad I could help! 🙂

[@reichhopprivatwatch1406]

@@AnthonyCrammen i'm about to go grocery shopping, so i'm going to grab some baby powder and give it a try later.

[@justscarlet9715]

His accent tho... *chef's kiss*

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Oh my, you're gunna make me blush! ☺️☺️

[@justscarlet9715]

@@AnthonyCrammen 😂

[@ThawBerry]

Anthony Crammen 😂 😆 😝

[@summayazeb9193]

Thank you so much :)

[@jamiegossett]

try marble dust or gypsum as well. and break up terra cotta or a brow clay pot and ground it up and mix it with medium or paint

[@adith3428]

Corn flour and glue works very well

[@suetraviss8888]

I’ve ordered some impasto from Amazon to do a cool painting where I’m doing black tulips that I want to stand out a little bit. I’m just learning all of this so wish me luck! 😁. I did hear somewhere about using thickening agents that you want something that is archival so your painting lasts for years and years.

[@mookie9499]

The new baby powder doesn't have talc in it is it still good to use for or can I use gold Bond even though they have menthol in it what do you think did the baby powder you use because I think over time they changed it to cornstarch what you think

[@AnthonyCrammen]

I have no idea what gold bond is lol but baby powder should work just fine even if it doesn't have talc in!

[@as03uk]

Did the medium ever dry solid, or just remain formable?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Yeah it dried solid but wasn't rock hard! But you definitely couldn't move it or anything.

[@as03uk]

Anthony Crammen thank you for your reply! Would you recommend the talc or medium for durability?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

@@as03uk No problem! I think they were both pretty decent if I'm honest! Talc is the cheaper option and it did give a smoother texture, if you want quite a rough texture to your paint then I'd go for the medium.

[@as03uk]

Anthony Crammen thank you so much! I’ll give the talc and see how it goes. I’m applying it to a watch dial, so want it to stay put in a rigid form! Much appreciated

[@AnthonyCrammen]

@@as03uk No problem! Hope it all goes well!

[@lukatennineteen8269]

Black color is a good choice..Applause .

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Ah thanks John! 👍

[@onbekendedame3971]

Did you ever try modeling plaster?

[@BIGREDART]

Great video

[@nanping5428]

i have aquestion im tring to find out how to get your acrylic paint to stay very liquid (for airbrush or for a spray can that i use) and have it be less runny so still a bit of thickness? i dont know im new to this

[@AnthonyCrammen]

You'll either need to use specific air brush paints or add a medium like this to your acrylic paint to give it the correct consistency for airbrushing: www.liquitex.com/row/products/professional/gessoes-mediums-varnishes/airbrush-medium/

[@nanping5428]

@@AnthonyCrammen thanks so much for the reply!!!

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! Glad I could help! 🙂

[@user-nf6zf8oj8d]

Getting to your really old videos now 😊 two years ago. Must say you were a lot more serious back then, think you’ve relaxed over the years and let your true personality come out 😃. I think I like slightly mad Anthony better 😜 xx

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Ohhh this is soo far back Ruth!!! 🙈🙈🙈 Oh I've relaxed sooo much since then! My earlier videos I was incredibly uncomfortable in front of the camera! 😅 And glad you prefer the more mad Ant! I'd never go back to the boring serious Ant! 😂😂

[@amethyst1826]

Your voice was deeper then, too! 😆

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Just trying to mask away the gay lol

[@user-nf6zf8oj8d]

@@AnthonyCrammen never do that your subscribers odiously love you for you ♥️ that makes sense in my head at least lol 😝 xx

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Ah thanks Ruth! 🥰🥰 And yeah I think I give less shits about other peoples views/opinions than when I first started my channel! 😂

[@queenielisalisalisa6139]

Thank you. You’ve saved me 💸.

[@joshmcgootermier2301]

Thanks... was about to resort to elmers.

[@linasuhail9503]

Do u think acrylic with talcum lasts the same time ( on long term) of normal acrylic paint

[@AnthonyCrammen]

I have no idea about the longevity of adding talc to acrylic but I would think it would survive as it isn't a food product or anything.

[@emmasheppard2639]

What medium is it?

[@roselily7818]

Hi can i use this method to make 3D paint? Thank you

[@AnthonyCrammen]

I'm not sure what 3D paint is lol.

[@Mhh834]

Hi. Thank you for doing this and letting us know, but I wish you used a different color that is clear. Black was not good for this test.

[@caroldeskin3171]

Corn flour/starch thickens upon boiling with liquid.

[@StellarStina]

I use a cornstarch gel with a bit of acrylic paint to make fingerprints for my kids. it also dries with a neat crackle effect I've wanted to use in some art.

[@jdog4534]

How about diatomaceous earth? It might be finer than talcum powder..

[@shortordercurrycooks4050]

What kind of liquitex medium?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

I think it was just a regular thickening medium.

[@stoniofishing]

I wonder if base coat plaster would work, it goes hard after 45mins

[@marioisalive]

I would be concerned in using organic materials like wheat, corn flower or corn starch as they can cause mold.

[@bushbosh]

So what is the ratio please?

[@alphotheone]

Are not most baby powders today made using cornstarch because talc was found to be toxic! If you have talc wow!

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Not sure. I know in the UK you can still buy talc, think it might be banned in the USA though?

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

are you from middlesbrough?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Not quite! I'm from Durham but very close!

[@StellarStina]

The way people from UK can can pinpoint accents to a few miles' radius is amazing. I can barely pick out norther from southern, lol.

[@jeanenestirrup4460]

Can adding more paint thicken it?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

More paint to the paint?

[@jeanenestirrup4460]

@@AnthonyCrammen yes

[@AnthonyCrammen]

@@jeanenestirrup4460 You could build up the paint with more paint yeah, it all depends on the kind of paint you use. It also might be more fragile too so make sure to protect it with some varnish or something similar. But i'd reccomend adding something as it will be soo much easier!

[@jeanenestirrup4460]

@@AnthonyCrammen Im using Mont Marte acrylic paint

[@AnthonyCrammen]

@@jeanenestirrup4460 I've never used that paint before, so if it's a runny consistency you'll have no chance of building layers with it. If it's quite a thick paint then you will have a chance.

[@bfpeake933]

actually looking for something showing way to thicken for doing lettering... not showing brush marks. I think this (brush marks) is what a lot of us experience, but thanks for the vid

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Oh I'm not too sure on that sorry! But glad you enjoyed it anyway 🙂

[@falak7730]

Why would you use black paint ?

[@beautifulari1648]

What about the salt +

[@ravenpoe1947]

Was there any cracking in the paint at all from the talc, after a while?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Not that I noticed. The talc left the paint pretty flexible, not rigid or dry so I think it would hold up!

[@ravenpoe1947]

@@AnthonyCrammen thank you. I have a painting I haven't started because of fear that whatever I thicken the paint with will make it crack.

[@AnthonyCrammen]

No problem! I think there'll always be a risk, especially if the layers are super thick but using a decent varnish over the top will also help secure the paint at the end and prevent cracking. I'm sure it's gunna lool great though!

[@fedorbutochnikow5312]

i wonder why you didn't include calcium carbonate in your test

[@lucidkate]

Just wondering if the paint cracked at all?

[@AnthonyCrammen]

Only kept it for a couple of weeks and didn't see any cracking

[@NewmNetwork]

Sugar?

[@Corrie-gk4go]

Who in their right mind would even consider plain flour?!

[@AnthonyCrammen]

They used to use flour in paintings back in the day. Artists like Rembrant and I think Anselm Keifer has done too (as well as straw). And it was suprisingly effective whe it came to thickening acrylic paint, not sure whether it would end up mouldy though! Lol.

[@quantumentalcompany4257]

why would u use black paint ?:(

[@تغريد-ف5ذ]

Whst about wall glue

[@lilaflohr602]

❤💛💚💙💜🌈🌠

[@FirstNameLastName-hahaha]

cornflour not added to cold food as a thickener .. so hardly surprising .. warm water first

[@serendipitylovejoy4724]

Corn starch is the American name for corn flour. Same product.

[@claudiacouto2616]

It would be more interesting if you had used a lighter color instead of black

[@harryfoster8992]

This man is a carbon copy of the irish guy

[@RHINOSAUR]

I would never use organic matter as a thickener.

[@garthok6224]

Pent?

[@zahraaschannel5263]

I want to add for you 1000 like ❤️🙏🏼!!!! You shortened many videos!

[@kimshelton4484]

I wish you had picked another color. Very hard to details.

[@amethyst1826]

3rd along, corn, looks like you've painted a woman. Talc looks like a shadow in a scary film.

[@seeingdragons4319]

what the HECK kind of accent is that? He sounds like a rejected Bond villain ...

[@DokiSarosi]

Have you checked how long the one with cornstarch lasted?