Q&A for How to Make "Plastic" out of Milk

Theoretically, yes, because both types of vinegar are made using the same process and both contain acetic acid, which is necessary to separate out the casein in the milk.

Casein plastics can only be molded when the milk/vinegar mixture is still hot, and this is when you should add food coloring to your plastic. Once the casein plastic has dried/hardened, the color should not run as the material readily takes a surface dye. Casein was often used to make buttons, and in this form it is resistant to washing. Hardening of your plastic may be more effective if immersed in a formaldehyde solution (instead of just air drying).

Almond milk, coconut milk, basically any 'milk' that doesn't come from an animal.

You, can do the same process over a stove. Use a small saucepan, and wait until you see clumps. Drain it and let it dry.

No, malt vinegar is something different and is used for different tasks.

No because it does not have casein. The casein in milk is what is needed.

You can dry it inside, it still works. It just dries faster outside.

Heavy whipping cream doesn't produce any curds because it is a very high fat dairy product. High fat dairy products contain almost no traces of casein.

Yes, but it does not look good. If you want to color it, add the food dye when the clumps form. Or use glitter. Pour it on to the plastic, and spread it out. Press it firmly but gently, so it stays put.

Yes, a coffee filter is probably better than a t-shirt.

It is edible, but you wouldn't want to taste it. It smells bad. And yes, it is non-toxic.

Use a rolling pin and roll the casein dough until it reaches the thickness you want.

Maybe you did not boil the milk as required or you did not ratio the milk and vinegar properly. Go back and follow the steps in the article again.

Yes, but only after you get all the milk and vinegar residue out of the plastic that has formed.

Surprisingly, it does not smell like anything, and will not get moldy. The finished craft lasts for quite a while.

I did a science project on this topic, and it turns out that all cow's milk has the same amount of casein in it. Though they all have the same amount, cream would make the most plastic, as it has a large amount of fat. I would not recommend using cream, though, as the plastic produced is very very fragile.

Yes, you can.

You could use any type of vinegar but white vinegar is recommended. The acidity is all we are looking for to make the hot milk bind together well.

This "plastic" is not long-lasting or particularly strong. It is a short-term DIY material that could be used for temporary decoration.

It will be a bit like dried clay, not stretchy or sticky like the other type of plastic you're talking of.

The vinegar and the milk can be decomposed in nature, but I think putting it in water is going to bring it back to its clumpy form rather than dissolve it.

A gallon allows the process to be done 16 times, so if you get 10 grams of plastic from one time, you should have 160 grams after a gallon.

Yes, you can, but just add a drop or two. If you add too much, your dough will become soggy and soft.

You could try making a soap dish or something to put your keys in. Making stuff and failing can be fun. So try a few different ideas!

Yes, it is a type of cottage cheese and will decompose eventually.

You can just pour the liquid, called whey, down the drain or in the trash. The whey isn't toxic, so it's not dangerous.

Yes! You can do the same thing with a saucepan over a stove. Just follow the same steps but with a saucepan.