Q&A for How to Make Invisible Ink with Baking Soda

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What is the reaction when beetroot is applied over a baking soda solution?

Meredith Juncker, PhD
Scientific Researcher
Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.

Meredith Juncker, PhD

Scientific Researcher

Expert Answer

The beetroot acts as a pH indicator. A pigment in the beetroot called betanin reacts with alkaline/basic sodium bicarbonate, resulting in a deep purple color.

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Will this work with any light source?

Community Answer

If you use blue filters, yes, as the purpose is to use blue light (higher frequency light waves). This can sometimes be achieved with sufficient thin blue surfaces layered over the light. Using a flashlight would be easiest -- superimpose translucent purple and blue sweet wrappers.

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Can a purple tinted flashlight be used to read invisible ink?

Community Answer

Nope. UV lights are usually what has to be used; while a UV light may be purplish, it's a very different kind of light from a flashlight with a purple tint.

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Are there any other ways you can do this with stuff in your house?

Community Answer

If a baking soda solution will work, a table salt solution will work, too.

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Can I use a tea bag?

Community Answer

No, it would cause a stain and would not be invisible.

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Question

Can I use dark food coloring instead of grape or cabbage juice or heat?

Community Answer

No. This method works because of an acid-based chemical reaction that food coloring wouldn't cause.

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Question

Does it have to be a fire, or will any heat work when making invisible ink?

Community Answer

It does not have to be fire, it just has to be hot enough to heat the ink. Try using a hair dryer or a iron.

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Can I mix lemon juice with grape juice to make it more acidic? Will that make it easier to read once it's revealed?

Community Answer

No it won’t make it much easier to read. Lemon juice is what you write with, and the grape juice reveals the baking soda solution, so it won’t work.

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How long do I need to wait for the baking soda to dry without ironing?

Community Answer

Possibly around 10 minutes. Don’t worry, it will dry quite fast. You shouldn’t dry it with an iron as it will make the letters appear.

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