STEP 1
Find a suitable flat table or work space. Protect work space with a leak proof covering. We suggest making two cuts, one on each side of a large plastic trash bag and unfolding the piece over the work space. Another solution could be several layers of cardboard to help soak up any accidental spills.
STEP 2
Put on some clothing that you don't mind getting any accidental stains. If you have protective goggles available, that would be recommended to protect your eyes. Liquid may cause severe eye irritation. Remember not to rub your eyes if you get some on your hands!
STEP 3
Set experimental equipment, cleaning supplies like paper towels, and ferrofluid on the protected work area. If you've ordered one of our kits, we've prepared you with some of the basics to help you manage the mess; set of gloves, set of petri dishes, and a transfer pipette.
STEP 4
Use transfer pipette to transfer ferrofluid to petri dish in the amount you want. The more ferrofluid used, the more visible the spikes and patterns will be.
STEP 5
Always place magnets under the petri dish and never the side. Sideway placement of magnets may attract liquid outside of petri dish and onto the magnets and your hands. Very messy to clean up.
STEP 6
You can strengthen the magnetism and form larger spikes by stacking your magnets together or using stronger magnets under the petri dish. To see spikes around a circle, place the hex nut on top of the magnets and placing it under the petri dish.
STEP 7
Explore different patterns with different shapes and strength of magnets. Try other creative DYI experiments.
STEP 8
When you're done having fun. Use the transfer pipette to put back any salvageable ferrofluid back into your ferrofluid bottle for future experiments. You may lose some to accidental spills or fluid being stuck to petri dish.
STEP 9
Clean up any re-useable equipment and skin that comes in contact with the fluid with soap and warm water. You may need to wash several washing to get it all off.
STEP 10
Clean up your work area and throw away the disposable cover of your work area. Store ferrofluid in room temperature and sealed with the cap. Do not allow it to be exposed to the air or it will dry out and reduce it's potency.