Blu-Tack is a versatile, reusable putty-like pressure-sensitive adhesive produced by Bostik, commonly used to attach papers to walls or other surfaces.
The original version of the product was white but fear that children would mistake it for a sweet, they then made it blue, seeing as no sweets were blue at the time. But many colours are now available.
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In 1970, laboratory researcher Alan Holloway was working for sealant manufacturer Ralli Bondite of Waterlooville, England. Ralli Bondite was a wholly owned subsiduary of G & L Ralli Investment & Trustee Co. Ltd. Holloway inadvertently produced a product that was useless as a sealant, but pliable and semi-elastic. This novelty product was demonstrated by Ralli Bondite management to visiting executives from another sealant and adhesive manufacturer, as a means of wall mounting notices. There was no need for secrecy about the formula, as it was of no use for a gun-grade mastic, the main product of Ralli Bondite. In the beginning the potential of this material was not fully recognized, until later when Bostik commenced research into the development of what they were eventually to launch as Blu-Tack. In its conceptual stage Blu-Tack was white, but was coloured blue in response to concerns received from marketing research regarding the possibility of children mistaking it for edible confectionery.[1]
In the United States during March 2008, Blu-Tack changed colour for the first time since 1971 – to pink – to help raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign.[2] 20,000 numbered packs were made available, 10% from each pack going to the charity. The formulation was slightly altered to retain complete consistency with its blue counterpart. Since then, many coloured variations have been made, including the green (Halloween pack), red and white.
Blu-Tack launched a competition in October 2009 to "Create the next Blu-Tack advert" that will be used for their 2010 campaign film maker competition.
In South Africa Blu-Tack is commonly known as "Prestik" (as made by Bostik), or "Sticky Stuff" (as made by Pritt). In Iceland it is known as "kennaratyggjó" which translates as "teacher's chewing gum."
Similar products from other manufacturers include "Tack-it" by Faber-Castell,"Buddies" (coloured pink), "Pritt-Tack", "Poster Putty", "Tac 'N Stick", "Ticky Tack", "Sticky Tack" and "White Tack" by German company UHU.
In the US, a similar, competing product in an orange colour is marketed under the brand "Elmer's Tack." In Italy and France a similar but not equal product is Patafix by UHU.
Like all poster putties, Blu-Tack provides an excellent alternative to the artist's traditional kneaded eraser, having a superior grip and plasticity. Blu-Tack can be finely shaped and worked into even very small areas. Like kneaded erasers, it can be stretched and kneaded to freshen its working surfaces. Blu-Tack's unique density and grip make it a favorite of graphite artists around the world.
Blu-Tack is also used for sculpture. Artist Elizabeth Thompson created a giant 200 kilogram sculpture of a spider using Blu-Tack over a wire frame. It took 4000 packs and was exhibited at London Zoo in 2007.[3] Other artists have created works from the material, and there is a large international body of dedicated users of Blu-Tack who create minor art works and stop-motion animation. The British Blu-Tack web site takes a keen interest in these activities and has a section devoted to them.