Essentially liquid plastic, polymers will absorb water. Short-chain polymers swell up and hold liquids, and are commonly used in diapers. Long-chain polymers also hold liquids, but they create 'long chains' which translates into strings of goo. They are both slippery and stringy, and most other substances may be combined with them. They are not harmful to the skin, as they are made of the same stuff contact lenses are made from, and is also used in sex-lube.

The product GelliBaff is basically a short-chain polymer. The molecules swell up and thicken when filled with water, then when adding salt, the molecules release the water and it all turns runny to go down the drain. The SlimeBaff product is the long-chain polymer, and it results in a slimy, even stringy substance if mixed thick enough. It too will break down by adding salt to the mixture. It is possible to purchase these polymers in bulk, not by the brand names, but as generic chemicals. For example, the active ingredient in Gelli Baff is Sodium Polyacrylate. Sodium polyacrylate may be sourced as a bulk product, meaning your dollars will go much farther by purchasing it in bulk. The best source for the long-chain version is a product called Sticky Yuck, available from Buckets-O-Fun in the USA.

Both of these polymers may be easily combined, resulting in a slimy, stringy, yet thick and slightly lumpy consistency. I have also experimented with adding the long-chain polymer to things such as chocolate batter, shaving foam, various food substances, and in nearly every case, it added a better, more slippery texture. For example, shaving foam became more like marshmallow goo. The only failed attempt at combining substances was mixing mud with a long-chain polymer. It didn't seem to have any effect, and I think the mud acted as salt does in breaking the polymer down. Aside from that, it's a great substance to experiment with.