You can make new chalk from old pieces by crushing them, mixing the powder with water, and putting the mixture into molds to create new shapes.
Turning broken bits of chalk into fresh sticks or fun shapes is a simple and creative way to reduce waste and extend the life of your art supplies. The process involves breaking down the old chalk, adding a binding agent (water in this case), and then reforming it.
Simple Steps to Recycle Old Chalk
Here's a breakdown of the straightforward method to give your old chalk a new lease on life:
- Crush the Old Chalk: Gather all your broken chalk pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier they are to work with. You can place them in a sturdy bag and gently crush them with a heavy object like a rolling pin or hammer. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle or even a food processor (be sure to clean it thoroughly afterward!). The goal is to get the chalk into a fine powder.
- Mix with Water: Once you have your chalk powder, gradually add water while mixing. You want to achieve a thick paste consistency – not too watery, but wet enough to be moldable. Start with a small amount of water and add more as needed. The mixture should be smooth and hold its shape somewhat when squeezed.
- Fill the Molds: Carefully spoon or pour the chalk paste into your desired molds. Almost any small mold will work. Silicone molds, especially inexpensive dollar store silicone molds, are particularly good because they are flexible and make it easy to remove the hardened chalk. As mentioned, they are great for making fun shapes; for instance, someone once made dino ones for their niece using this method. Ensure the paste fills the mold completely, packing it down gently to avoid air bubbles.
- Dry Thoroughly: Leave the molds in a warm, dry place to cure. This is perhaps the most crucial step. The chalk needs to dry out completely to regain its firmness. Drying time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the molds and the humidity, but it might take 24-72 hours or even longer. Do not rush this step; fully dry chalk will be less crumbly.
- Remove from Molds: Once completely dry and hard, carefully remove the new chalk shapes from the molds. They are now ready to be used!
This process is a fun and easy way to repurpose materials and create custom chalk for drawing sidewalks or blackboards.
