They make chalk for kids primarily by mixing powdered plaster with water to create a thick mixture, pouring it into molds (often cardboard tubes), and allowing it to harden.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
Simple DIY Chalk Making Process
Many people make sidewalk chalk at home with readily available materials. Here's how the general process works.
- Mixing the Ingredients:
- Powdered Plaster of Paris is combined with water. The key is to get the right consistency, usually described as similar to toothpaste. Sometimes, tempera paint is added to the mixture at this stage to give the chalk color.
- Preparing the Molds:
- Cardboard tubes (like from paper towels or toilet paper) are often used as molds. These are placed upright on a piece of wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Pouring and Setting:
- The plaster mixture is poured into the prepared molds.
- Curing the Chalk:
- The filled molds are left to stand for several hours (3-4 hours) until the plaster has hardened or "set".
- Removing the Chalk:
- Once set, the cardboard is carefully peeled away, revealing the new chalk sticks.
Considerations for Kids' Chalk
- Non-Toxic Materials: It is important that the chalk is made of non-toxic materials, particularly when made for children. Plaster of Paris itself is generally considered non-toxic, but paints or other additives should also be carefully selected.
- Durability: Chalk for kids is often made to be a little more durable to withstand enthusiastic use. However, it is still designed to be easily washable from surfaces.
- Colors: A range of vibrant colors makes the chalk more appealing for children.
Making chalk is a relatively simple process, and the recipe can be adjusted for different textures, colors, and levels of durability.
