To make new crayons from old ones, melt down the old crayons and pour the melted wax into molds to cool.
Here's a more detailed process:
Steps to Recycle Old Crayons into New Ones:
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Gather Your Supplies: You'll need old crayons, molds (silicone molds work well), a heat source (oven, toaster oven, or double boiler), and a tool to peel the crayons (optional, but helpful).
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Peel the Crayons: Remove all paper wrappers from the old crayons. This step can be time-consuming, but it's essential for a smooth melting process. Soaking the crayons in warm water can make peeling easier.
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Break the Crayons: Break the peeled crayons into smaller pieces. This helps them melt more quickly and evenly.
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Melt the Crayons: There are several methods for melting the crayons:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C). Place the crayon pieces in silicone molds or a heat-safe dish. Bake for approximately 10-20 minutes, or until the crayons are completely melted.
- Double Boiler Method: Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the crayon pieces in the top pot and heat until melted, stirring occasionally.
- Toaster Oven Method: Follow the oven method, but use a toaster oven instead. Monitor closely to prevent overheating.
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Pour into Molds: Once the crayons are melted, carefully pour the melted wax into your desired molds. Silicone molds allow for easy removal of the new crayons.
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Cool and Harden: Allow the crayons to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours at room temperature. To speed up the process, you can place the molds in the freezer for about 30 minutes, as mentioned in the provided reference video.
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Remove from Molds: To unmold the new crayons, if you froze them, invert the pan and give it a good tap. They should pop right out. Otherwise, gently flex the mold to release the crayons.
Tips for Success:
- Mix and Match Colors: Experiment with different color combinations to create unique and vibrant new crayons.
- Use Silicone Molds: Silicone molds are flexible and make it easy to remove the finished crayons.
- Supervise Children: Always supervise children when working with hot materials.
- Don't Overheat: Avoid overheating the crayons, as this can cause them to burn or produce unpleasant fumes.
- Freezing For Easy Removal: Putting the molds in the freezer makes removing them much easier.
