To melt crayons in plastic molds, you need to preheat your oven, prepare your crayons, and carefully monitor the melting process.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the steps:
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to a low temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 135 degrees Celsius). This low heat prevents the crayons from burning or becoming discolored.
-
Prepare the Crayons:
- Peel the Crayons: Remove all paper wrappings from the crayons. This is crucial for a smooth melt.
- Break the Crayons: Break the crayons into smaller pieces. This helps them melt more evenly and quickly. You can mix different colors for a vibrant, marbled effect.
-
Place Crayons in Molds: Fill your plastic molds with the broken crayon pieces. Distribute the crayon pieces evenly within each mold cavity. Silicone molds are recommended for easy removal, and should be placed on a cookie sheet for stability. If using harder plastic molds, it may be necessary to apply a very light coating of cooking spray, but exercise caution, as this can affect the crayon's finish.
-
Melt in the Oven: Place the mold-filled cookie sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 8-12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and shape of the molds, as well as the oven's actual temperature.
-
Monitor the Melting Process: Watch the crayons closely as they melt. You want them to be fully melted but not burned. As soon as the crayons are completely melted, remove the cookie sheet from the oven immediately.
-
Cool and Harden: Allow the melted crayons to cool completely in the molds. This may take an hour or longer. You can speed up the process by placing the molds in the refrigerator or freezer.
-
Remove from Molds: Once the crayons are completely hardened, gently flex the molds to release the crayons. If you used silicone molds, they should pop out easily. If using harder plastic molds, carefully coax them out to avoid breakage.
Important Considerations:
- Ventilation: Melting crayons can produce fumes, so ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.
- Oven Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oven temperature to avoid burning the crayons.
- Mold Material: While the original instructions mention placing broken crayons in "plastic molds" and recommend silicone, be certain that the molds you use are oven-safe to 275°F (135°C). If they are not, the mold may melt.
- Safety: Be careful when handling hot molds and melted crayons to avoid burns.
By following these steps, you can easily melt crayons in plastic molds to create fun and colorful new crayons.
