How to Get Paper Off Crayons

Crayons are essential tools in every artist’s arsenal, especially for young children learning to express their creativity. However, one common frustration is dealing with the paper wrapping that encases each crayon. Removing this paper can be tricky and time-consuming, often leading to broken crayons or a mess.

This guide on how to get paper off crayons will provide you with simple and effective methods to get paper off crayons, ensuring that your artistic endeavors remain fun and hassle-free. Whether you’re preparing for a big art project or just tidying up your art supplies, these tips will make the process smooth and efficient.

What is the Purpose of Paper on Crayons?

Before we dive into the methods, it is essential to understand why crayons have paper wrapping in the first place. The primary purpose of paper on crayons is to keep your hands clean.

Crayons are made from wax and coloring pigments, which can leave a residue on your fingers when you use them. The paper wrapper acts as a barrier between the wax and your skin, preventing any mess.

Another reason for the paper wrapping is to protect the crayon itself. Without this covering, crayons are prone to breaking or crumbling due to their soft texture. The paper provides structural support and prevents damage during transportation or storage.

Needed Materials

To effectively remove the paper from crayons, you will need a few basic materials:

• A Bowl or Container Filled With Hot Water
• A Pair of Scissors or a Craft Knife
• A Towel or Paper Towels
• Optional: Dish Soap or Rubbing Alcohol

8 Simple Methods on How to Get Paper Off Crayons

Method 1: Soaking in Hot Water

This method is the most common and straightforward way to remove paper from crayons. It involves soaking the crayon in hot water, which softens the wax and loosens the paper wrapping.

1. Fill a bowl or container with hot water. Make sure that it is deep enough to cover the entire crayon. You can also add a few drops of dish soap or rubbing alcohol to help break down the wax.
2. Place the crayon in the water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. Take out the crayon and gently rub off the paper with your fingers. If the paper is not easily coming off, you can use a pair of scissors or a craft knife to scrape it off.
4. Once all the paper is removed, dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.

Method 2: Freezing

If you’re short on time, using the freezing method is an excellent option as it only takes a few minutes.

1. Place the crayons in a sealable plastic bag or container and put them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Take out the crayons and use your fingers to gently squeeze and twist them. This should cause the paper to crack and come off easily.
3. If there is any remaining paper, you can use a pair of scissors or craft knife to remove it.
4. Dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.

Method 3: Rolling on a Hard Surface

This method works best for larger crayons that have thick paper wrapping.

1. Place the crayon on a hard surface, such as a table or countertop.
2. Use your palms to roll the crayon back and forth, applying gentle pressure.
3. This should cause the paper to rip and come off in strips.
4. Use a pair of scissors or a craft knife to remove any remaining bits of paper.
5. Dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.

Method 4: Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is useful for removing stubborn paper from crayons, especially if it has been stuck on for a long time.

1. Soak a cotton ball or cloth in rubbing alcohol.
2. Gently rub the wet cloth on the paper wrapper until it starts to loosen up.
3. Once the paper begins to peel off, use your fingers to remove it completely.
4. Dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.

Method 5: Hairdryer

Using a hairdryer is another quick and efficient way to get paper off crayons.

1. Hold the crayon in one hand and use the hairdryer on low heat to warm up the paper wrapper.
2. As it starts to loosen, use your other hand to peel off the paper gently.
3. If necessary, you can also use a pair of scissors or craft knife to scrape off any stubborn bits of paper.
4. Dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.

Method 6: Soaking in Dish Soap

Dish soap is an excellent alternative to rubbing alcohol and is especially useful for removing paper from crayons with water-soluble pigments.

1. Fill a bowl or container with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Place the crayon in the soapy water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. Use your fingers to rub off the softened paper wrapper gently.
4. Dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.

Method 7: Goo Gone

Goo Gone is a commercial adhesive remover that can be used to get paper off crayons quickly and effectively.

1. Apply a small amount of Goo Gone onto a cloth or cotton ball.
2. Gently rub the wet cloth over the paper wrapper until it starts to loosen.
3. Use your fingers to remove the paper completely.
4. Dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.

Method 8: Craft Knife

If all else fails, using a craft knife is an efficient way to remove stubborn and hard-to-reach bits of paper from crayons.

1. Hold the crayon firmly in one hand and use a craft knife to lightly scrape off the paper wrapper in small sections.
2. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as you may damage the crayon’s surface.
3. Once all the paper is removed, dry off the crayon with a towel or paper towel.
4. Optional: You can also use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Following these methods on how to get paper off crayons will help you remove paper from crayons quickly and easily, making your art projects or organization tasks a breeze. Remember to always be gentle and cautious when handling crayons, as they can break easily. Additionally, make sure to properly dispose of the paper wrappers and any leftover residue for an organized workspace. Happy crafting!

Additional Tips

• For crayons with stubborn paper wrappers, you can let them soak in the hot water for a longer period or gently use a toothbrush to scrub off the paper.
• Adding a small amount of white vinegar to the hot water can help remove any lingering adhesive from the paper wrapper.
• After removing the paper, you can melt down old crayon bits and create new multicolored crayons using silicone molds or empty egg cartons. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to repurpose old crayons.
• To prevent future paper wrapper mishaps, store your crayons in an organized container or box without their original packaging. This also makes it easier to see all your color options at once.  Remember to properly label your crayons for easy identification.
• If the paper wrappers on your crayons are still in good condition, you can use them as labels for organizing other art supplies, such as markers or colored pencils. This is a great way to repurpose and reduce waste.  Soaking off the paper wrapper allows for additional reuse of the labels without damaging them. 
• Before using any methods that involve water or liquids, make sure to check if your crayon is water-soluble or not. Non-water-soluble crayons may be more challenging to remove paper from and may require alternative methods.
• Always supervise young children when using sharp tools like scissors or craft knives to remove paper from crayons. Alternatively, you can handle the sharp tools and let them help with other steps in the process.
• Lastly, have fun and get creative with your newly unwrapped crayons!  Enjoy using them for coloring, drawing, or any other artistic activity.  Remember to properly organize and store your crayons after use for their next colorful adventure. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will These Methods Work on All Types of Crayons?

A1: Yes, these methods can be used on most types of crayons, including wax and oil-based ones. However, for oil-based crayons, you may need to use a stronger adhesive remover like Goo Gone.

Q2: Can I Use These Methods on Colored Pencils or Oil Pastels?

A2: No, these methods are specifically for removing paper from crayons. Using them on colored pencils or oil pastels may damage the product. It’s best to use a pencil sharpener or warm water to remove paper from colored pencils and rubbing alcohol for oil pastels.

Q3: Is There an Alternative to Rubbing Alcohol?

A3: Yes, you can also use dish soap as an alternative to rubbing alcohol. However, it may not be as effective in removing stubborn bits of paper.  Always make sure to test any solution on a small area before using it on the entire crayon.  Avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals as they may damage the crayon’s surface. 

Q4: Is There a Way to Prevent Paper from Sticking to Crayons?

A4: To prevent paper from sticking to crayons, you can peel off the paper wrappers before using them or store them in a cool and dry place. You can also use pencil grips or rubber bands on the ends of your crayons to prevent the paper from getting wet or damaged during use. Additionally, using paperless crayons or markers can eliminate the need to remove paper wrappers altogether. 

Conclusion

Removing the paper from crayons can be a tedious task, but these simple methods make it easier and less time-consuming. Whether you’re an artist or just someone who loves to color, these tips on how to get paper off crayons will come in handy for keeping your hands clean and preserving your precious crayons.

So next time you need to remove paper from crayons, try out one of these methods and see which one works best for you! Happy creating!