Revised | Originally Published: February 20, 2020 @ 10:44 am

Extracting liquid watercolor is a simple STEM project kids can participate in using dried-up old markers. Below, I’ll explain two methods for color extraction and show how the resulting color can be used as paint and colorant for other DIY projects.

Supplies

You’ll need these materials for extracting liquid watercolor:

• Old markers (don’t use permanent markers)
• Water
• Containers
• Pliers (optional)
• Scissors (optional)

The Easy Way

Just group your spent markers by color and:

• Remove the lids
• Place the markers (tip down) in a container
• Add water
• Set aside
• Wait for a week (or two)

The Messier But Faster Way

This method of extracting liquid watercolor is messier because you have to take the marker apart, extract its core, and slice it up. It’s faster because the color seeps out of the extracted core much faster. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a pair of pliers to pull the cap off the marker end
• Pull out the marker’s core. I used the tip of my scissors to grab it–a bamboo skewer or something similar also works
• Snip the core into 2 or 3 pieces with a pair of scissors
• Drop the core pieces into a container of water
• Set it aside
• Wait about 24 hours

Storage

I opted to use glass peanut butter jars for storage. Any airtight container will work–but something translucent and easy to pour from is a plus. I also labeled the containers because it’s hard to differentiate between some of the darker colors.

Uses

Here at Playvolution HQ, I’ll call on these colors for many DIY projects, using them instead of food coloring or purchased liquid watercolor. Here are a few examples of how it can be used.

As Watercolor Paint

The extracted pigment works great as watercolor paint. Just pour a bit into smaller containers and paint away. Dilute with water for softer colors. If your paint sits around for a few days and the color evaporates, add some water, stir with a brush, and you’re ready to paint again.

It can also be used as a colorant in other DIY paints like this and this.

For Colored Ice

It works great for ice beads and other ice-based projects like these Ice Blocks or Ice Glasses And Bowls.

All The Other Stuff

This color works in things like Oobleck, Slow Cooker Play Dough, or Floam.

Extracting Liquid Watercolor Wrap-Up

Now, when a marker goes dry because Kevin left the lid off or Katie had to color 15 pieces of white paper blue, you can still use the spent marker for extracting liquid watercolor. Oh, and save those lids. You can use them as loose parts and have them handy to replace lost lids from your collection of not-dried-out-yet markers.

I’ll update this post with more pictures as I use this colorant in future projects. As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome.

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