Changes

Long Nose Pliers: The best pliers have a round opening near the wire cutter that fits perfectly around the cap on the back end of the Crayola marker. If you don't already have a pair, I suggest bringing a marker into the hardware store to test fit the pliers. Not all pliers have the same sized opening. An opening that's too large won't work well to remove the cap.

Use the round opening near the wire cutter on long nose pliers to take the cap off the back end of the markers. Then use the pliers to remove the sponge from inside the marker casing. Take the cap off the front end of the marker and use the pliers to gently pull the tip out of the marker casing. Hold the pliers perpendicularly to the case, clamp the tip on the thickest part, nearest to the casing and pull it straight out. The tip will deform slightly but will reform after rinsing.

Put the tips in the bottom of the sink and make sure your drain plug keeps them from going all the way into the drain. Run luke warm water (unless you like having freezing cold hands) through the sponges one at time. The run-off will start to rinse the tips. Use two empty marker cases to create a clamp and squeeze water through the sponge until it’s all white and the water runs clear (see photos). Once the sponges have all been rinsed (this usually take less than a minute each) finish rinsing each tip one or two at a time by holding them under the running water. The tips can be a bit more stubborn, but they don’t have to be completely clean.

Depending on temperature and climate, it may take up to two weeks to completely dry. Do not try to fill wet sponges. Most inks will not work well if mixed with water. If there is a small amount of water left in the sponge, the ink will push it out to the tip and the first few marks you make will have some strange colors and consistency. It should dissipate after drawing with the marker a little more.

Push the tip back into the case so it’s tight and snug. Push a sponge into the casing so that it butts up agains the stem of the tip. Slowly and carefully drip ink onto the back end of the sponge inside the marker. You may want to hold the marker over a paper towel while filling. Squeeze a couple drops of ink onto the sponge, wait a second for it to soak in, then squeeze a couple more drops. Continue this process until ink can be seen soaking into the tip. Squeeze in a few more drops and let them soak in. Do not overfill. Place the caps on the front and back end. Make sure the cap on the back end is pressed in completely. If it is difficult to press in, you can use the pliers like a hammer and tap it into place.

===Step 5: Enjoy Your New Frankenmarkers!===

'''Copic Various Ink'''