Thinking of ways on how to erase marker from paper? Perhaps, you have marker stains that need to be removed from book pages or notebooks. But how should you remove these stains without damaging the paper?
Trying to get marker off paper can be quite challenging. But with a few tricks and tested methods, you can erase marker stains in no time.
Table of Contents
Easy and Effective Ways to Erase Marker From Paper
Method 1: Apply Whiteout or Correction Fluid
Whiteout or Correction Fluid is specifically formulated to conceal mistakes and ink stains, including permanent markers. Thus, it is one of the best and most effective methods to get Sharpie off paper and keep the surface messy-free.
There are two ways to do this: use whiteout or correction fluid and let it dry or cover the marker stain with correction tape. The latter requires no drying time.
What to Prepare:
- Wite-Out or Correction Fluid
- Correction Tape (no drying needed)
Step-by-step Guide:
- Step 1: A correction fluid typically comes with an applicator. Use it and apply a thin layer over the marker stain. Although it does not technically remove permanent markers from paper, a correction fluid can conceal marker stains and leave the surface neat and error-free.
- Step 2: If the stain is still visible, make sure to allow the first layer to dry before you apply another one. As soon as the correction fluid or whiteout is completely dry, apply one more layer.
- Step 3: For Wite-Out pens, simply press the pen against the marker stain and allow the fluid to write over it.
- Step 4: A correction tape does not require drying time. Simply press it against the stain and glide over it until the tape comes out.
Method 2: Apply Friction Using Eraser
Even without whiteout or any correction fluid, you can keep traces of marker stains off the pages of your book. A little bit of friction can erase Sharpie from paper. Any eraser for pencils can work for this method.
However, this technique should be done carefully to remove Sharpie from paper effectively without damaging the paper. Thus, this is not recommended on delicate paper like Bible pages.
What to Prepare:
- Pencil eraser or block erasers for pencils
Step-by-step Guide:
- Step 1: Start erasing the marker from paper using a pencil eraser or a block pencil eraser. Do it gently. Harsh rubbing will damage the paper and tear it apart.
- Step 2: Keep on erasing the marker stain until it fades. The friction helps with the removal of marker ink.
- Step 3: Remove the eraser residues. Repeat the process until the marker stain is gone.
Keep in mind that the paper would feel a bit rough and delicate after erasing the marker. Be careful with the paper as you write or draw over it.
Method 3: Rubbing Alcohol and Pencil Eraser
Applying some rubbing alcohol on a pencil eraser can erase permanent marker from paper, especially on thicker ones like cardstock paper.
You may also use this technique with hand sanitizer, hair spray, or any product that contains alcohol.
Whether you erase Crayola marker from paper or Sharpie ink stains, the key is to wet the pencil eraser with a tad bit of alcohol to keep the paper from being saturated.
What to Prepare:
- Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
- Pencil eraser
- Q-tip or cotton swab
Step-by-step Guide:
- Step 1: Apply a small amount of alcohol to the pencil eraser. Do not douse the paper with alcohol. It will cause damage or holes when the paper gets so saturated.
Alternatively, you can use a q-tip or a cotton swab and wet it with alcohol. Then, gently dab the q-tip all over the marker stain.
- Step 2: Once moistened, erase the stain and remove marker from paper as usual. Since the eraser is a little wet, the paper surface might peel off more quickly. Remember to rub the paper gently.
Method 4: Patch it Up with Paper
When erasing techniques seem to fail, an alternative way to get rid of Sharpie on paper is to cover it up with a small piece of paper.
What to Prepare:
- A piece of paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Step-by-step Guide:
- Step 1: To patch up the marker stain, cut a small piece of paper, enough to cover the marker. Make sure to use paper that has a similar color or texture.
- Step 2: Apply a thin layer of glue to the marker stain. Then, cover it with a small piece of paper.
- Step 3: Add more glue around the edges of the piece of paper to ensure adhesion.
Other Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind
- Always do spot testing before you apply any product or try any erasing techniques to see whether it works or not on your paper. Look for an inconspicuous area of your paper or test the method on scrap paper.
- Most of the techniques require rubbing and applying friction. When doing so, do not rub in the paper harshly. Otherwise, it will peel off or tear the paper apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acetone or nail polish remover effective against permanent marker stains on paper?
Upon testing this method against permanent marker and dry erase marker, acetone or nail polish remover does not seem to do anything with the stain. Rubbing alcohol works better.
However, some say it works. Should you try this product, make sure to do it on a small part of the paper. As some nail polish removers contain dye, look for clear or colorless removers.
What can you use to get rid of dry erase marker from paper?
Dry erase marker stains stay on paper like permanent markers. Thus, you can remove dry erase marker from paper using the methods mentioned in this article.
What is the safest method to erase marker from paper?
The techniques without nail polish remover, alcohol, or any chemical products should be the safest to try. Wite-out or correction fluids work great but some of them give off a strong chemical odor, which may cause dizziness, nausea, or headache.
Therefore, simply applying friction with an eraser can get the job done safely. Make sure always to do it gently.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned the easy and effective ways on how to erase marker from paper. Whether you are at school or at home, you can easily find the products and try out the techniques without damaging the paper from the pages of your favorite books and notebooks.
Just make sure to test your preferred method on a small spot of the paper, erase the marker carefully, and get the job done effortlessly!
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