Are you tired of dealing with unsightly Sharpie marks on your walls? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will provide you with simple and effective tips on how to remove Sharpie from walls.
When it comes to removing Sharpie ink from walls, you may think it’s an impossible task. However, fear not! We have tested various methods that are safe to use on painted surfaces and have proven to be successful in removing stubborn Sharpie marks.
One method you can try is using sunscreen. Surprisingly, it can work wonders in removing Sharpie from walls. Additionally, other safe methods include using dry-erase markers, WD-40, white toothpaste, baking soda, or Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. It’s important to assess the potential damage to the paintwork before using stronger solvents like acetone or rubbing alcohol.
Discovering a large Sharpie mark on your freshly painted wall can be quite distressing. Even small marks, like Mona Lisa’s eyes, can catch your attention no matter where you are in the room. However, there’s no need to panic or resort to extreme measures like repainting the entire house or hiding the mark behind a giant houseplant. We’re here to help!
We have compiled a comprehensive Sharpie removal toolkit that includes detailed instructions on each method mentioned above. With this toolkit, you’ll be equipped to tackle those stubborn Sharpie marks with ease and restore your walls to their original beauty.
So, say goodbye to Sharpie marks and regain the pristine look of your walls. Let’s get started on removing those unwanted ink stains!
6 Easy Tips To Removing Sharpie From Walls
Sharpie pens are often touted as permanent, but experienced cleaners understand that nothing lasts forever, except, perhaps, diamonds. When it comes to removing ink marks from walls, the key is to find effective methods that spare the paintwork.
Before we delve into our fail-proof techniques for eradicating permanent marker stains from walls, it’s important to bear in mind that Sharpie ink behaves more like spray paint than regular pen ink. As such, it requires a slightly different approach for successful removal.
The ability of Sharpie ink to adhere to surfaces hinges on the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In theory, the quicker you respond to a Sharpie mark, the easier it will be to eliminate.
While the idea of promptly wiping away marks from your walls may seem appealing, it’s highly unlikely that anyone would calmly witness the creation of wall art masterpieces, especially when they involve permanent markers.
By the time you notice the addition of color and texture to your plain walls, chances are the ink has already firmly set.
Remember that cleaning glossy painted surfaces is generally easier than dealing with matte finishes, but with some persistence, Sharpie can be successfully removed from both. Whether a permanent pen mark has been on your wall for a mere two minutes or a lengthy two years, fear not, as we have solutions to remedy the situation.
Of course, while addressing one problem, it’s essential to avoid creating another. Therefore, let’s explore a list of household products that effectively remove Sharpie ink from walls without causing any damage to the paint.
Sunscreen
Using ordinary sunscreen is an unusual but highly effective solution that can successfully remove Sharpie ink from walls. This method is an excellent starting point when faced with this challenge because it is ultra gentle on the wall paint.
To apply this method, you need to spray a generous amount of sunscreen directly onto the affected area of the wall, and then gently wipe it off using clean paper towels. Depending on the severity of the pen marks, you may need to repeat this process several times until the marks are completely eliminated.
Here’s a top tip: To prevent the sunscreen runoff from making a mess, you can hold a clean paper towel underneath the targeted area while spraying. This method is also suitable for gently removing Sharpie ink from skin.
By following these steps using everyday sunscreen, you can effectively remove Sharpie ink without damaging the wall paint or causing any unnecessary inconvenience.
Dry Erase Markers
Dry erase markers are an effective choice for creating minimalistic line-style wall artworks. However, it’s important to note that using these markers is not suitable for all types of artwork. Before you begin, make sure you are using dry erase markers and not mistakenly applying permanent ink like Sharpie to your wall.
This is a common mistake due to the similar appearance of the pens. To remove the Sharpie mark, carefully trace over it with the same color dry erase marker and then wipe off both marks using a dry cloth.
It may be necessary to repeat this process multiple times to fully remove the mark. By following these steps, you can ensure the proper use of dry erase markers and maintain the integrity of your wall art.
The WD-40 Trick
To effectively remove permanent pen ink from walls or accidental whiteboard markings, WD-40 can be an excellent solution. Begin by generously spraying a sufficient amount of WD-40 onto the affected area, ensuring to place a clean paper towel underneath to catch any drips. Allow the WD-40 to sit for a few seconds before proceeding.
Next, using a dry cloth, apply firm circular motions to scrub the wall in order to effectively dissolve the ink. It is important to note that, due to the lubricating properties of WD-40, a greasy patch may be left behind. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the wall with soap and water once the Sharpie mark has been successfully removed.
Mr. Clean
During the remarkable year of 2003, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers ignited an unprecedented cleaning revolution. Once, the arduous task of eliminating stubborn grime required hours of laborious effort, but with these modern melamine foam sponges, a mere few wipes will suffice.
Consider enriching your household toolkit with the iconic Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, designed to be effective yet gentle on various surfaces. And in case you encounter particularly persistent sharpie marks on your wall, combine the power of the magic eraser with a mild household cleaner that is specifically safe for paint.
White Toothpaste
Baking soda is an excellent option for lifting Sharpie marks from almost any surface. However, when working with a powder agent against a 90-degree wall, it can pose a challenge. Luckily, if you have a tube of white toothpaste, you essentially have the power of baking soda in a convenient adhesive form.
To effectively remove the Sharpie marks, spread the toothpaste over them. For greater accuracy, use a cotton bud to paint thick lines of toothpaste over the offending marks. Allow it to dry for 5 to 10 minutes before gently scrubbing the area with a soft cloth to lift the ink off the wall.
When cleaning walls, it’s best to use inexpensive white toothpaste. Avoid using gels or any colored variants as they may not yield the same results.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is widely recognized as a highly versatile household cleaning agent that consistently delivers satisfactory results. Although the application of baking soda may not be as effortless as toothpaste, with the right technique, it can effectively remove unwanted marks or stains from various surfaces.
To remove a sharpie mark, start by dampening a non-abrasive kitchen sponge. Then, apply a scoop of baking soda onto the sponge. Remember to exercise caution and avoid scrubbing the paintwork while gently rubbing the baking soda onto the mark. In some cases, multiple repetitions of this process may be required to completely eliminate the ink.
By following these steps, you can confidently rely on baking soda to effectively and safely handle the task at hand, leaving your surfaces clean and blemish-free.
What Not To Use To Get Sharpie Off A Wall?
There is a significant amount of evidence that suggests various solutions, such as rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, glass cleaners, hairspray, and nail polish remover, can effectively remove sharpie ink from a wide range of surfaces. However, it is crucial to note that these solvents can be excessively potent and lead to unintended consequences, particularly on painted walls, as they may act as paint strippers.
If you are dealing with sharpie marks on non-painted surfaces such as tile or laminate, you can confidently employ one of these solutions. It is highly recommended to conduct a test in an inconspicuous area before applying any solvent, like acetone, to scrub your wall.
When considering whether to use a solvent, a useful guideline is to evaluate if you would also apply it to your car’s paintwork. If the answer is no, it is likely too harsh for the paint on your walls, and an alternative method should be considered.
Conclusion
When unexpected accidents occur and you find sharpie marks on the walls of your home, the good news is that removing them doesn’t have to be a laborious process or involve drastic measures like applying wallpaper. Instead, you can rely on the gentle effectiveness of spray sunscreens, which are safe for both paint and skin, to effectively wipe away permanent pen marks.
Additionally, you can consider using other reliable agents such as dry-erase markers, WD-40, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, white toothpaste, and baking soda. These methods are proven to be effective and provide you with various options to choose from when it comes to removing stubborn marks.