Different Ways To Remove Permanent Marker From Wood Without Alcohol
Markers can make a mess and can harm wooden surfaces. In addition to resin and solvent, permanent markers have color. They are made permanent by these components. The finishing process applied to the wood will determine the approach you use to remove marker from it. You could already have something at home that will get rid of that bothersome stain. The good news is that, with a little perseverance and elbow grease, permanent marker can usually be removed from most wooden surfaces, despite the fact that it can significantly harm some surfaces. How do you remove the Sharpie stain off wood? Most of these DIY remedies are probably already in your medicine cabinet or pantry.
- Be prepared to use multiple mild cleaning sessions with a clean, dry cotton cloth if you're trying to remove permanent marker stains from a wooden surface. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, especially with abrasive sponges, brushes, or cloths because doing so could damage the surface of the wood or remove the finish. Always be sure to test your solution in a concealed area in case it harms the finish or surface of your item, such as the inside of a table leg or the bottom, the back corner of a desk.
- Wood surfaces can be saved from marker stains, but if you're dealing with a particularly difficult permanent marker stain and the aforementioned methods aren't cutting it, call a woodworker or furniture restoration service in your region for assistance.
Time to start removing? To get rid of permanent marker stains from the majority of wood surfaces at home, try one of these cleaning remedies:
Hand Sanitizer Gel
Because hand sanitizer gels are primarily alcohol-based, they can be used to remove permanent marker stains from finished wood in the same way that rubbing alcohol can. Gels contain glycerin as an emollient, which can stain and darken raw, untreated wood, so stay away from applying them on that type of wood.
Vodka
Yes, this age-old beverage can remove permanent marker stains very effectively. Choose plain vodka; stay away from flavored varieties as the sugar in flavored vodkas can exacerbate stains. To remove a marker stain, lightly dab it with vodka after soaking a clean, dry cotton towel in rubbing alcohol. The marker should start to transfer from the wood surface to your cloth.
Nail Polish Remover
By dissolving them, permanent marker stains from wood can be eliminated with nail polish remover's acetone. Lightly dab your spot with an acetone-based stain remover using a clean, dry cloth. Because nail polish remover can harm wood finishes, avoid rubbing the stain. Before starting to use this strategy, we strongly advise trying it in a discreet location. Due to the fact that acetone removes paint, this should not be used on painted wood furniture.
Hairspray
Hairspray is another essential from your medical cabinet that may be used for much more than just styling your hair. In fact, hairspray is renowned for its ability to eliminate any stains, including ink from pens on fabrics and permanent marker marks on wood. Because hairspray contains alcohol, it removes permanent marker, but alcohol also dissolves varnish and lacquer, so it should only be used on painted wood.1 Spray some hairspray on the stain and then use a cloth to remove the residue. The discoloration should start to disappear right away.
Baking Soda & Baking Soda Toothpaste
- Numerous homemade household cleaners must contain baking soda, but it can also be used to remove stains. Make a paste out of baking soda and water, and then use circular motions to gently work it into the marker stain.
- A tiny amount of very fine baking soda powder, which acts as a mild abrasive, is present in baking soda toothpaste. Use a cotton swab or makeup remover pad and some of this toothpaste to gently massage the stain in the direction of the wood grain. If required, continue the process until the marker stain is removed after wiping away the residue with a damp cloth.
Dry-Erase Markers
If your wood surface is painted or stained with an opaque stain and you're feeling particularly daring, try erasing the permanent marker using a dry-eraser marker. Additionally, many retailers sell wood stain markers made specifically for this purpose. After that, wipe the markings off. On finished surfaces, it frequently works despite seeming illogical. On unpainted surfaces, avoid using this approach.
Fine-Grit Sandpaper
Attention: Unfinished wood should be the only material utilized for this procedure. On stained or finished wood, using fine-grit sandpaper will unquestionably remove the stain, finish, or paint. However, fine-grit sandpaper is your best bet if you need to remove permanent marker stains from unfinished wood or lumber. Why? Wood and timber that has not been finished can be marked. The stain will be lightened and a few (small) layers of the wood's surface will be softly removed by lightly sanding the region using fine-grit paper. However, be careful not to sand too forcefully in one spot or you risk wearing a spot into the wood's surface. Instead, use broader, bigger strokes.