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Two Methods:Removing Marker From Finished WoodRemoving Marker From Unfinished Wood

Permanent marker contains ink, solvent and resin. It is waterproof and hard to remove from surfaces once it sets. The method you choose to remove permanent marker from wood will depend upon the finishing treatment on the wood. Several household items, such as toothpaste and baby wipes, have a good reputation for removing marker on wood furniture and paneling.

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EditMethod 1 of 2: Removing Marker From Finished Wood

  1. Remove Marker from Wood Step 1.jpg
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    Purchase a tube of regular toothpaste. Don’t choose anything that is a gel, has whitening or has abrasive crystals in it. Traditional white paste will do the trick without damaging the wood.
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  2. Remove Marker from Wood Step 2.jpg
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    Turn the piece of wood so that the marked surface is facing up. Squeeze a liberal amount of toothpaste onto the surface of the wood.
  3. Remove Marker from Wood Step 3.jpg
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    Wet a rag. Squeeze it to remove excess water. Rub the surface of the wood in a circular motion.
    • Add more toothpaste if the rag doesn’t move freely over the entire surface of the marker stain.
  4. Remove Marker from Wood Step 4.jpg
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    Scrub in a circular motion for three to five minutes. Rinse your rag and wipe off the excess toothpaste. Repeat until all the toothpaste is removed.[1]
  5. Remove Marker from Wood Step 5.jpg
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    Survey the table. Repeat the process if there is some remaining marker.
  6. Remove Marker from Wood Step 6.jpg
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    Increase the power of the toothpaste by adding one part baking soda to one part toothpaste. Repeat the process. Beware that this is more abrasive and can take off some of the finish.

EditMethod 2 of 2: Removing Marker From Unfinished Wood

  1. Remove Marker from Wood Step 7.jpg
    1
    Use a baby wipe. Rub on the area with the grain. The alcohol in the baby wipe may remove most of the marker stain.
  2. Remove Marker from Wood Step 8.jpg
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    Sand down the area with 80-grit sandpaper. Work with the grain and continue until the marker is no longer noticeable.[2]
  3. Remove Marker from Wood Step 9.jpg
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    Repeat with a fine 100-grit sandpaper to finish the surface.
  4. Remove Marker from Wood Step 10.jpg
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    Consider sanding the entire surface of the wood, if sanding changed the surface. It will result in a more uniform look.
  5. Remove Marker from Wood Step 11.jpg
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    Stain or treat the wood with oil. Now that you have exposed new wood, you can finish the wood and it will darken the surface evenly.
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EditTips

  • If you can’t find toothpaste, try using baby wipes, a squirt of hand sanitizer or hair spray, then wipe immediately. The alcohol in these products may remove the marker. Don’t let it sit too long, or it can ruin the finish.
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EditThings You'll Need

  • Toothpaste
  • Baking soda
  • Cloth
  • Water
  • Baby wipes
  • 80-grit sandpaper
  • 100-grit sandpaper

EditSources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tips-2/how-to-remove-permanent-marker-from-wood.html
  2. ↑ http://www.landscapeforms.com/en-US/LFI%20Material%20Tech%20Sheets/care_maintenance.pdf

Article Info

Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Stain Removal

Recent edits by: Musicgirl20021

In other languages:

Italiano: Come Rimuovere i Segni di Pennarello dal Legno, Русский: очистить маркер с древесины, Deutsch: Marker von Holz entfernen, Español: Cómo eliminar manchas de marcador de la madera, Português: Como Remover Manchas de Caneta Permanente em Madeira

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