Markers can soil surfaces and severely damage wooden bases. The indelible ones contain pigments, solvents and resins. [1] The method you choose to remove traces depends on the finish of the wood. You probably already have products in your home that will help you get rid of these annoying stains. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Permanent Ink from Finished or Varnished Wood
Step 1. Get a tube of regular toothpaste
You have to buy plain white toothpaste. Avoid products in gels, whiteners or abrasive micro-granules. The traditional one is perfect for cleaning wood without damaging it.
Sometimes, you can replace it with denatured alcohol or peanut butter; however, toothpaste is usually the most effective product
Step 2. Turn the piece of wood, so that the stain is facing up
You need to make sure the area to be treated is flat and easily accessible to prevent the toothpaste from dripping as you try to scrub it.
Step 3. Squeeze the tube and pour a generous amount of toothpaste onto the wooden surface
Make sure the marker ink stain is completely covered with a thick layer. If you don't have enough, you can add more later.
Step 4. Moisten a cloth
Take a clean towel and hold it under running water. Any water temperature is fine, as long as it's comfortable for you. When the cloth is well soaked, wring it out to remove excess moisture. It must be wet but not dripping.
Step 5. Rub the toothpaste
In a circular motion, distribute the product over the entire stained area for 3-5 minutes or until it is almost completely gone.
- Apply enough pressure to allow the toothpaste to soak into the ink, but not to the point of damaging the wood finish.
- Add more toothpaste if the cloth doesn't run easily over the entire area soiled with the marker.
Step 6. Scrub the wood to remove any toothpaste residue
Always use the wet cloth to remove any paste that is still left on the wood. Remember to scrub following the grain of the wood and not in the opposite direction. When the wood dries, the toothpaste should disappear.
Step 7. Clean up the work area
At this point, the ink stain should have been removed. All you have to do is tidy up. Put the toothpaste in the bathroom, put the cloth to wash, and return the wooden surface to its place if it is a breakable element.
Step 8. Add baking soda in case there are any streaks left
Repeat the previous steps, but this time make a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda in equal parts to treat the stain. This substance gives the cleaner more abrasive power, so be especially careful when scrubbing the wood.
If you don't get satisfactory results even with baking soda, repeat the same procedure using denatured alcohol or peanut butter. Remember to wipe off any residue with a wet cloth and wait for the wood to dry before cleaning
Method 2 of 3: Remove Non-Permanent Ink from Finished or Varnished Wood
Step 1. Get the supplies
It will be easier to remove the marker stain if you have everything you need to hand before proceeding with the job. You will need:
- A mildly abrasive or enzymatic cleaner. You can buy it in large supermarkets or home improvement stores.
- Denatured alcohol. This is also available in the supermarket and in household goods stores.
- A wet cloth. Hold a clean rag under running water and wring it out to remove excess moisture.
Step 2. Turn the piece of wood over so that the stained area is easily accessible
The area to be cleaned should be facing up to prevent the cleaner from dripping onto the surface.
Step 3. Spray the enzymatic or abrasive cleaner directly onto the wood
Make sure the entire stain is well covered. Let it work for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4. Rub the area with the wet cloth
Make circular movements until all the stain has disappeared; it may take a few minutes. Rinse any remaining cleaner from the wood using a clean corner of the wet rag.
Step 5. Dampen a cloth with denatured alcohol
If there are any streaks left, wet the rag with alcohol and rub it on the surface a couple of times; when finished, rinse the wood.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Ink from Unfinished Wood
Step 1. Rub the marker stain with a wet wipe
First, try to clean the affected area with this product; remember to follow the direction of the wood grain and not the opposite one. The alcohol contained in these wipes is able to dissolve most of the stain.
Step 2. Sand the area with 80 grit sandpaper
This type of sandpaper is the first you need to use to get rid of most of the ink; however, be aware that you will notice traces of the grinding and scratches on the wood. Remember to respect the direction of the grain of the material.
Step 3. Treat the area again with 100 grit sandpaper
Continue to work on the stained area until all the halos have disappeared. Always take into account the grain of the wood and scrub respecting the direction. This step allows you to restore a smooth and homogeneous surface with the rest of the piece of wood.
Step 4. Paint the wood or apply a finishing treatment
By applying a varnish or primer you can protect the surface from future stains. Both of these products are available in paint shops and DIY stores.
Advice
- If you can't find any toothpaste, give it a try with wet wipes, some hand sanitizer or some hair spray. After applying these products, immediately rub the surface. The alcohol in them should remove the ink from the marker. Do not leave them on for too long, as they could ruin the finish of the wood.
- Consider sandblasting the entire surface if you find that sanding just one area is too rough.
