Can You Remove Marker Pen from Paper?

Markers are great tools - not just for the office, but for making art as well. The problem is that many marks are difficult to erase from paper. Whether the marker is water-based or alcohol-based, there's a good chance you'll damage the paper you're trying to remove the marker stain from. So, I'll share with you the techniques on how to remove marks from paper as efficiently as possible without damaging it.

There are many ways on how to erase marks from paper. Surprisingly, most, if not all, of these methods do not require expensive materials. They only require ingredients that are present in most homes, or you can easily get them from the store.

Paper Type Matters

Before we get into the techniques of how to remove marker stains from paper, we have to talk about the type of paper you're using. We generally use two types of paper. Paper types are matte and glossy.

How Matte Paper Absorbs Marker Ink

The matte paper is covered with a very thin inkjet receiving coating. This coating makes the paper highly absorbent. Ink that falls on matte paper usually dries quickly. Matte paper is the more common everyday paper. Regular school notebooks, note papers or book pages are usually made of matte paper.

How Glossy Paper Absorbs Marker Ink

Glossy paper, on the other hand, is covered with a thick glossy coating that gives it a glossy finish. The thick layer also makes it difficult to write on it or use a marker because the ink doesn't stick easily. Magazines are the most common items made of glossy paper.

So in terms of removing marker stains from paper, it is easier on glossy paper than on matte paper.

Erase Marker from Paper

Of the many ways how to erase markers from paper, my favorite is to use nail polish with acetone. Using nail polish with acetone is the cleanest and least risky way to remove marker stains from paper. This is the least likely method to damage, tear, and smudge the paper.

Step 1: Test the solvent on a small area or unnecessary similar paper

To make sure you don't damage the paper, test the solvent on another piece of paper. The other sheet of paper should be the same type as the one you are erasing. You can also try solvent on the same sheet of paper you are erasing, but in an area that is not visible.

The purpose is to prevent damage to the important paper on which the marking stains are to be erased. So, if you damage the paper you are practicing, there are a few things you can do.

The first is to reduce the amount of substance you put on the paper. If that doesn't work, you may have to switch to another solvent that dissolves marker ink pigments.

Alcohol-based liquids are the substances that dissolve the pigment the most. Liquids should not be too thick or too rough, as they can damage the paper. I recommend removing nail polish with acetone as it is the safest option. But if that doesn't work for you, other options include hairspray, hand sanitizer, or distilled white vinegar.

Step 2: Wet the swab

Lightly moisten a cotton swab with nail polish remover. Cotton swabs do not need to be soaked in the substance. Soaking a swab of nail polish remover in acetone can cause the paper to become saturated with the substance. You don't want to saturate the paper because that can cause damage.

Step 3: Apply the solvent to the paper

Dab a small amount of nail polish remover on the marked stain on the paper. Be careful not to soak the paper, which increases the risk of damage.

Step 4: Wait for the solvent to work

The next step is to wait for the nail polish remover to dissipate the ink. There is no exact instruction on how long you should wait, as the efficacy of the solvent depends on many factors. Two factors are the strength of the solvent and the type of paper you are using.

But I say don't wait a minute or the paper will soak up the nail polish remover. Don't worry that the ink won't come off completely.

Step 5: Grab the Nail Polish Remover

Use a clean, absorbent paper towel or cloth to absorb nail polish remover from the paper. Just dab a tissue or cloth on the paper; don't rub it. You don't want to damage the paper.

Step 6: Repeat steps 2-6 until the marker ink is completely erased

If the ink is not completely removed after the first attempt, repeat the process repeatedly until the marking ink is completely removed.