Removing Permanent Marker From Wood

Assessing the Damage

Look at the marked up wood item. If the finish was in pretty good shape before the marking, chances are the marker ink has not soaked into the wood. Apply gel toothpaste to the stain. Wait a few minutes, then wipe away the marker with a warm damp cloth. Repeat two or more times to be sure as much marker has been removed as possible. If all the marker is not removed by the gel toothpaste, proceed to the next step.

Go Deeper

If your wood furniture was scratched or gouged, the marker has probably been absorbed into the wood. You will have to gently sand the decorated areas with medium and then fine sandpaper, until all the marker is removed. While this will destroy the finish, you will be able to refinish the piece once the marker has been sanded away. Sometimes fine furniture has many layers of clear overcoat and you may be able to sand through just a layer or two before all the marker is gone. Simply reapply clear coat and everything will be fine. If this still is not sufficient, it is time to get radical.

Radical Removal

Use a belt sander or power drill with a sanding disk to remove all layers of clear coat, undercoat, lacquer, shellac, varnish or stain, until your reach bare wood. Wipe away sanding grit with a soft, damp cloth. Reapply the correct stains or other finishes, then apply several coats of clear acrylic, allowing it to dry between each application. This method is not suitable for use on fine antiques. Please consult a restoration specialist for the appropriate methods and materials to remove marker from fine antiques.

Resources

• Mrs. Clean: Removing Marker Stains