How to Get Pen Marks Out of Leather

Member

By Ktdydit
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(11 Ratings)

Have you ever found pen marks on your couch or designer leather handbag? There never really seemed to be a good way to get them out especially if the leather is a color that you can't find a polish to match. This is something I picked up working retail and works fairly well and completely if the mark is fresh. It's not guaranteed but should at the least lighten the mark.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

pen marked leather
pink Pearl eraser (for some reason only this one seems to work)
leather lotion
soft cloth

Step 1

Identify the pen mark on your leather couch, designer handbag, briefcase, jacket, etc., and place on a stiff surface or hold taught if it's a couch. (see tips for before treatment options)
Step 2

Lightly rub the pen mark in your leather with the pink Pearl eraser concentrating only on the pen marks. Don't over do it if the mark seems to not be coming out. You could take out the color in the leather or ruin the leather altogether.
Step 3

Once the pen mark is either lightened or gone completely, condition with the leather lotion or other leather treatment.

Tips & Warnings

Sometimes using the leather lotion first to try to remove as much of the ink is helpful but you will have to let it dry before you use the eraser on it.
Keeping your leather well conditioned will reduce the risks of marks staying permanently and will make them easier to remove.
Do not use alcohol on your pen mark. Many people do this and find that it only removes the color in the leather and not the pen mark.

Comments

lhowell567 said

Flag This Comment

on 9/24/2009 My 2-yr. old scribbled pen marks on my light brown leather purse about a week ago. I just now saw your site. As I am typing this, I am trying the pink pencil eraser. It's working!!

Thanks for the tip!

Kallicat said

Flag This Comment

on 12/29/2008 I have never thought about using an eraser. I will have to take some time to try this out... Now if you could only come up with a way to magically get rid of a claw mark from my cat ... Thank you for your tip!