How to Remove Grease Pencil Plant Markers

Grease pencils consist of a dye mixed with tallow and other grease agents, then wrapped in paper. Grease pencils leave behind waterproof markings, making them suitable for use on plant markers in the garden. Grease pencil markings usually wipe off easily with a cloth, but sometimes they absorb into the marker material and leave behind a darkened spot or the plant name does not wipe off completely. This often happens on wooden markers or plastic ones that don't have a smooth surface. Removing the grease pencil marks allows you to reuse the markers and to easily read the new plant names you write on them.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Iron
• Mineral spirits
• Sand
• Scouring pad
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Wipe off as much of the grease pencil as possible with a clean rag. Avoid heavy rubbing or scrubbing as this may work the grease further into the pores of the marker.

2. Lay a clean cloth over wooden markers that are stained. Iron on medium heat for 30 seconds then check to see how much of the grease pencil lifted. Move the cloth so a clean area is over the pencil mark and press a second time. Repeat until no more of the stain lifts into the cloth.

3. Dip the marker into a a mild solvent or mineral spirits. Blot out the excess solvent with a clean rag until most or all of the stain is removed. Alternately, dampen a rag in mineral spirits and buff the grease pencil mark from the stain.

4. Sand wooden plant markers with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining grease marks. Scrub metal and plastic marker with a dish scouring pad.

5. Apply a coat of clear varnish to plastic and wooden plant markers and allow it to dry. This prevents future grease pencil stains.

Tips & Warnings

• Metal plant stakes may develop a patina or dark area when using grease pencils. Use light colored pencils instead of black ones to prevent this.

• Use a stick-on, waterproof label on plastic markers to avoid the damage caused by grease pencils. Just replace the label each year if the grease pencil doesn't wipe off.

• Avoid using grease pencils on unvarnished wood or rough plastic. Instead use pencil, which is easily erased when you need to change the tag.

• Mineral spirits and other solvents are highly flammable. Work in a well-ventilated area away from flames.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Grease Stains
• Boston Museum of Fine Arts: Grease Pencil