How to Remove Magic Marker From a Plastic Surface
Quick-drying and resilient, Magic Markers create a nightmare when they end up in areas in which you did not want a mark. If you have a Magic Marker stain on a plastic surface, you may not know how to remove it. Fortunately, you can try a number of solvents to dissolve the stain. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Water
- Hair spray
- Sponges and rags
- Spray lubricant
- Lacquer thinner
- Mineral spirits
- Turpentine
Instructions
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1
Blot at the marker stain as soon as possible with clean paper towels. If the stain just happened, you may be able to remove some of the ink. Dampen the paper towels and wipe again to remove any still-wet marker.
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2
Spray the stained area with hair spray and allow the spray to soak into the surface for five minutes. Dampen a sponge in clean water and wipe at the stain to lighten the marker color.
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3
Saturate the stain with spray lubricant. Cover the oil with clear plastic wrap to prevent it from evaporating and allow the oil to work on the stain for five minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and scrub the surface with a damp rag or sponge.
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4
Dampen a rag or sponge with lacquer thinner, which is used to thin out paint products. Rub the thinner directly onto the stain and allow it to work for five minutes. Rinse with a clean, damp rag.
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5
Repeat the steps for lacquer thinner with mineral spirits or turpentine. These solvent cleaners can also help dissolve the marker stain.
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Tips & Warnings
None of these solvents will completely dissolve the magic marker in just one application. Repeat applications or combine solvent efforts to remove the mark.
Some solvents can discolor or damage plastic surfaces. Spot-test your chosen solvent on a small, inconspicuous area of the plastic before applying to the larger stains.
Never apply an iron or other high heat to a marker stain. The heat will help the stain set on the plastic surface.
