27 answers

Permanant Marker on walls...HELP!

My 3yo artist wrote on the wall with permanent marker. It's quite large and she used black. I've tried magic eraser, toothpaste, 409 as well as plain soap and water. Anyone have something that worked for them? We have washable markers but she found a permanent marker, of course! Thanks in advance.

2 moms found this helpful

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Thanks to everyone that offered their help! You are the best resource for real life problem solving!
Things I tried that didn't work: 409, WD40, Shout, Magic Eraser, going over the original with a dry erase marker, toothpaste, goo gone, pet b' gone, soap and water, and various other general all purpose cleaners.
As a last resort, I went to my husbands garage and found a product he uses to remove various "things" when he cleans his car. Goof Off® Professional Strength is the Miracle Remover. The Goof off removed the ink immediately with no scrubbing. Although my paint was unharmed, the glazing over the paint was removed. I will have the hall repainted as it is very obvious where the little "Rembrandt" worked her art. We have always used washable markers, crayons, etc. and when I discovered our latest "exhibit", I made a second pass in the art bins and made sure there is nothing permanent. The worst thing about this issue: I forgot to take a picture of my proud little artist and her masterpiece! Probably a good thing. A photo shoot may have encouraged my budding artist! HA! Thanks again Mama's!!!

Featured Answers

I am afraid you are going to have to paint over it. You will need to first prime with a product like Kilz so the marker will not bleed through and then you can hopefully just paint the spot where the marker was. We always keep paint around for all the walls just for touch ups and oops moments ;) It is usually easier to touch up than to scrub anyway.

1 mom found this helpful

If it's glossy paint, rubbing alcohol might work. I've used it to get permanent marker off books & whiteboards. Good luck!

My son did this same thing when he was 3 and the best thing i found for it was nail polish remover!! It worked great for me just be careful not to use too much cause it can take the paint off the walls!!

D.
Stay at home mom of 2 kids.... 4 yr old son and 2 yr old daughter!!!

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I am afraid you are going to have to paint over it. You will need to first prime with a product like Kilz so the marker will not bleed through and then you can hopefully just paint the spot where the marker was. We always keep paint around for all the walls just for touch ups and oops moments ;) It is usually easier to touch up than to scrub anyway.

1 mom found this helpful

Isn't it time to redecorate anyway? Kilz, then paint. If you don't Kilz first it will bleed through- no matter how many coats of paint you apply. (Experience...)

I think I agree with Rebecca. You need to paint over it. You tried the things I was going to suggest. The magic eraser, 409..

Hi! As a former teacher I do know that aerosol hairspray removes permanent marker from a dry erase board and so you might try this. Rubbing alcohil removes ballpoint pen from upholstry and so you could try this as well. Good luck! - hope this helps!

LOL. I only laugh because my daughter used permanent marker to make a "chair rail" around her ENTIRE room with black and silver sharpie!
AAAKKK....I ended up having to use "Killz" to cover it up then repaint the entire room.
I tried everything but I could just not get ALL of it.
Best of luck and I can honestly say I can now laugh about it...It is a fond memory and a great lesson!

My son did this same thing when he was 3 and the best thing i found for it was nail polish remover!! It worked great for me just be careful not to use too much cause it can take the paint off the walls!!

D.
Stay at home mom of 2 kids.... 4 yr old son and 2 yr old daughter!!!

Try WD-40. Start with a small spot and go slowly. Good luck!

I work with a company that is by invite only that has a wonderful product that not only gets rid of permenant marker - it doesn't damage the walls either. I'd be happy to tell you more about it and their other safe products. Please contact me - K. @ ###-###-####. I wish you the best of luck.

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