When you find pen marks on your wall, your initial thought may be to start scrubbing away with a harsh cleaning solution or even scrape off the paint entirely. However, it is possible to remove pen from a wall without removing paint if you use the right techniques and materials. In this post, we'll share some tips on how to remove pen from a wall without damaging the paint.
Make Sure To Test FIRST
Before attempting to remove pen from a large area, it's important to test the method on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that it doesn't damage the paint. Choose a small, out-of-the-way area to test on, and use a cotton swab or small brush to apply the cleaning solution to the pen mark. Gently rub the area with a clean cloth or paper towel to see if the pen mark comes off without affecting the paint.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an effective solvent that can remove pen marks from walls without damaging the paint. Start by applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Gently rub the pen mark, being careful not to rub too hard as this can remove the paint. Continue rubbing until the pen mark is gone, and then wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any rubbing alcohol residue.
Can I Use Toothpaste to Remove Pen Marks
Toothpaste is another household item that can help remove pen marks from walls without removing the paint. Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to a clean, damp cloth, and gently rub the pen mark in a circular motion. As with rubbing alcohol, be careful not to rub too hard as this can damage the paint. Once the pen mark is gone, gently wipe the area that you cleaned with a damp cloth to remove any remaining toothpaste.
Will Baking Soda Work to Remove Pen Marks?
Baking soda is another effective cleaning solution for removing pen and crayon marks from walls. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, and apply the paste to the pen mark. Gently rub the area with a clean cloth or paper towel until the pen mark is gone. As with previous methods make sure to clean the area with a clean and damp cloth to remove any baking soda residue.
Have You Tried Magic Eraser?
Magic erasers are another effective tool for removing pen marks from walls without damaging the paint. Wet the magic eraser with water and wring out any excess. Gently rub the pen mark in a circular motion, being careful not to rub too hard. Once the pen mark is gone, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.
Can Hairspray Remove Pen Marks?
Hairspray is another household item that can help remove pen marks from walls without damaging the paint. Spray a small amount of hairspray onto a clean, white cloth or paper towel, and gently rub the pen mark. You can also spray some hairspray into the lid of the can, and dip a cloth into the liquid inside the lid, before applying to the wall. Once you've removed the pen mark, wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove any hairspray residue from the wall surface.
Using Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile cleaning solution that can help remove pen marks from walls without lifting the paint off the wall. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray the solution onto the pen mark. Gently rub the area with a clean cloth. Once the marks are removed wipe the area with a clean to remove any remaining vinegar residue.
Repainting After Removing Pen Marks
It's always best to seal the area before you re-apply your original wall color, to make sure you don't get any bleeding through from the pen, ink or crayon residue. Most of the time your wall color paint will be water based so stains, pen marks and similar marks can easily bleed through.
To prevent this you will need to use an oil based primer or undercoat to touch up the area first, and to prevent anything bleeding through to your finished coats of paint.
Then go ahead and touch up with your wall color, for the perfect finish.
Removing pen marks from walls can be a challenging task, especially if you want to avoid damaging the paint. By using the right techniques and materials, however, it is possible to remove pen from a wall without removing paint. Whether you choose to use rubbing alcohol, toothpaste, baking soda, magic eraser, hairspray, vinegar, or another cleaning solution, make sure you gently try out an inconspicuous area first, before proceeding with the main pen marked area.
