How to Remove Sharpie Stains from a Wall

Last Updated: November 27, 2016

Whether on purpose or by accident, a wall marked with a Sharpie or other permanent marker is likely to set your hair on end until you know how to get rid of that stain. Fortunately, there are solutions for removing permanent marker from walls. And if all else fails, you can always spot paint over it!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Removing the Sharpie Stains

1
Find the spots on the wall where the Sharpie marks are. If this has come about as a result of children drawing on the wall, you may need to check more than just one area of the wall.
2
Choose one of the following solvents to remove the Sharpie:
- Hairspray
- Hand sanitizer
- Rubbing alcohol
- Nail polish remover
3
Find a clean washcloth or rag. Apply the chosen cleaning solvent to the cloth or rag, to dampen it.
4
Rub the washcloth on the wall where the Sharpie stains are. When rubbing, use a little force (scrubbing) in order to remove the Sharpie stains.
5
Keep applying the hairspray, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover to the washcloth as needed. Keep scrubbing on the wall, to ensure that all of the Sharpie residue has been removed.
6
Wipe off any residue with a clean cleaning cloth or rag.
7
Allow to dry. With luck, the stain will be completely removed.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Hiding the Sharpie marks

1
If you do not have any hairspray, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover, you can hide the Sharpie temporarily, before getting the needed supplies. Do this by hanging a picture or taping a poster over the stains. For lower stains, push a piece of furniture up against the wall. Head out to get the cleaning supplies before you forget about the hidden marks.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Painting Over the Sharpie Stains

1
Paint over the stain either if the removal methods failed to work (or only partially worked) or you don't want to fiddle with cleaning at all.
2
Clean the wall first. Wash off any attempts made at cleaning the wall, grime, etc. Paint requires a clean surface to adhere to.
3
Find the name of the paint on the wall where the Sharpie is located.
4
Find or purchase a can of the same color paint. You'll also need a paintbrush.
- To make sure that the paint doesn't get on anything else, use a drop cloth and tape off anywhere that the paint might touch.
5
Lightly paint over the Sharpie marks. You do not need much paint to do this.
6
Let the paint dry. Sharpie all gone. Enjoy your new wall!

Warnings

Some of these things such as the hairspray, hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover, or paint can injure you if it gets into your eyes, or other sensitive areas. They may also spoil paintwork, in which case, follow the instructions for painting the wall.

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