Got a little artist at home who treats the walls like a canvas?
If they’ve ever used a Texta on your wall while you weren’t looking, you know how tough those stains can be.
Permanent markers are made to stick on almost any surface and stay there.
To clean marker stains, rubbing alcohol is usually your best bet, and it works most of the time.
But if it doesn’t, there are other safe methods that will remove permanent marker (but not paint).
You’ll see that permanent marker is not as permanent as it seems!
Steps to Get Permanent Marker Off Walls | More Options | Repainting Your Wall
Before Getting Started
Before you proceed, identify the type of surface you’re working with.
You’ll have the best luck with glossy painted walls, as they don’t absorb ink easily.
Porous materials like brick, matte paint, and unsealed wood can be trickier since they tend to hold onto stains.
If the wall is wallpapered, be extra gentle. Vinyl types can handle a bit of moisture, but paper ones may need repatching.
When cleaning your walls, always test any product you’ll use on a tiny spot first.
This way, you can make sure it lifts the stain without damaging the surface underneath.
Also, avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh cleaning solutions like bleach to protect the wall’s finish.
How To Get Permanent Marker Off Walls Without Removing Paint
Rubbing alcohol is usually the best way to remove permanent marker stains from painted walls.
However, it’s always a good idea to try gentler methods first!
Step 1: Dust the wall surface
Start by pre-cleaning the wall. Gently wipe away any dust and loose dirt using a clean, dry cloth.
This keeps you from smearing grime around while trying to remove marker stains.
Step 2: Start with gentle methods
Before reaching for stronger cleaners, try gentle cleaning methods like dish soap or white vinegar.
They’re mild, but they can work on permanent marker, especially on non-porous wall surfaces.
(They might also work on other stains like crayon and scuff marks!)
DISH SOAP: Mix warm water and some dish soap in a bowl. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the solution, then gently rub the marker stain.
VINEGAR: Apply undiluted white vinegar to a clean cloth, then lightly scrub the affected area.
If needed, rinse the cloth and repeat the steps until the marker comes off.
Step 3: Try rubbing alcohol
Gentler methods didn’t work? Don’t worry — rubbing alcohol usually does the trick!
Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) is often the most effective way to remove permanent marker stains on walls.
Pour a small amount onto a cotton ball or soft cloth. Then, dab the stain or rub it in small, circular motions to avoid spreading the ink.
Don’t scrub too hard, as this can damage the paint.
For larger or stubborn stains, repeat the steps until the marker lifts.
TIP: If you don’t have rubbing alcohol on hand, you can use other alcohol-based products, like a hand sanitiser.
Step 4: Use commercial cleaners
If the marker still won’t come off, try a commercial product like all-purpose cleaners or Goo Gone.
Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and don’t forget to wear gloves to protect your hands.
Step 5: Wipe everything off
Once the stain is gone, wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth.
For quicker drying, point a fan towards the wall and open a window or two.
This will also clear out any lingering smell from the cleaning products you used!
How to Get Texta off Walls: More Options
If the steps above didn’t work, don’t panic yet!
There are plenty of ways to remove marker stains from walls without stripping the paint.
Option 1: Baking soda and toothpaste
This combination is a mild abrasive that can get the marker out without damaging the paint.
Mix equal parts of baking soda and plain white toothpaste, and apply it to the ink stain.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently rub the area with a damp, soft cloth.
When you’re done, use another damp cloth to rinse off any residue from the paste.
Option 2: Dry-erase markers
It might sound odd, but dry-erase markers or whiteboard markers can get texta off walls!
They contain ingredients that stop ink from bonding to surfaces, which can help dissolve permanent marker stains.
You can use any colour of dry-erase marker for this method.
To start, draw directly over the marker stains, covering the area completely.
Then, blot the area with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Repeat if needed, then wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any ink residue.
Option 3: Hair spray
Most hair sprays contain alcohol, which can help remove permanent marker stains from walls.
Hold a towel underneath the marker stain to catch any drips, then spritz a little hair spray onto the affected area.
Let it sit for a few seconds, but don’t let it dry.
Next, gently wipe the area with a damp rag and repeat the steps if needed.
Option 4: Makeup remover
Makeup removers — especially those designed for waterproof makeup — can lift marker stains off walls.
Wet a cotton pad or clean cloth with a makeup remover, then gently dab the stain.
As the ink transfers, switch to a fresh pad or cloth.
When you’re done, rinse off any residue from the makeup remover with a clean, damp rag.
Option 5: Sunscreen
Surprisingly, sunscreen can get permanent marker off your wall!
Max-strength, spray sunscreens usually work best, as they contain alcohol and oils that loosen ink. Cream or lotion sunscreens can be effective, too.
Apply a small amount of sunscreen onto the marker stain.
Wait for a few seconds, then dab the area with a soft, damp cloth before the sunscreen dries.
Once the stain is gone, wipe off any leftover sunscreen with a fresh, damp cloth.
Option 6: WD-40
WD-40 is a petroleum-based solvent that can break down permanent marker ink, especially on high- or semi-gloss surfaces.
However, do not use WD-40 on porous materials like brick, matte paint, and unsealed wood.
It’s also not safe for wallpaper, as it can dissolve the adhesive.
Before you start, open your windows to keep the room well-ventilated, and wear gloves for safety.
Hold a clean towel under the stain to catch any drips, then lightly spray WD-40 directly onto the mark.
Wait a few seconds, then gently wipe in a circular motion.
Once the marker is gone, remove any remaining WD-40 using a soft cloth dipped in soapy water.
Then, mop up any soapy residue with another rag dampened with plain water.
Last Resort: Repainting Your Wall
If all else fails, your last resort might be to repaint the wall — or at least the section with the permanent marker.
Start by cleaning the area thoroughly to remove any residue from previous cleaning attempts.
Once the wall is dry, apply a stain-blocking primer over the marker. This stops the stain from bleeding through the new paint.
Let the primer dry fully.
To match your wall accurately, chip off a small piece of the existing paint. Take it to a paint shop for colour matching.
When you’re ready, repaint the area. Apply two thin coats for better and longer-lasting coverage.
FAQs About Marker Stains on Walls
Still got questions about that pesky permanent marker stain? We’ve got your walls covered!
Does permanent marker stay on walls?
Yes, permanent marker is designed to stick to most surfaces, including walls.
But while it’s called “permanent,” it doesn’t have to stay forever.
You can get rid of marker stains using alcohol-based products like rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser.
How do you get permanent marker off painted walls?
Rubbing alcohol is one of the most effective ways to remove dried permanent marker from painted walls. It’s safe for white walls, too!
If that doesn’t work, there are other safe options to lift marker stains:
- Dry-erase markers
- Max-strength spray sunscreen
- Baking soda and white toothpaste
To avoid unexpected damage, test your product on an inconspicuous area using a cotton swab.
If nothing else works, you might need to repaint your wall.
Can Magic Eraser remove permanent marker stains from walls?
Yes, a Magic Eraser can remove marker stains from walls, but be careful when using it.
A Magic Eraser works like an ultra-fine sandpaper, which scrubs away the top layer of a surface.
So while it can lift marker stains, it might also remove paint in the process.
If you decide to use a Magic Eraser, test it on a small spot first to see how it affects the wall’s finish.
Rub gently using light pressure. Check your progress often to avoid permanent damage.
Can I use nail polish remover to get permanent marker off painted walls?
You can use nail polish remover to get marker stains off walls, but do so with caution.
Most nail polish removers contain acetone, a strong solvent that can break down permanent ink.
However, it can also strip many types of paint!
Before use, test the nail polish remover on a hidden spot. If it’s safe, apply a small amount to a cloth and gently blot the ink stain.
Afterwards, wipe off any residue with a clean, damp cloth.
