How to Remove China Marker? – 8 Ways You Can Try

Written by Laura Walker / Fact checked by Leilani Carroll

how to remove china marker

If you are looking for a guide on how to remove China markers from various surfaces, you are in the right place. We know that the grease pencil leaves annoyingly stubborn stains.

Read on to check out the easy methods for cleaning the marker from paper, glass, metal, fabric, and plastic.

Ways to Remove China Markers

from-glass

Option #1 - Using a Blade For Paper surface

get-rid-of-marker-on-paper

This method can work well even when detailing with red grease pencil stains.

You just need to prepare a utility knife, a thick cloth, and a piece of sandpaper (optional).

Then, level the knife to the paper surface and use it to scrape the China marker stain. Then, push with moderate force to get rid of markers on paper.

You can remove what you have just scraped with a thick cloth. Simply wipe the edges. And, continue until the stain is gone.

If there is still some of the stain left and you cannot get it with your knife. Use the sandpaper to get it done.

Option #2 - Using Absorene for paper

peel-off-china-marker-instructions

Absorene makes an excellent option for grease pencil removal. You can get it from local arts and crafts stores.

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Lay the paper that needs treating on a flat, even surface.
  2. Take the Absorene and tear a small piece, enough to cover the grease stain.
  3. Work the piece with your hands to “break it in.”
  4. Press the piece against the stain and wait for some minutes.
  5. Lift the piece and pull the stain off the page along with it. Imagine you are peeling tape.
  6. Repeat the steps until the grease pencil stain is completely gone.

Option #3 - Using a Magic Eraser for glass surface

remove-grease-pencil

You can get the magic eraser “up and running” by soaking it in water. Do not forget to squeeze out excess water, so it is not dripping wet.

Use the eraser like a sponge to remove the grease pencil stain. Then, go over the treated glass surface again with a fresh, damp cloth.

Option #4 - Using a Blade & A Soak for Glass surface

from-plastic

To remove marker stains from glass surfaces, you should have a utility knife, a mixing bowl, a cloth, and a cleaning agent, which can be a window cleaner, acetone, or denatured alcohol.

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Use your utility knife to scrape off the China marker stain.
  2. Mix window cleaner, acetone, or denatured alcohol with some water in a bowl or similar container.
  3. Then, soak the cloth you have prepared in the mixture. Squeeze it to release some excess water, but do not wring it dry.
  4. Press the soaked cloth against the stain. Hold it in place for several minutes.
  5. Fold the cloth and use a fresh side to go over the treated surface. Here, anything that is left should come right off.

You can also use denatured alcohol to remove China markers or pencil marks from wood.

Option #5 - Using Nail Polish Remover for metal surfaces

red-grease-pencils

What you will need to prepare:

  • Nail polish remover
  • Some cotton balls
  • A cloth

What you will need to do:

  1. Pour some nail polish remover onto a cotton ball (Work with one cotton ball at a time).
  2. Press the soaked cotton ball against the China marker stain to loosen it up. Repeat this several times.
  3. Repeat step 1. Now, use the cotton ball to dab, blot, and work the stain off.
  4. Then, wipe the treated metal surface again with a fresh, wet cloth.

You can also use this method on stained glass and plastic surfaces.

Option #6 - Using WD-40

fabric

What you will need to prepare:

  • WD-40
  • Some thick paper towels

What you will need to do:

1. Grab your WD-40 and give it a shake. Uncap it and spray a generous amount onto the stains. Then, let it sit for a few minutes.

2. Take some paper towels and start dabbing the spot. Try to draw out as much of the stain as you can.

3. Move on to rubbing the stain with new paper towels.

Note: The stain may smear, but there’s nothing to worry about!

4. Spray some more WD-40 on the spot, making sure to saturate it. Wait for a couple of minutes before rubbing the stain again.

5. Let your treated fabric air dry. It is best to hang it up rather than laying it pressed down on a surface (This can trap moisture).

6. Check that the WD-40 did not leave a stain. If it did, consider laundering the fabric in a washing machine or hand-washing it.

Option #7 - Using Dish Soap & A Scrubbing Pad for plastics

metal

You can make a soapy mixture with mild detergent and some water. Then, take your scrubbing pad and soak it in the mixture. Squeeze it to remove excess water. It should now be wet but not dripping.

Use the scrubbing pad on the China marker stain. Work it until there are no traces. Finally, wipe the treated area with a clean, wet cloth.

Option #8 - Using Rubbing Alcohol

wood

Rubbing alcohol is also a fantastic option to remove China marker stains from plastic surfaces.

You can apply some rubbing alcohol to your grease pencil stain. Then, use the sponge that you have prepared to rub the stain. You can also use these peel off China marker instructions on tiles.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to remove China markers, you should have no issue dealing with them. Regardless of whether they are on paper, glass, metal, fabric, and plastic, you can get rid of them using items probably already lying around the house. Give the methods above a try and let us know in the comments which work for you.

Furthermore, please take a look at these guides to remove EXPO Markers and sharpie marker from granite,…

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a few words from the author

Laura-Walker

Hi, I am Eveline Kessler, a content creator. My love for colors and arts draws me here to join the Intermediarts team with Leilani. I am responsible for testing new products and techniques with her and providing honest reviews and tips based on our experience.

Laura Walker

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