Marbles are the trend in house decor due to their longevity and patterns unique to every piece. That’s why we should be careful when caring and maintaining to protect these materials’ elegant yet classy vibe. However, permanent marker stains can ruin that if not erased from the surface immediately.
That can be a hassle for families with small kids who love to play with markers and mindlessly draw them directly on the marble tables or walls. Fret not, as here’s how to remove permanent marker from marble effectively. Read on!
Table of Contents
Ways to Get Permanent Markers Off Marble
Option #1 - Using Nail Polish Remover or Acetone
It takes some minutes to remove ink from marble if you use nail polish remover or acetone on marble.
What you will need to have:
- Nail polish remover (without additives) or acetone
- Some cotton balls and a clean cloth
What you will need to do:
- Pour a moderate amount of nail polish remover or acetone onto a cotton ball. Saturate it enough, but avoid making it dripping wet.
- Place the soaked cotton ball against the marker ink stain on the marble. Keep it there for a few seconds.
- Begin rubbing the stain in circulation motions. Here, you should see the ink being lifted gradually until it’s gone.
- Wipe the treated spot clean with a wet cloth. Fold it in half to go over the marble twice.
Option #2 - Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another option to get Sharpies off marble. If you do not already have it at home, you just need to visit the nearest drugstore.
You can just pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball then, dab the cotton ball against your marble’s marker ink stain and hold it there for a second or two.
Start rubbing to get rid of the stain on your marble with firm and circular motions. Then, clean the spot that you have just treated with a damp cloth. For peace of mind, go over it twice.
Option #3 - Using Goo Gone
Goo Gone is a store-bought product that serves excellently as a marble stain remover.
Grab your Goo Gone and apply a good amount of it on the permanent marker ink stain. Then, Let it sit for 20 minutes and work its magic. Every now and then, give it a little rub with your fingers.
If you are finding it difficult to get the stain out of the marble, consider ditching the cloth and switching to a nylon scrubbing pad instead. Make sure to rub until all the ink comes off.
Finally, wipe down the treated surface with a fresh, wet cloth.
Option #4 - Using Hydrogen Peroxide
You can use hydrogen peroxide to remove a stain from marble. But because it is acidic, you must use it with caution.
What you will need to have:
- Hydrogen peroxide (12%)
- A cloth
- Etch remover powder (Optional)
What you will need to do:
- Apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto the permanent marker stain on your marble.
- Allow a few minutes for it to loosen up the ink pigments.
- Wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- Once the stain disappears, grab a new damp cloth and give the surface a final wipe.
Etching may occur if your surface is cultured marble. So if it does, apply etch remover powder at the end.
Option #5 - Using a Poultice Paste of Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda
What you will need to have:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- A mixing bowl or similar container
- Plastic wrap
- Masking tape
- Two cloths
What you will need to do:
- Combine hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a bowl or similar container to produce a thick poultice paste.
- Put the paste on a sponge or brush and apply it to the permanent marker stain, making sure to spread it to cover the entire stain.
- Place a plastic wrap over the spot and secure the edges down with masking tape.
- Then, leave the spot as is for one day.
- Take away the plastic wrap but do not do anything to the poultice paste. Just let it sit out, dry, and slightly harden for another day.
- Wipe off the poultice paste. The marker ink stain should come off along with it.
- Give the treated spot another wipe with a fresh, wet cloth to ensure there is no residue.
This approach of using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on marble is best for those with light colors, like white marble. If you have dark-colored marble, you should substitute acetone for baking soda.
Tips to Keep in Mind
When removing ink stains from marble, regardless of where it is (from countertops, from tiles, etc.), there are a few things you should remember:
Tip #1 – Always Patch Test First
Find a spot that is not too noticeable to test and carefully take note of your marble’s reactions. If it discolors, fades, or develops spots, you should not proceed with that cleaning method. Try another method, but do not forget to patch test that as well.
Tip #2 – Clean It Sooner Than Later
If your Sharpie leaked out onto a marble countertop or floor and you notice it, start cleaning as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to remove Sharpie from stone?
If the stone surface in question is marble, you can use any of the approaches outlined above. As a reminder, they are:
- Using nail polish remover or acetone
- Using rubbing alcohol
- Using hydrogen peroxide
- Using a poultice paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
These can all help you remove permanent marker from stone marble.
How to remove pen ink on marble?
If the ink you are dealing with is permanent, you can use the aforementioned methods. If it is not, you can also consider using a magic eraser, WD-40, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, etc.
Conclusion
You now know how to remove permanent markers from marble in a safe and effective manner. Pick a method based on your marble and the stain you are dealing with, and give it a go. Regardless of the method, however, remember to do a patch test first.
We hope that this has helped you save your marble surface. If you have additional questions, reach out to us in the comments down below.
