How to Get Rid of Permanent Marker on Chalk Boards

How to Get Rid of Permanent Marker on Chalk Boards
Published: Dec 30, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Remove permanent marker stains that remain on a chalk board's surface in minutes with the help of a few household products. The porous surface of a chalk board makes it possible to remove spots of permanent ink with a simple soap and water wash. Stained and marked up chalk boards are often taken down, set aside or left unused. Restore an older used chalk board to it former glory and save money on purchasing a replacement.

Things You Will Need

  • 91% - 100% isopropyl alcohol
  • 2 Non-abrasive sponges
  • Acetone (nail polish remover)
  1. Pour a few drops of isopropyl alcohol on the corner of a non-abrasive sponge.

  2. Rub the alcohol soaked corner all over the permanent marker stain in a circular motion.

  3. Add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to a dry corner on the same sponge and return to the spot for a second round of rubbing in small circles.

  4. Examine the effectiveness of the isopropyl alcohol treatment after the spot has been left to dry for 10 minutes. The alcohol may be all that is needed to remove light or small permanent ink marks. Continue on if the mark remains.

  5. Pour a few drops of acetone on the corner of a clean non-abrasive sponge.

  6. Rub the acetone soaked corner on the permanent mark in a circular motion.

  7. Allow the spot to dry and continue with a second application of acetone using a new corner of the same sponge.

The Drip Cap

  • Remove permanent marker stains that remain on a chalk board's surface in minutes with the help of a few household products.
  • The porous surface of a chalk board makes it possible to remove spots of permanent ink with a simple soap and water wash.
  • Add a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to a dry corner on the same sponge and return to the spot for a second round of rubbing in small circles.

Photo Credits

Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Jeffrey Brian Airman

Jeffrey Brian Airman is a writer, musician and food blogger. A 15-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Airman has used his experience to cover food, restaurants, cooking and do-it-yourself projects. Airman also studied nursing at San…

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