Solutions for Removal of Sharpie From Smooth Wood

Water-Displacing Spray

• Designed to help prevent rust and corrosion on metal, water-displacing spray will remove Sharpie marks from a variety of surfaces, including wood. Dampen a clean cloth with water-displacing spray and begin rubbing the Sharpie stains in a circular motion. Apply more water-displacing spray to the cloth when it becomes dry. Continue rubbing the smooth wood with the damp cloth until the Sharpie marks are no longer visible. Wipe the excess moisture from the wood with a clean, dry towel.

Rubbing Alcohol

• Found in the health and beauty section of grocery stores and pharmacies, rubbing alcohol is effective against Sharpie ink. Pour a quarter-cup of rubbing alcohol into a small container. Saturate a cotton swab tip in the rubbing alcohol and use it to scrub the Sharpie marks off the smooth wood. Replace the cotton swab with a fresh one when the first swab becomes soiled. Continue scrubbing the permanent marker stains with the damp cotton swab until you have removed the Sharpie marks off the wood. Wipe the wood clean with a damp cloth and dry with a towel.

Hairspray

• Remove those unsightly permanent ink stains off wood surfaces with hairspray. Use non-oily hairspray and apply directly to the ink. Let the hairspray sit for several minutes but do not let it dry on the smooth wood. Gently rub with a clean, damp cloth for several seconds. Apply more hairspray if the ink stain remains, and continue rubbing with a damp cloth. Wipe the hairspray off the smooth wood with a clean cloth dampened in cool water. Dry with a towel.

Toothpaste

• Add a drop or two of plain, white toothpaste to a damp cloth. Rub the Sharpie marks with the toothpaste for several seconds. Wipe the toothpaste off the wood with a clean, damp cloth. Examine the area and -- if ink stains remain -- repeat the process until no more Sharpie ink remains. Wipe away all traces of toothpaste with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a towel. Do not let the wood remain damp for an extended period of time. Doing so can lead to water damage.