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How to Get Marker Off a Poster

You can remove marker from some posters as long as the poster has a glossy surface. A glossy surface is less porous and will not hold marker ink as easily as a textured poster. You will have less luck removing permanent marker than other types of washable markers. You may only be able to lighten permanent-marker stains on posters. Be careful when using this process as it can weaken the poster material.

Things You'll Need

  • Dry-erase marker
  • Paper towels
  • Cloths
  • Spirit of salts
  • Cotton swab
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trace over the marker with a dry-erase marker if the poster is glossy. The dry-erase ink will bond with some or all of the marker ink on the poster. Don't draw on non-glossy posters as it won't come off those surfaces.

    • 2

      Wipe the dry-erase ink off with a paper towel or cloth. The dry-erase ink will immediately come off and will take some or all of the original marker with it.

    • 3

      Repeat the process until all the marker is gone or until it is as light as possible.

    • 4

      Dampen a cotton swab with a solution of 1 tablespoon spirit of salts and 4 tablespoons water (if the stain is still visible). Squeeze the cotton tip end so it is as dry as possible. This will prevent you from soaking the poster.

    • 5

      Place a few paper towels on the back of the poster, opposite the marker stain. This will help absorb any liquid and keep the poster from getting soggy.

    • 6

      Blot the spirit of salts solution on the poster.

    • 7

      Repeat the process until the marker stain is gone.

    • 8

      Keep the poster flat on the working surface for several hours until it is dry. Don't hang it up before it is dry as this could encourage tearing.