Permanent Markers

Is it possible to remove magic marker off finished wood?

I have a headboard with magic marker scribbling on it ( my children got hold of it) and I can't get it off. I tried goof off, thinner, magic eraser, ect.. Are there any other agents I can use? I really don't want to paint it. Thanks, Arn

Public Comments

1. Acetone, but wear gloves and just use a little wee little bit at a time, will probably eat the finish off so use cotton ball or q-tip.
2. Try finger nail polish remover, if it removed peremenent off wood, it should remove magic marker.
3. Try some of your perfume, it has work for my dresser that is pine. Spray it on and let it set for a few seconds then rub it pretty good. Make sure you wipe it with water afterward though, I would think it would eat through the varnish if left.
4. I just found this out: If you scribble over the marker with more marker, and then IMMEDIATLY wipe it up before it dries, it will take off the dried marker. Try it on an inconspicuous area before you try it on the real thing. Its pretty amazing and I know that it works on plastic.
5. try hair spray if doesn't work lacquer thinner will but may affect woods finish also non acetone finger nail polish remover
6. Try this on a small patch to see if it works first (but I'm pretty sure it will). But a whiteboard marker. The one you can erase from smooth surfaces...now write over the magic marker...use short firm strokes. Immediately wipe with a clean tissue. The ink in the whiteboard marker has a solvent that also works on permanent inks. Hope that works. Good luck.
7. I COULD LIKE IF IT WAS ON DOOR TRIM,BUT THE HEAD BOARD, I'D SAY I WOULD TAKE IT DOWN AND SAND IT AND RE-STAINED IT....
8. I know what will take it off, but I don't know how you can get some. My son did this exact same thing and I just started trying everything in my house out of desperation. What actually worked was Enduro Suede Cleaner for heavy soiling. It came with our couches when we bought them. It says it is from Sofa Mart Designer Rooms. The phone number on the bottle is 1-888-295-6457. It says to dilute it, but I just put it directly on a cloth and rubbed hard until it came off. And it did!!
9. bug spray but wear a mask.The bug spray will bring it right out.
10. was it a permanent marker? You'll have to ruin some of the finish.
11. Krud Kutter takes anything off!
12. Try spraying it with WD-40, and then wipe it off quickly. Or, buy a product called "Goof Off". It also works well.
13. similar problem with a permanent black marker i went over it with a non permanent black marker and wipped of with a cloth it worked hot water and a cloth paint thinner on a cloth