Allison asked: How can I remove some expo marker from a pull down projector screen? At my college, there is a very large projector screen, and the lecturers continuously forget that it is not a white board. It appears very unsightly. What can I remove the ink with?
It’s a common mistake, but one that is not easily undone. The successful removal will depend largely on how long the ink has been on the screen and the material the screen is made of. Prompt removal will increase your chances being able to lift the ink from the surface.
ReMarkable Method (Recommended by Expo)
You Will Need:
- ReMarkable Whiteboard Cleaner
- Soft cloths
- Water
Steps to Remove the Marker:
- ReMarkable is a product that has successfully removed dry erase ink from projector screens and is recommended on the Expo website.
- Hold a soft cloth under the marker area. This will catch any drips and keep the stain from spreading.
- Spray the cleaner onto the marker areas.
- Wipe the ink away.
- Repeat until the ink is removed. Watch the screen to ensure it is not becoming too wet that it becomes damaged. If this occurs, allow the screen to dry in between applications.
- Once the ink is removed, the surface can be wiped with water to remove any residue form the cleaner.
Additional Removal Options
You Will Need:
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Rubbing alcohol
- Simple Green
- Cotton swabs/balls
- Soft cloths
- Water
Steps to Remove the Marker:
- The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser offers a quick and easy removal method for a variety of stains. It is safe to use on most surfaces. Simply moisten the sponge with water and rub it over the marker. There is no need to apply excessive pressure while scrubbing.
- Continue scrubbing until the ink has disappeared.
- If the Magic Eraser cannot remove the ink, it may need to be treated with something first. Moisten a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and rub it over the marker area. If the area is large, use a cotton ball for quicker application.
- Wipe the ink away with a soft cloth or the Magic Eraser.
- If the marker still persists, moisten another cotton swab with Simple Green and apply it to the ink. A soft cloth can also be moistened with the cleaner and used to wipe the area.
- Once the ink is removed, moisten a soft cloth with plain water.
- Wipe it over the surface of the screen to remove any cleaning residue.
Additional Tips and Advice
- It is wise to test a small corner of the screen first to ensure the cleaning product does not damage the surface or leave any additional stains.
- If the ReMarkable Whiteboard Cleaner above cannot be found, other whiteboard cleaners can be substituted, but may not be as effective.
- Hubert makes a Remarkable Ink Remover that is designed to remove permanent ink safely from all surfaces. It is inexpensive, and ordering information can be found on their website.
- If the marker stain is old, it may help to freshen the ink first by carefully tracing over it with another dry eraser marker.
- If you are unable to remove the stains, one site reader said that they successfully covered the mark with correction tape (Wite-Out tape).
Try WD-40; it worked for me. Be careful and test a small spot in the corner of the screen first.
Dehydrated alcohol, 200 proof, works well on a white matte projection screen.