Permanent marker is the boss level. Dry erase markers are the secret weapon here. Seriously. Color over the permanent marker scribble with a dry erase marker. Let it sit for ten seconds, then wipe both off with a tissue. The solvent in the dry erase ink re-liquefies the permanent marker.
For really tough, glossy paint or wooden walls, WD-40 is my nuclear option. Spray it on a rag, not the wall. Wipe the stain. The oil lifts the ink, but you have to clean the oily residue afterward with soapy water or you’ll have a shiny grease spot. Nothing screams "adulting" like using a lubricant to remove art.
Best 13 How To Get Pen Off Walls – Artofit
The "Paint Over It" Defense (Aka Plan B)
Let’s be honest about one thing: sometimes, the ink just wins. If you’ve tried all the tricks and you’re left with a faint, ugly shadow, you have two choices. You can call it a "textured memory of childhood," or you can spend eight dollars on a small can of touch-up paint.
Always test your method first. Dab a bit of alcohol on an inconspicuous corner of the wall. Some cheap flat paint peels or discolors when it gets wet. You don’t want to fix a pen mark and create a bigger paint bubble. That’s the definition of irony.
And for the love of all that is holy, use a microfiber cloth, not a paper towel. Paper towels can leave scrub marks on matte finishes. You’ll trade a blue line for a dull gray patch, and your wall will look sad and abused.
