So my sub yesterday wrote names on desks with a Sharpie...How do I get it off? I tried going over it with a dry erase and then using dry erase cleaner, but that didn't take it completely off. Any ideas?
Have you tried acetone? I use it to remove Sharpie marks from glassware. Make sure you test an area first so it doesn't lift anything else.
What has worked for me in the past is to use Ajax or hand sanitizer to remove Sharpie off of both desk tops and white boards. These cleaners may not work on all desk surfaces, though.
What kind of surface is the desk? Denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol sometimes works. Not sure what it does to a finish. Acetone can work but can ruin a finish. I also read that toothpaste may work.
Don't use acetone/propanone on plastic. Hand sanitiser if it is alcohol based may work. Or if you live in a cold climate try windshield de-icer spray. (This works on whiteboards as well)
Never tried it...what about bakings soda/ water & a toothbrush??? Or goo gone... Again never tried it... Just thinking of things I use to get stuff off other stuff.
I may be missing the obvious here... But why on earth did a sub feel the need to write on desks with a sharpie???
Take a Dry Erase marker and rub it all over the sharpie'd area. Then erase it and wipe with a Clorox.
I was wondering that, too. Only thing that remotely made sense is that they don't have name tags so the sub wrote their names down to know who was who, and thought he/she was using a dry erase marker?
Overstepping on the part of your sub. But I have seen this online.. Easy enough to remove....but I'd request not to have this sub again
I have plastic coated desk and write names/numbers/anything on them with Sharpie sometimes. I use the spray Goo gone to get it off. I have to let it sit on the ink for about ten minutes before wiping off. Sometime a little elbow grease is required, but not much.
I've (safely) experimented a few years ago, and found that permanent marker tends to sink into the material. When that happens, the dry erase marker trick doesn't work too well. But I've also learned that different dry erase markers have different chemical compositions. Perhaps another brand would be more effective. I also agree with hand sanitizing wipes, mentioned above, especially Wet Ones brand, that tend to resolve many, many problems.
I thought of another idea. Perhaps leaving some of that sticky putty stuff used to hang posters on the wall might cause the marker to leach out of the desk. I'd leave it on a few days, perhaps during a break or weekend. Also, perhaps calling the customer service at Sharpie might lead to a solution.
Definitely nail polish remover (acetone) or that Goo Gone oil. You can find it at Target or Wal Mart. I hate it when my students do that to the desks! Good luck!
Mr. Clean magic erasers!!!! Even the knock off brands. They do everything! TRUST me. Paint, sharpie, whoknowswherethatcamefrom. There hasnt been a mark on a surface in my art room these things cant get rid of.
Yes - I was able to get it removed using a dry erase marker and then wiping with a Clorox wipe. Thank you for all the replies!
Probably just leave it, and from now on at least the students name tags and desk's tags should match up for future subs as well as you. Are students able to switch name tags - an 8 to 9 th grade trick? It would be surprising if 1st graders act like a bunch of 9th graders instead of acting their age.
