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How do I Get Sharpie Marker Ink out of Unglazed Pottery?

How do I Get Sharpie Marker Ink out of Unglazed Pottery?

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Original Post

JustPlainVintage says

Anybody know how to do that?

Posted at 2:50am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

Responses

PeriwinklePaisley says

You can try a Prismacolor colorless blender. You might also try nailpolish remover. I've never used either of these on unglazed pottery but they work well on fabric and formica. Might be a whole 'nother ball of wax on pottery though.

Posted at 9:41am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

redthreaded says

Rubbing alcohol removes sharpie from a lot of things. I would try it on an inconspicuous spot first, though, since I don't know what the alcohol will do to unglazed pottery.

Posted at 9:50am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

dragonfyrestudio says

I would carefully sand it off, as long as it wasn't over a highly detailed area.

Posted at 9:57am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

JustPlainVintage says

For the record, nail polish remover made the marker ink spread and there was then light soaking of the new mixture into the pottery. Not to worry -- it is still better than what I was looking at. I may try another "coat" to see if it lifts everything out.

I've heard about the miracles of rubbing alcohol on fabric, and I will definitely try that on another project I have going!

Sanding. Wish I could.

Thanks, guys!

Posted at 11:00am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

BrightSpotDesigns says

I would try gently sanding the spot. Good luck.

Posted at 11:11am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

lauraprentice says

Can you glaze the pottery to cover it up? maybe it's not that kind of project but it would cover it up well!

Posted at 11:18am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

iktomi says

Unglazed pottery is like a sponge. I think that even if the marker was diluted, it would just sink further into the clay and the result would be a stain. Maybe you can paint something over it. Sorry that happened.

Posted at 11:20am Aug 23, 2010 EDT

thistlebeepottery says

Do you have a kiln? If you can fire it the ink will burn right off. Maybe even try baking it in your oven. Be careful though. Sharpie fumes stink to begin with and are probably toxic so make sure your kitchen is well ventilated. I'd put the pot in a cold oven then turn the heat on. Try it at 200 and if it doesn't work increase the temp until it's gone. Pottery is usually fire to at leaste 1000 degrees so it shouldn't harm it at even 400.

Posted at 8:31am Aug 30, 2010 EDT

GoodNiteGracie says

"Sometimes" refiring the bisque piece will get the marker off, but not always. If you are not able to sand the area, what about trying to cover it with a stain or glaze? I feel your pain. Good luck!
Gracie

Posted at 11:39am Aug 30, 2010 EDT