Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:  What solution would work to remove permanent ink from a chalkboard?
Our guess is to try alcohol, hairspray, gasoline, or some other solvent.
Thanks
Michael Leyba
P.S.  This is real problem as we need to remove a student's artwork (their
impression).
 
Answer:
Here are my results:
Marker:  Sanford "Sharpie" black permanent marker
Chalkboard:  University of Wisconsin standard issue
Solvents:  200 proof absolute ethanol
           100% acetone
           100% isopropyl alcohol
Conclusions:  The ethanol removed the mark instantly as did the acetone.
The isopropyl alcohol removed the mark but only after some elbow grease.
Your best bet then is some ethanol or nail polish remover.  The isopropyl
you get in the store (rubbing alcohol) isn't 100% (I think) so it may
take even more scrubbing.  Try to stay away from the gasoline.  Paint
thinner may do the trick too.
-Joe Schultz