I am doing a *science fair project* on "How permanent are permanent markers?" What are some things I can try?

Question

Like what solvents best removie the ink...So far I am going to try water, vinegar, alchohol, and ordinary soap. Any suggestions?

Plus, I am trying differant brands of marker.

But I have never done a science fair...How would I go about this? Like would I get a posterboard and make 3 scribbles Sharpie, then try and remove the Sharpie with 3 differant things? Then next to it would I make 3 scribbles with another marker and try and remove those with the same thing?

THANKS! Sorry, this probably sounded really confusing...Oh and it's for eighth grade, so it doesn't have to be a work of brilliance.

Answer 1

Good idea to try different brands of markers

I suggest that you try the test on cloth for a couple of reasons. First, the posterboard might not tolerate the liquids that you will be applying. Second, it's more practical. Getting permanent marker ink out of clothing is a real world problem. Third, you can try a couple of different materials, cotton and a synthetic fabric, for example.

I suggest that you try something like bleach or other laundry aids. Though I don't expect laundry aids to be very effective, it is something that people trying to get ink out of their clothes might try. You might also try a more powerful solvent like acetone (fingernail polish remover) or lacquer thinner. Use those chemicals outdoors and with your parents' help, please.

Dry cleaners use perchloroethylene. I don't suggest that you try to get some perchloroethylene, but you might go to a local dry cleaner and ask if they could use some of their solvent to try to remove the marks.

If you do ask a dry cleaner for help, explain what you are doing and how you treated the other samples and see if they can do about the same thing for the sample that you give them.

When testing the various methods, be sure that you treat each sample in the same manner. For example, if you wash with soap and water for five minutes, then you should also wash with alcohol for five minutes. If you only soak (and don't scrub) one material, then do the same for all.

Answer 2

try bleach.. just becareful though that thing smells nasty

Answer 3

Try acetone, it can be found in many nail polish removers, Limeaway, CLR. I wouldn't use posterboard, it will just fall apart when it gets wet. Try a dry erase board or even a glass plate.