How to Remove Sharpie from Wood in Minutes (Simple Tricks)

Ever found a Sharpie stain on your wood furniture and panicked, wondering if it’s there for good?

Ever had that sinking feeling when you see a Sharpie mark on your favorite wooden table or floor?

I’ve been there. Whether it was my niece turning the dining table into an art project or accidentally marking my workbench while labeling wood pieces.

The good news? You don’t have to live with those stains.

I’ll walk you through simple, effective ways to remove Sharpie based on the type of wood you’re working with. Let’s dive in!

Can You Remove Sharpie from Wood?

Yes, you can remove Sharpie from wood, but the method depends on whether the wood is finished or unfinished.

Finished wood is easier to clean since the marker sits on top, while unfinished wood absorbs the ink, making removal trickier.

I’ve had to deal with this multiple times. Once on my oak dining table, where the marker wiped off in 5 minutes, and another on my unfinished workbench, where I had to sand the area lightly.

If the marker has been there for a few days, you might need stronger solutions.

For fresh marks, rubbing alcohol or a magic eraser works well, while older stains may need baking soda, toothpaste, or even light sanding.

The key is choosing the right method based on how deep the ink has set.

No matter what, there’s always a way to fix it without ruining the wood. Up next, I’ll go over the best ways to remove Sharpie based on different wood surfaces.

Watch, How To Seal Sharpie On Wood? (TOP 3 Methods!)

Things You Need for Removing Sharpie from Wood Furniture

1. Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol)
2. Acetone-based nail polish remover
3. Baking soda
4. Water
5. Toothpaste (Baking soda-based, not gel)
6. Aerosol hairspray
7. Hand sanitizer (Alcohol-based)
8. Magic Eraser (Melamine foam)
9. Dry erase board cleaner
10. Cotton cloths (Soft and absorbent)
11. Damp cloth (For wiping residue)
12. Fine-grade sandpaper (For unfinished wood)
13. Soft sponge (Non-abrasive)

How To Remove Sharpie From Wood

So, let’s discuss each method in detail you need to follow to remove sharpie properly from wood.

1. Apply Rubbing Alcohol with a Soft Cloth and Gently Dab the Stain

Rubbing alcohol is one of the easiest ways to remove Sharpie from wood, especially if the stain is fresh. It works by breaking down the ink without damaging most finishes.

Just grab a soft cloth, dampen it with a few drops of rubbing alcohol, and gently dab the stain instead of rubbing to avoid spreading the ink.

I once made the mistake of scrubbing too hard when cleaning Sharpie off my 1-week-old walnut table.

Instead of removing just the ink, I dulled the finish, which took me 30 minutes to fix with a touch-up polish. Dabbing is key—it lifts the ink without harming the surface.

If the stain is stubborn, hold the cloth on the mark for 30 seconds, then wipe gently. Repeat as needed, but don’t overdo it, especially on delicate finishes. For deeper stains, a cotton swab dipped in alcohol can help target small spots.

Once the Sharpie is gone, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any alcohol residue. If the wood looks dull, a quick polish or a few drops of mineral oil can restore the shine.

2. Use Acetone-Based Nail Polish Remover Carefully to Lift the Marker

Acetone-based nail polish remover is strong enough to break down Sharpie ink but must be used carefully to avoid damaging the wood finish.

Apply a few drops to a soft cloth or cotton ball and gently dab the stain instead of rubbing aggressively.

I learned this trick when my niece left a Sharpie mark on my 3-month-old mahogany desk.

Rubbing too hard made the spot look cloudy, and I had to reapply wood polish to fix it. A gentle dabbing motion works best to lift the ink without harming the finish.

For stubborn stains, let the acetone sit for 10–15 seconds, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. If the marker has soaked into unfinished wood, you may need a second application or light sanding afterward.

Once the stain is gone, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue. If the finish looks dull, a quick buff with a few drops of wood oil or polish can restore its shine.

3. Apply Baking Soda Paste (Baking Soda + Water) and Rub Gently Along the Wood Grain

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can lift Sharpie stains without damaging wood.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Apply it to the stain using a soft cloth or sponge, then rub gently along the wood grain.

I used this method on my 2-year-old oak coffee table after a Sharpie mishap.

At first, I rubbed too hard and left a slightly faded spot, but when I tried again with a lighter touch, the stain lifted in under 5 minutes without harming the finish.

If the marker is deep, let the paste sit for 1–2 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

For unfinished wood, a soft-bristle toothbrush can help work the paste into the stain without scratching the surface.

After removing the stain, rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove any baking soda residue. If the wood looks dry, apply a few drops of mineral oil or furniture polish to restore its natural shine.

4. Use Aerosol Hairspray on a Cloth and Rub the Stain Gently

Aerosol hairspray contains alcohol, which helps break down Sharpie ink without being too harsh on wood.

Spray a small amount onto a soft cloth, then gently rub the stain in circular motions until the ink lifts.

I first tried this trick on my 5-year-old pine bookshelf when a marker stain appeared out of nowhere.

The hairspray worked in less than 2 minutes, but I learned the hard way that using too much can leave a sticky residue. A light application is all you need.

If the stain is stubborn, apply another small spray and let it sit for 30 seconds before wiping.

Avoid soaking the wood, especially if it’s unfinished, as too much moisture can cause swelling or discoloration.

Once the stain is gone, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any leftover hairspray. If the surface looks dull, a quick buff with a few drops of wood polish will restore its shine.

5. Try a Magic Eraser with Light Pressure to Lift Stubborn Marks

A Magic Eraser is slightly abrasive, making it effective for removing deep Sharpie stains.

Dampen the eraser with a few drops of water, then gently rub the stain using light pressure to avoid damaging the wood finish.

I used this method on my 6-month-old cherry dining table after my nephew got creative with a Sharpie.

The stain came off in about 30 seconds, but when I pressed too hard, I noticed the finish dulling. A gentle touch is key to protecting the wood.

For tougher stains, rub in small circular motions and check the area every 10–15 seconds to avoid over-scrubbing.

If the wood is unfinished, be extra careful, as the Magic Eraser can sand down the surface slightly.

Once the stain is gone, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove residue. If the finish looks faded, applying a few drops of mineral oil or furniture polish will help restore its natural shine.

See, How to Remove Sticky Residue From Wood Without Damaging the Finish

Now that you know how to remove Sharpie from wood, which method are you going to try first?

I’ve had success with rubbing alcohol for quick fixes, but baking soda saved my workbench when nothing else worked.

Next time a marker accident happens, you won’t have to panic or cover it up. Give these methods a shot, and let me know which one worked best for you!

FAQs

Also watch, How To Remove Solid Stain From Wood Deck?