Removing crayon or marker from wood furniture may be a challenge you’re familiar with if you have a young Picasso at home. When children express themselves artistically on your fine furnishings, all may not be lost. Whether the medium is crayon, marker or paint, it’s possible to remove the doodles and save the day. Here are some tips and tricks for rescuing your wood furniture.
How to Remove Crayon from Wood Furniture
The crayon-removal method depends largely on the type of wood surface in question. In many cases, crayon marks can be removed by first wiping the surface with a cloth dipped in hot water, then rubbing on some dry baking soda. A dry “magic eraser” may do the trick, as can plain white vinegar on a damp cloth. If your furniture has a finely polished surface, however, these methods may harm the surface. For an alternative method that may be less harmful, apply a small amount of lemon essential oil and gently buff with a soft cloth. If the stain is large, dilute the lemon oil with a bit of olive oil. If the marks are older, soften them up first with a blow dryer.
Removing Marker or Ink from Wood Surfaces
Markers and ink can be more challenging, especially if they are of the permanent variety. Try making a paste from baking soda and water and apply it to the area. After a moment, wipe the area with a clean, soft cloth. Rubbing alcohol applied with a cotton ball or swab is effective for ink removal, but it can be harsh on wood surfaces. Try smearing plain toothpaste (the white variety, preferably with baking soda) across the stain and wiping with a damp cloth. You can also make a thick paste from baking soda and lemon juice or white vinegar for deeper, set-in ink or dye stains, but test first on a small, obscure area.
Tips for Removing Paint from Furniture
If you catch this one early, while the paint is still wet, warm water and a cloth should work; take care, however, to not spread the paint around. If the paint has dried, this approach may still work, assuming the paint is water-soluble. If not, try denatured alcohol or mineral spirits applied with a damp rag. In extreme cases, allow boiled linseed oil to sit for 30 to 60 seconds on the stain, then gently wipe with a cloth dipped in linseed oil. It may be possible to gently scrape dried paint marks away also, but you are more likely to damage the wood’s surface.
If the artwork won’t budge and it’s time for a new piece of fine wood furniture, the designers at Guild Hall Fine Furniture in Salt Lake City can help you select the perfect piece to blend with your existing décor. Their experienced professionals can offer sound advice for removing crayon or marker from wood furniture and protecting it in the future.
