Did you know that permanent markers are not actually permanent? Many people are surprised to learn this, as these markers are aptly named. However, even though these markers may be “permanent” in the sense that they won’t come off without some extra effort on your part, they will eventually begin to fade over time and exposure to various elements. This is because the primary pigment in most permanent markers is a type of dye rather than ink. Dyes tend to be more light-sensitive than inks, which is why you should avoid leaving those dry-erase boards out in direct sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light. This article will explore some ways you can make dried-out permanent markers once again.
How To Fix Dried Out Permanent Markers?
1. Take out the cap
Take off the cap and store it in a safe place. The cap protects the tip and prevents ink from drying out.
2. Clean the marker
Gently remove dried ink with a cloth or tissue. Do not rub the marker, as this may scratch or damage the tip and cause more ink to dry out. Also, do not use paper towels as they may leave fibers behind that will scratch the marker. If you have a marker with a removable tip, then you can simply take off and clean the tip instead of removing all of the ink from the barrel.
3. Check again for dried ink
Once you’ve removed all of the dried ink, check to see if there is any remaining dried ink inside your marker by gently pressing on it with your finger. If there is still some lingering amount of dried ink inside, repeat steps 1 and 2 until there is no more of it left in your marker. It’s also possible that you will find that when cleaning your pen you accidentally removed some residual dry-erase board residue from around your cap or barrel opening which will also cause more dry-erase board residue to be left behind when attempting to clean it in step 2 above. If this is what happens, then just repeat steps 1 and 2 until all residual dry-erase board residue has been removed from around your cap or barrel opening using a tissue or cloth (or another suitable cleaning item). You can also re-apply some permanent markers if you find them to be too light in color once they have been cleaned out as this will usually brighten them up again.
4. Re-apply the ink
Using a permanent marker, check to see if you think the color of your pen is correct. If it is more than you would like, then reapply some permanent ink to your pen by following the instructions on the back of your permanent marker package or by using an ink refill (such as those found in most office supply stores).
5. Clean the tip
If you find that your marker has dried out completely, then clean the tip with a cloth or tissue to remove any residual ink that may be left on the tip. You can also use a permanent marker to clean off any dried ink on the tip by gently pressing it with your finger.
6. Store your pen again
Once you’ve cleaned out your pen and reapplied some permanent ink, store it away again in its original container (or another suitable storage container). If you have used a disposable plastic container for storing your markers, then you can simply throw these away after they have been used and replaced them with better-quality containers designed for this purpose. If your markers are stored in an old cardboard box or another suitable storage box, then ensure that you secure them well so they don’t fall off of their sides as this will cause them to dry out and become unusable again much more quickly than if they were stored properly in an airtight container.
7. Clean your marker again
As you can see, the process of cleaning out a marker is quite straightforward and does not take very long at all. However, if you have never done it before, then it may seem a little bit daunting at first but when you get used to it and become familiar with how to clean out a marker, then the process will seem quite simple. If you are still unsure as to how to clean out a marker, then just ask us in the comments section below or send us an email! We’d be more than happy to help!
What Can Cause a Permanent Marker to Dry Out?
1. Cleaning out the tip
The most common cause of a permanent marker drying out is when the tip has dried out and is no longer able to hold ink. This usually happens when you have used your marker for an extended period of time or if you have been storing it away in a dry environment such as the back of your desk drawer or in a cupboard.
2. Cleaning the pen
The second cause of your permanent marker drying out is when the pen has been cleaned without first re-filling it with ink. For example, if you have forgotten to re-fill your marker with ink before cleaning it out, then this can leave a large void in the tip which will then dry out very quickly and cause the permanent marker to dry out.
3. The quality of the ink
Another common cause of a permanent marker drying out is when the quality of the ink is low or poor quality. It’s important to use good quality ink for your markers as this will ensure that they last for much longer and perform as expected when used on paper. If you notice that your markers are not performing as well as they should be, then you should check to see if they are still usable by trying them on paper (with their tips facing upwards) in order to see if they still draw well and whether or not they have dried out completely or not. If your markers do appear to be having trouble drawing on paper (or even just drawing at all), then you should probably consider replacing them with better-quality ones!
4. Storage conditions
Another common cause of a permanent marker drying out is improper storage conditions such as being stored away in an airtight container or container which isn’t airtight enough (such as one that has holes in it). This can lead to poor ventilation inside the container and may result in moisture accumulating inside the container and causing your marker to dry out. In most cases, this can be avoided by simply storing your markers away in an airtight container or container which is airtight enough.
5. Storage location
Another common cause of a permanent marker drying out is a poor storage location, such as being stored away in the back of a desk drawer or some other low-humidity location where it may not get enough ventilation or sufficient airflow. This can lead to moisture accumulating inside the marker and causing it to dry out. In most cases, this can be avoided by simply storing your markers away in an airtight container which is located somewhere that has good ventilation and plenty of airflows. If you do find that you have a problem with your permanent markers drying out, then you should definitely consider replacing them with better-quality ones!
Wrapping Up
Dried-out markers are a common problem, but they’re not a huge deal. Fortunately, they can easily be fixed if you know what you’re doing. To fix dried-out markers, you’ll need to do a few things. First, you’ll need to hydrate the dried-up pigment. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to let the markers sit for a few days so the pigment can fully hydrate again. When you’re using your markers again, you’ll want to make sure to store them in a way that keeps light out, so you don’t have to go through this problem again. If you’re looking for a good marker that won’t dry out, the best option is a marker made with ink rather than a dye. In general, inks are more UV-resistant than dyes, which is why they’re less likely to fade when exposed to light. If you want to get the best marker for staying fresh, the best option is a marker with a special sealant, which will help prevent the marker from drying out even after prolonged use.
