Permanent markers are a popular tool for writing and drawing on many surfaces, including paper, plastic, glass, and even skin. But what about leather? Will permanent marker come off of leather, or is it truly permanent? Let’s take a closer look.
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What is permanent marker?
Permanent marker, also known as indelible marker, is a type of marker pen that creates permanent writing and drawings on surfaces. The ink is designed to bind strongly to surfaces and resist fading over time. Common brands of permanent markers include Sharpie, Bic Permanent Marker, and Markal.
Permanent marker ink is made from chemicals like glycerin, xylene, cresol, and ethanol. These help the ink flow smoothly from the pen and bind strongly to surfaces. The ink does not contain water, which allows it to dry quickly without smearing. Permanent marker ink is designed to be very difficult to fully remove once dried on a surface.
Is permanent marker really permanent?
While permanent marker ink is designed to permanently bind to surfaces, the permanency can vary depending on the material. On some very porous surfaces, like paper and unfinished wood, permanent marker ink will soak deep into the material and be nearly impossible to remove. The chemicals bind strongly with the fibers.
On non-porous surfaces like glass, plastic, and metal, permanent marker can be a bit easier to remove. Solvents like rubbing alcohol can break down the ink’s adhesion. But it still takes effort and may leave faint stains behind.
So permanent marker is not completely 100% permanent on every surface. But it is designed to resist fading and removal as much as possible. The more porous the material, the more likely permanent marker will be impossible to completely remove.
Is leather porous or non-porous?
Finished leather is generally considered a non-porous, or semi-porous surface. The tanning and finishing process makes leather smooth and helps close its pores. However, there is still some surface texture and absorbency to leather compared to glass or plastic.
Suede leather is more porous than finished leathers. It has a napped texture that allows more penetration of ink and absorption into the fibers. Unfinished leather can also be quite porous before finishing and sealing.
Overall, most finished leathers fall somewhere in the middle of the porous to non-porous spectrum. The smooth surface makes it trickier for permanent marker to soak in deeply and bind to the material. But leather is not as slick as plastic either.
Will permanent marker come off of leather?
Because leather falls in the middle ground of surface porosity, permanent marker ink has an intermediate level of permanency on it. The ink will bind to the surface, but not as strongly as on paper or unfinished wood.
On most finished leathers, you can get permanent marker ink off, but it takes some work. The longer it sits on the leather before removal is attempted, the harder it will likely be to remove.
On suede leathers, permanent marker is likely to soak in deeper and be harder to remove fully. The more textured surface gives it a better grip.
Factors that affect permanency
There are a few factors that affect how permanent permanent marker will be on leather:
- Leather type – Suede and unfinished leathers are more porous.
- Ink dry time – The longer the ink sits, the more it bonds.
- Ink quantity – More ink means deeper penetration.
- Ink brand – Some formulas bind better than others.
How to remove permanent marker from leather
While it takes a bit of effort, there are ways to remove permanent marker from finished leather. Here are some methods you can try:
Rubbing alcohol
One of the most effective ways to remove permanent marker from non-porous surfaces is using rubbing alcohol. The alcohol can help break down the ink and lift it from the leather surface.
Dip a soft cloth or cotton ball in 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and rub it over the marker stain. The alcohol may break up and dissolve the ink. Keep rubbing until it lifts.
Hairspray
Surprisingly, hairspray can also help remove permanent marker stains. The alcohol in some hairsprays can break down permanent marker ink.
Spray hairspray liberally over the stain and let it soak for 2-3 minutes. Then rub the area with a clean cloth, reapplying more hairspray as needed. The rubbing motion will help transfer the ink to the cloth.
Nail polish remover
Acetone-based nail polish remover can act like a mild solvent, similar to rubbing alcohol. It can help dissolve and lift permanent marker ink off of leather.
Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of nail polish remover to the stain. Gently rub to transfer the breaking down ink onto the cotton. Be careful not to oversaturate the leather.
Baking soda paste
For a more gentle approach, make a paste of baking soda and water. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help lift staining.
Mix a spoonful of baking soda with just enough water to form a paste. Gently rub it onto the permanent marker stain using a soft toothbrush or cloth. Rinse clean afterwards.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam, which has a texture that can help lift staining off surfaces. Dampen the eraser and gently rub it over permanent marker on leather to abrade it away.
This is a mild method, but can take some elbow grease. Be careful not to rub too hard on delicate leather items.
Saddle soap
Saddle soap is a gentle leather cleaner formulated for finished leathers. It contains mild cleaning agents that can help break down permanent marker stains.
Use a cloth to apply saddle soap to the marker stain. Let it sit briefly, then buff the area in a circular motion. Repeat until the ink is removed. Always rinse and condition leather after saddle soap.
Preventing permanent marker stains
Your best bet to keep permanent marker off leather is to prevent the stains in the first place. Here are some tips to avoid permanent marker mishaps on your leather items:
- Store permanent markers away from leather goods.
- Keep finished leathers out of reach of toddlers and pets.
- Use leather conditioner to help seal and protect the surface.
- Cure new permanent marker ink strokes for 24-48 hours before using on leather.
- Test permanent markers on a hidden spot first to observe permanency.
Conclusion
While permanent marker ink is designed to permanently bind to surfaces, it’s not quite as indelible on leather as its name implies. With some effort using solvents, cleaners, or abrasives, permanent marker can usually be removed from finished leathers.
Suede and unfinished leathers are more prone to permanent staining, as they are more porous. But on most smooth leathers, permanent marker can be lifted if caught early before it sets in deeply.
Taking preventative steps is the best way to avoid having to remove permanent marker from your leather. But if an accident happens, try rubbing alcohol, hairspray, baking soda, or saddle soap to gently break down and lift the ink without damaging your leather.