How to Get Rid of Pen on Paper
There's probably a time when you've made some errors while writing in your journal, filling out some forms, or signing important documents. Perhaps, you've finished printing a lot of copies or handouts just to realize that you encoded the wrong information!
Isn't it frustrating when you can't do anything but rip the paper, toss it in the bin, and start all over again? Fortunately, there are quick and easy ways to remove ink from paper, rectify your mistakes, and save yourself from a lot of hassle!
What You Should Do Before Removing Ink from Paper
There are three things you should do before you proceed on removing ink and fixing mistakes:
- Determine the ink type
- Check the type of paper
- Evaluate the number of errors or ink applications
Taking these factors into consideration will help you identify the ideal process and correcting tool to use. In this way, you can eradicate ink and make any changes without causing damages to the paper or the pages of your book.
Fortunately, some ink types like printer ink, pen ink, and fountain pen ink, are removable and rectifiable. However, some types such as marker ink and calligraphy ink may not be applicable for homemade solutions and may require special correcting tools. Unfortunately, some inks are just tough nuts and not erasable anymore.
If there are way too many pen doodles over your artwork or ink specks on your documents and they're simply impossible to salvage, don't try too hard to erase them to avoid damages. You also have to be very careful when it comes to ink removal, especially if you're using delicate paper.
8 Effective Ways to Remove Ink from Paper
After you evaluate the ink types and errors, you can try the following ways to remove them effortlessly.
1. Apply acetone or nail polish remover
If you're dealing with ballpoint pen inks or gel pen inks, using acetone or nail polish remover is one of the effective hacks that you can try.
Since this product contains chemical properties that can get rid of ink, all you need is a small amount of it and dab it on the ink you want to erase using a cotton ball or a cotton bud.
Make sure you place a tissue underneath the paper to prevent ink transfer on your book, table, or any surface you're using. Gently rub the cotton on the ink until it's completely erased. Use a clothing iron and press it on the paper to dry it.
2. Gently remove it with a razor or blade
This step is best for removing printer ink and pen ink. Hold the blade vertically and move it up and down until the writing is completely gone. But if you're erasing printer ink, you may need to use a rubber eraser to thoroughly remove it. Do this gently to avoid paper damage. You should also be extra careful when doing this to avoid any injuries and accidents.
3. Erase it with friction using sandpaper
This concept is similar to how you erase ink with a blade or razor. Opt for sandpaper with a fine grit to avoid abrasive erasures. Take a little piece of it and slowly rub it over the ink you want to remove. Remember to do it gently to make sure you won't rip the paper off or make holes in it.
4. Cover it with a correction tape or fluid
If you want to know how to remove printer ink from paper without damaging the paper, one of the ultimate ways is to cover it with a correction tape or fluid. This erasing tool is designed to conceal printer ink or pen ink without causing harsh effects to the paper.
As the name suggests, a correction tape works like a tape that sticks on the paper. You simply glide it and cover any writing you have to rectify. It has no drying time. You can write over it directly as soon as you apply it. A correction fluid also covers up ink writings but you have to let it dry first before writing on it.
5. Conceal mistakes with Wite-Out pen
Popular art supply brands innovatively designed correction pens that you can easily use to conceal mistakes. Among these pens is the Bic Wite-Out Correction Pen that features an ergonomic pen body filled with white fluid. You should shake the pen and squeeze it to dispense the correction fluid.
Since it has a pointed tip, it is ideal for precise and intricate corrections. You can hold it like a pen and write over tough errors to cover them up. As soon as it dries, you can write on it. This works great with any print ink, pen ink, and even permanent markers.
6. Try using an ink eraser pen
If you're using fountain pens, highlighters, or writing pens that are creatively crafted with washable ink, you'll have no problem erasing them. Some brands manufacture eraser pens or eradicator pens to handle washable blue ink, thus covering and correcting them. One example of this is the Pelikan Super Sheriff Ink Eradicator.
They are usually double-ended; a correction pen on one end and a pen on the other that dispenses a specially formulated permanent blue ink that you can only use to write over its correction fluid.
7. Apply rubbing alcohol
You can try using rubbing alcohol to remove ink from your journal or written document. Since it contains a strong chemical compound, you will need a little bit of it. Don't pour it directly over ink or else, it'll cause ink transfers and paper damage.
Soak a cotton bud in alcohol and then, dab it on the ink you want to remove. Do this slowly and carefully. Don't press it harshly on paper as it can rip or pierce the paper.
8. Simply use a cotton ball
To remedy fresh and wet ink spots and spills, a cotton ball will do the easy fix. This is ideal for wet printer ink and gel pens. Do not rub it with harsh motions to prevent any messy spills and stains. Just dab it on the areas where the ink is.
Take note that this is applicable for damp or wet minor ink spills and small stains only. You may try it on large spills but it may not erase them thoroughly.
Conclusion
When you make mistakes and mess up with your writings or printed sheets, it's not the end of the world. Luckily, there are many ways that you can try to take off ink from paper and conceal your errors. You can even find the best solutions among your household items.
If you decide to try any of these suggested steps, make sure to do it properly and carefully, especially if you're using sharp objects.
How to Get Rid of Pen on Paper
Source: https://www.artnyfair.com/how-to-take-off-ink-from-paper/