Chalk markers are great for creative minds, parents, teachers, and business owners who love to express themselves through bright colors and creativity. Chalk markers come in various colors, textures, and sizes. From extra fine tips to 15mm chalk markers, you can add additional details to your artwork to help it “come to life.”

Chalk sticks and liquid chalk markers don't come from the same materials, chalk markers are liquid and semi-permanent, which means it may take a little more than a dry eraser to erase your previous artwork.

Here are five hacks for removing liquid chalk markers from any surface to help erase your artwork and prepare your surface for future art.

Damp Cloth for Blackboard

Chalkboards and blackboards are the classic surfaces for chalk and chalk markers because they’re made of wood or slate. These materials are porous, which means they absorb liquid materials, and removing chalk markers from the surface can be challenging. It’s essential to know if your blackboard surface is non-porous, as removing the ink from the surface will be much easier.

To erase your artwork from a blackboard, place the damp cloth on your artwork for about five minutes to help lift the colors. After waiting, you can clean the surface until all the ink is gone.

Windex for Glass Surfaces

Windex is a glass surface cleaner that’s also great for cleaning chalk markers on windows, wine glasses, and mirrors. With the help of Windex, you can get rid of any stain or ghosting on your surface. The key to cleaning chalk marker off glass surfaces is to allow the Windex to sit on the surface for five minutes and gently wipe off your artwork.

Magic Eraser for Chalk Surfaces

A magic eraser is a great tool that can remove chalk markers from any surface. This tool can remove any marks, smudges, or ink from any surface, including all chalk surfaces. A magic eraser can thus work on boards, walls, coasters, etc. Magic erasers are inexpensive and reusable, and with a bit of water, you can quickly erase your artwork with minimal ghosting. For more stubborn pigments, try using a specially formulated chalkboard cleaner with the Magic Eraser.

Water and Vinegar for Wood

Since wood is a porous surface, removing chalk markers can be tricky. It will take time, effort, and a perfect mix of water and vinegar to remove your artwork from this surface successfully. Depending on the size of the painting, you’ll need to mix about four cups of water with one cup of vinegar.

Instead of spraying the solution onto the artwork, dip a cloth into the mix. Then, gently wipe the wooden surface in a circular motion to help remove all the ink—even in the cracks.

Soapy Water for Metal Surfaces

You can remove your artwork with a soapy solution if you have a metal tumbler or any other metal surface. Using a less harsh liquid soap would be best to ensure your surface or paints won’t get damaged. You want to prepare a mixture of warm water and soap in equal parts. Spray this solution on your surface and rub the chalk marker off with a sponge.

Marker Quality Matters

When choosing your chalk markers, keep your desired project outcome in mind. The quality of pigments, ink flow and color opacity make a huge difference in your finished projects. If these things are not important for the project you're working on, there are a number of inexpensive options in the market. If quality and performance are important to you, choose a reputable liquid chalk marker brand, which is focused on quality, non-toxic pigments and offers customer advice on the use of their products.