How to Remove Pencil Marks from a Wall – 6 Simple Methods
There are all sorts of reasons there might be pencil marks on a wall. You might have let your kids engage in some art activities, and they have got carried away. Alternatively, you might have used the pencil creatively. You can paint designs on your wall having drawn outlines on in pencil, but you need a way to remove pencil marks from a wall after.
Whether your reasons are misbehaving kids, a wall chart to mark how your kids are growing, or you are getting creative with wall art, we’ve put some methods to remove pencil marks below.
Remove Pencil Marks Using an Eraser
Your first instinct to remove pencil from any surface is to use an eraser. Your instinct is correct.
You can use an eraser (a rubber if you’re from the UK) to try and remove the pencil mark. A good quality eraser can make the job much easier. However, there are certain ways to approach this, rather than just going for it with all of your might.
Instead, start with some very slow and gentle motions. We recommend a kneaded eraser. This means you can shape and mold the eraser first and even create a fine tip. This way, you’re only erasing in the smallest possible area, rather than risking rubbing the paint off around the area.
Don’t approach it like you would a piece of paper. Start with gentle rubbing and then apply a little more pressure.
If you have wallpaper rather than paint, a pencil eraser can be a great way to remove the marks.
We also recommend using a brand new eraser. This just goes to ensure that there is less risk of smudging from pencil graphite that might be on the eraser already.
Removing Pencil Using Baking Soda
In recent years, people have started to realize how brilliant baking soda is for cleaning. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water, and then use a clean cloth to dab at the pencil marks.
We don’t recommend this method for wallpaper as it can cause some discoloration.
Removing Pencil Using Toothpaste
This is a tip that not everyone knows about, either. You can use a little bit of toothpaste on a clean cloth. You need to be very gentle with this, and make sure you’re just using a simple white toothpaste. No charcoal solutions, even if they are good for your teeth.
Removing Pencil From a Wall Using Detergent
Detergent is another household go-to product. Simple, supermarket-bought detergent is fine. Once again, it is mixed with water and then gently dabbed on the pencil marks.
Using “Eraser Sponges”
You can buy a pack of 10, that come in different densities. What’s the point of this? Well, they’re made to be totally non-corrosive and non-abrasive so that they don’t scuff your wall. You also don’t have to add any cleaning products. All you need to do is wet it, squeeze it, and you’re ready to go.
Check more info about these cleaner sponges, and the current price.
Will a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Remove Pencil from a Wall?
In short, yes! Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are another great solution. A lot of people have these around the home, or they can be bought online. You can even subscribe if you need to so you get regular deliveries.
All you need is to add water if you use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It’s also great for many household uses. If the stain has been caused by a child, you might find a Magic Eraser gets used almost daily!
Can You Clean Colored Pencil off a Wall?
Yes, you can remove pencil marks from the wall even if the stain is made with colored pencils. We recommend trying the eraser method first. Then, if this doesn’t work, you can work your way through the list of methods.
- Try eraser and kneaded erasers first.
- Try using a small amount of baking soda mixed with water.
- Try using toothpaste.
- Try using a household detergent.
- Try eraser sponges or Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.
Can I Paint Over Pencil Marks on Walls?
Another great option is to paint over the pencil mark. Only do this if you have the original paint color (or can easily buy the same paint color). Also, it isn’t the best idea if the wall was painted a long time ago. You’d be amazed at how much the paint color can fade or change over the years, especially if you haven’t used a great paint to begin with.
This guide to painting over stains on the wall can help you to know exactly what to do.
How to Remove Pencil Marks From Wallpaper
If you are going to try and remove pencil marks from wallpaper, a very clean eraser will be the first thing to try.
It depends on what the wallpaper is made out of, but a lot of wallpapers won’t cope well if you use anything that makes them wet. This can cause discoloration or even make it come away from the wall.
Conclusion
If you end up with pencil marks on your wall, don’t panic. This is the sort of thing that you can usually sort this out pretty quickly and easily, as long as you don’t attack the stain all-guns-blazing! You might end up making it worse. The best advice is to start slowly and gently, and only exert minimal force.
