How to Remove China Marker (Grease Pencil) from Paper

Removing china marker from paper can be tricky because paper is not a strong cleaning surface. While thicker papers or glossy pages will be easier to clean, there is no fool-proof method to remove the markings. Here are several different ways the removal can be approached. Find the one that works best for your product.

China pencils are composed of colored wax. Removing this wax can be approached in the same way as a candle wax stain. This removal process works best on thicker materials or glossy covers. Plain paper may simply absorb the melted wax further making it impossible to remove. The removal methods can be found in our guide How to Remove Candle Wax Stains.

If there are no other methods that seem viable, scraping the markings off may be the safest removal method. There are several ways to accomplish this.

You Will Need:

• Razor blade
• Exacto Knife
• Paper towels
• Fine sandpaper

Steps to Remove the Marks:

1. Choose which removal tool you will use. Both the razor blade and exacto knife can be safely used on paper surfaces.
2. Hold the blade so that it is as level with the surface as possible. This allows you to carefully scrape across the surface without pushing the blade into the paper.
3. Run the blade across the surface.
4. Carefully wipe the edges onto a paper towel to remove the colored wax from the blade.
5. Repeat until the markings are removed.
6. If a thin layer remains, a small piece of fine sandpaper can be lightly rubbed over the surface to remove it. Sandpaper should not be used in thin papered documents as it may create a hole.

Chemicals need to be used very carefully on paper materials. Too much moisture will quickly ruin a paper document.

You Will Need:

• Oil paint thinner or Turpentine
• Small paint brush
• Paper towels

Steps to Remove the Marks:

1. Select a solvent that will cut through the grease and color, such as turpentine, white spirits or oil paint thinner.
2. Use a small brush to apply the chosen solvent ONLY to the marked areas. Try to keep any excess liquid off of the paper.
3. Use a paper towel to carefully blot the liquid away.
4. Repeat, using a clean cloth each time, until no more color transfers to the cloth.

• Absorene is a soft putty that is used to lift stains and grease from paper products. It can be found at art supply stores. Simply tear off a small piece and work it in your fingers to soften. Press it onto the marks and remove. Repeat until no more of the marks are lifted.
• If the paper is thin or delicate, it may be best to leave the mark in place rather than risk damaging the piece.
• If the paper is old and fragile, consider having it professionally treated if it is of high value and important that the mark be removed.