A child’s imagination knows no bounds, often transforming a blank wall into a canvas for their artistic endeavors. For the little Picasso in your home, a wall can become a masterpiece adorned with pencil sketches. These exhibits of creativity, however, might not always align with your home’s aesthetic appeal. If you find yourself in such a predicament, this guide on how to get pencil off wall will serve as your savior.
Understanding Wall Stains and Marks
Before we delve into the various approaches to remove pencil marks from the wall, it’s essential to understand why these marks are stubborn. Pencil cores consist of graphite powder mixed with a clay binder, resulting in the grey or black marks we see on our walls. Graphite and wall plaster seem to have a strong bond, making the removal process slightly challenging, but not impossible.
Method 1: The Art Gum Eraser Technique
The art gum eraser, easily available at artist supply stores and craft shops, differs from a regular pencil eraser. Known for its gentleness, it’s an ideal choice for delicate wall coverings like non-washable wallpaper.
Commence by rubbing the pencil marks gently with the art gum eraser, working from one end of the mark to the other to avoid smearing the wall surface. Regularly check the eraser, rotating it to a clean area each time it becomes dirty, to avoid creating larger stubborn stains on the wall. The idea is to erase a mess, not to create another one.
Method 2: The Foam Eraser Approach
Designed for general household stain and scuff removal, melamine foam erasers can also help you eliminate colored pencil marks from walls. To start, wet a corner of the foam and gently rub it on the pencil mark, working from one end of the pencil stain to the other.
Method 3: Baking Soda – The Universal Cleaner
Baking soda, a staple in most households, can also come to your rescue in this case. Recognized for its mild abrasive nature, it can effectively remove stubborn stains from the wall without damaging many types of wall surfaces.
Dampen a white cloth and dip it into baking soda. Rub it on the pencil marks following the direction of the line. After this, brush off the baking soda or wipe it with a fresh damp cloth. Remember to keep the cloth only slightly damp to avoid potential moisture damage on flat paint or delicate wallpaper.
Method 4: Toothpaste Treatment
Toothpaste, similar to baking soda, is a mild abrasive that can assist in removing pencil marks from the painted wall. For this colored pencil eraser method, apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste directly on the pencil marking. Let the toothpaste set on the wall surface for a minute or two, then wipe in the direction of the marks with a slightly damp cloth. However, be cautious of not overusing toothpaste as it can also harm the wall surface.
Method 5: Painting Treatment
Repainting the wall is your last resort if all else fails. If you cannot remove the market stains, then it is time for a full renewal. Match the existing paint color on your wall and lightly sand the affected area. After sanding, add a primer layer and paint over it once the primer sets. Be careful to match the new paint with the older color of the wall to maintain consistency.
Alternative Methods to Consider
While the above methods are highly effective, some alternative approaches can also be considered, such as:
WD-40: Spray it on a clean cloth and wipe off the spot
Hairdryer, Soap, and Water: Heat the crayon marks for 30-60 seconds, then wipe them away with a clean cloth and mild soap
Melamine Sponge (Magic Eraser): Wet it, scrub the crayon marks in circular motions, and then wipe off with a paper towel
Mayonnaise: Apply it over the marks, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean soft cloth
Remember, you might need to repeat a method more than once to entirely get rid of the marks
A Final Word
While the above methods will help in removing pencil marks from your wall, always remember to act gently to avoid any damage to your wall surface. If the pencil marks are worse in the situation, calling a home decorator or a professional painter might be a great option for you.
In the end, remember that the task of how to get pencil off wall is not as daunting as it might seem. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, your wall can regain its pristine condition, ready to withstand your little artist’s next masterpiece.