How to Fix Dried Out Markers

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Going to write or draw something with a permanent marker and realizing that it has run out of ink can be frustrating. However, instead of throwing a dried-out marker in the bin, use the methods below to fix them and bring the ink back to life! 

Water-Based Markers

Hot Water 

• Get a small bowl of hot water and dip the pen tip into the bowl if you find that the ink has dried out.
• The water increases ink from the tip of the permanent marker so that you can get more use out of it. 
• Leave the marker tip in the water for around five seconds. Remove the marker, shake off the excess water and put the cap on. 

Glycerine

• You could also try spraying the marker nib with glycerine.
• Mix three parts water with one part glycerine and spray the marker’s tip.
• This solution should work as a quick fix to revive your water-based marker felt ink. 

Make sure to store your water-based marker upside down to ensure that the ink stays closer to the marker’s tip. 

Dry Erase Markers

• Use needlenose pliers to pull out the nib from your dry-erase marker. Flip it so that the other end of the marker is facing outwards. 
• Carefully put the nib into the marker so that it’s ready to be used. 
• It’s best to do this over a sink or place paper towels underneath because the marker ink may leak out of your dry-erase markers. 
• Furthermore, check if your dry-erase marker is refillable. If so, you can skip these steps and buy refillable nibs. 

Revive Permanent Markers

• Permanent markers, or alcohol-based markers, can be revived using rubbing alcohol.
• Pour the rubbing alcohol into a small dish and put the entire pen tip into the liquid. 
• Make sure you keep the pen angled vertically in the rubbing alcohol. This will force ink to move out of the tip and you’ll know when this happens because a few drops will start running into the alcohol. 
• Remove the marker, put the cap on and leave it to dry by wrapping the tip gently in cling film or leaving it on paper towels for five minutes before testing it.  
• Another method involving rubbing alcohol involves using needlenose pliers to pull the tip of the marker until you can see the ink pad on the interior.
• Add rubbing alcohol to a dropper and add two drops of the solution into the ink pad.
• Close the opening and let it sit in the ink pad for a couple of minutes before you try it out. 

Also read: How to Revive Alcohol Markers

Conclusion

Following the easy steps mentioned above will ensure that you can fix a dried out marker. Regardless of whether you’re using permanent markers, dry-erase markers, or water-based pens, you can try these revival methods to get the most out of your ink. 

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