Science Fair Project
(Physical Science)
The Removal of Permanent Marker
Kimberly Tobias
Statement of the Problem
Do different kinds of solvents affect the removal of permanent marker?
Project Overview
The purpose of this research is to find out the most effective solvent that will remove permanent marker from
a smooth surface, for example, a silver tray. It was hypothesized that alcohol will be the most effective solvent in
removing permanent marker compared to Colgate toothpaste or water. That hypothesis was proven correct because
when it was tested alcohol was rated as a three on the color strip, meaning it removed nearly all the permanent marker,
leaving very little behind.
The experiment was set up with three silver trays, each with a two inch line drawn on the silver tray. On each
silver tray, Colgate toothpaste, water, and alcohol was tested on the permanent marker to see how much permanent
marker would eventually be removed after each solvent was applied. Using a dish sponge, each solvent was scrubbed
five times (up and down). After the results were shown, each silver tray and how much permanent marker left from
the solvents were compared on the color strip.
At the end of the experiment, data indicated that the alcohol removed most of the permanent marker compared
to the other two solvents. When water was applied to the permanent marker, the results showed that the effect was not
in fact dramatic. The same goes for the solvent Colgate toothpaste.
Based on the results of the experiment, it can be concluded that alcohol is the most effective solvent for
removing permanent marker on a smooth surface, like a silver tray.
Research
 Research of finding what experiment best appeals to
me
 Research of how other people have performed my
experiment in the past
 Research the type of solvents that would best
remove permanent marker
Variables
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Independent variable: The type of solvent
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Dependent variable: The amount of permanent marker removed after
solvents are applied.
 Constant variables:
Color strip
The measurement of the permanent marker
Silver tray
Conducted in the kitchen
Amount of solvent
Scrub strokes
Type of sponge
Control group: Water
Hypothesis
Alcohol will be the most effective solvent on
removing permanent marker compared to
water or Colgate toothpaste.
Materials
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Dish sponge (3)
Colgate toothpaste (3mL)
Permanent marker (1)
Silver tray (3)
Water (3mL)
Alcohol (3mL)
Procedure
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Procedure:
Step 1: Go to the store and buy all the materials and equipment needed for the
experiment.
Step 2: Put goggles over eyes.
Step 3: Put gloves on hands.
Step 4: Put apron on.
Step 5: Lay out a total of three silver trays on kitchen table.
Step 6: Measure and draw a 2 inch line on each tray using the permanent
marker.
Step 7: Using a graduated cylinder, measure 3 mL. of alcohol.
Step 8: On the first silver tray, pour out 3 mL. of alcohol and make sure it is
right on top of permanent marker.
Step 9: Using a graduated cylinder, measure 3 mL. of faucet water.
Step 10: On the second silver tray, pour out 3 mL. of faucet water and make
sure it is right on top of permanent marker.
Step 11: Using a graduated cylinder, measure 3 mL. of Colgate toothpaste.
Procedure continued…
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Step 12: On the third silver tray, pour out 3 mL. of Colgate toothpaste and make sure it is right on top
of permanent marker.
Step 13: Hold first sponge.
Step 14: Give the tray with alcohol a total of 5 scrubs strokes (up and down) using the sponge.
Step 15: Switch to a clean sponge.
Step 16: Give the tray with Colgate toothpaste a total of 5 scrubs strokes (up and down) using the
sponge.
Step 17: Switch to a clean sponge.
Step 18: Give the tray with faucet water a total of 5 scrub strokes (up and down) using the sponge.
Step 19: Take a look at the results and match them with the color strip.
Step 20: Record all the data and information using Microsoft Word.
Step 21: Make sure to clean all materials and equipment.
Step 22: Put away all materials and equipment and clean up.
Step 23: Recheck data and results to make sure it is all accurate.
Photos (Results) continued…
Photos (Results) continued…
Photos (Results) continued…
Photos
Data/Observations
Analyzes
 Alcohol was recorded as a 3 on the color strip,
meaning the alcohol was nearly all removed.
The water was recorded as a 16 on the color
strip, meaning the water was not very effective
on the removal of the permanent marker. The
Colgate toothpaste was recorded as a 15 on the
color strip, meaning the Colgate toothpaste
removed very little of the permanent marker.
Conclusion
Alcohol was the most effective solvent in removing
permanent marker because it resulted as a 3 on the
color strip, therefore, removing nearly all the
permanent marker. My hypothesis was correct because
I stated that alcohol would be the most effective
solvent in the removal of permanent marker, and the
results shows that alcohol did in fact remove the most
and was the most effective solvent in removing
permanent marker.
Possible Experimental Errors
Some possible experimental errors are the possibility
of not rubbing the permanent marker off hard enough
when each of the solvents were applied. For example,
I might have rubbed harder on some solvents, but not
as hard as on the others. It would very much have a
big effect on the data and results.
Applications and
Recommendations
I could apply this experiment to my life if I
needed suggestions on how I could remove
permanent marker on household items. I
recommend that this experiment would last
more than one day for better and more
accurate results.
Works Cited
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“8 Ways to Remove Permanent Marker Stains.” Photo Cards. Collage Irish Cards. MultiPhoto Wedding Thank You Cards. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. http://lilduckduck.com/8-ways-toremove-permanent-marker-stains/253.
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“Car Vandalized. Best Way to Remove Sharpie off Paint?” Honda Car Forum – Accord
Parts Civic Tuning Acura Racing. Web. 06 Feb. 2011.
http://www.hondacarforum.com/honada-2/8208-car-vandalized-best-way-remove-sharpieoff-paint. html.
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Cooper, Olivia. “How To Remove Sharpie Marker | How To Do Things. “How To Do
Things A>> How To Articles &How to Videos. Web. 06 Feb. 2011.
http://www.howtodothings.com/how-to-remove-sharpie-marker.
Works Cited
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie. “8th Grade Science Fair Projects.” Chemistry – Periodic Table,
Chemistry Projects, and Chemistry Homework Help. Web. 05 Feb. 2011.
http://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojectideas/a/8thgradeproject.htm.
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“How Can I Remove Permanent Marker?” WiseGEEK: Clear Answers for Common
Questions. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i remove-permanentmarker.htm.
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“How do I Remove Sharpie Permanent Marker? | Answerbag. “Answerbag.com | Ask
Questions, Get Answers, Find Information. Web. 06 Feb. 2011.
http://www.answerbag.com/q_ view/2070333.
Works Cited
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“How to Remove Permanent Marker : TipNut.com. “ Creative DIY Tips &Project Ideas For
Homemakers : TipNut.com. Web. 05 Feb. 2011. http://tipnut.com/how-to-removepermanent-marker/.
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“YouTube – Helpful Hacks: How to Remove Permanent Marker Sharpie off a Whiteboard.”
YouTube – Broadcast Yourself. Web. 06 Feb. 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD-MJ-nF55M.
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“YouTube – Housekeeping Tips : How to Remove Permanent Marker From Carpet.
“YouTube – Broadcast Yourself. Web. 06 Feb. 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4T0iM_B2ZA.