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Common FAQ’s
These are some of the frequently asked questions that we get about our Sharpie products. If you have a question that isn’t answered by this list, please contact a member of our team at [email protected].
Yes, some of our products can be bought individually online or at your local retail or art & crafts store. Visit your closest store today.
The successful removal of ink stains differs from case to case because of the many types of fabrics, colours, inks and time elapsed before stain removal. We cannot guarantee stain removal since many variables can be involved. Testing first is always recommended as well as following both the stain remover and clothing manufacturer’s instructions. Following these steps should result in partial or complete removal. General Rules:
Treat stains as soon as possible. Fresh stains can be removed more easily than old ones.
Check manufacturer’s labels as to fabric content and any special instructions.
Always test stain removal solution first on a hidden part of the article or on a swatch of fabric taken from seam allowance to ensure no colour loss or damage will occur.
Where possible, lay the stained article face down on paper towels or clean white cloth and apply stain removal solution to the underside of the stain so that stain can be removed from the surface instead of pushing it through the fabric. Replace towels or cloth as they absorb stain to prevent stain transfer.
If enlisting the aid of a professional laundry or dry cleaner, be sure to indicate what the stain is and the type of fabric. Do not iron stained garments or put in a dryer as this may set the stain.
You can also try AMODEX STAIN REMOVER for permanent ink: www.amodexink.com
The black ink in the Fine, Ultra-Fine, Twin Tip, Chisel and Retractable is permanent ink. The principal solvents are alcohols, but they also contain ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. All other Sharpie ink colours are Permchrome ink. For these, the principal solvents are also alcohols, but no glycol ethers are used.
A marker can be classified as a permanent marker if it:
Adheres to most surfaces and/or is water-resistant.
Uses dyes or pigments
The dyes or pigments used, which give the ink colour (colourants), determine how well a marking will resist fading and the combination of ingredients used in the ink formulation gives the ink permanent properties.
We do not have a mathematical formula to figure how long a permanent marker will “last.” With outdoor exposure on a nonporous surface, the marks from a dye base marker will be gone in perhaps three to four months. With indoor exposure on a porous surface, like artist canvas or paper, we would expect marks from a dye base marker to last several years.
Resins or surfactants give the ink the ability to adhere to various surfaces. Thus, we have markers for non-porous and glossy surfaces, markers for oily or wet surfaces and markers that can withstand extreme heat.
While Sharpie markers are AP-certified non-toxic, we do not recommend using them on areas of items that may come in contact with food or the mouth. Sharpie has not been tested as an oven-proof product and should not be used anywhere where a consumer could possibly ingest the ink. Sharpie markers are only recommended for use on ceramic or glassware when the product is being used for decorative or display purposes.
Dye-based highlighters will fade faster than pigment-based highlighters, especially when exposed to direct sunlight or fluorescent light. Sharpie Liquid Highlighters are pigment-based and therefore resist fading.