marker liquid dry erase

It sounds like you're looking for information about dry erase marker liquid or dry erase marker ink that has dried out. Heres a breakdown of what you likely need to know: How to Revive Dried-Out Dry Erase Markers If your marker tips are dry, you can often bring them back to life: The Simple Fix (Drip Water): Squeeze a few drops of water directly onto the tip (if it's a water-based marker) or dip the tip in water for 10-20 seconds. Let it sit upright for a few minutes. - Caveat: Water can dilute the ink, making it pale. It's a temporary fix. The Pro Fix (Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar): For better results, use isopropyl alcohol (70% or 90%) or white vinegar. Squeeze a few drops onto the tip or dip the tip. The alcohol re-dissolves the dried pigment and helps the ink flow again. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The "Soak" Method: If the marker is very old, you can carefully pull the tip out with pliers, drip a few drops of alcohol into the barrel, push the tip back in, and let it sit. The "Stir" Method: Some people have success by removing the tip, dripping a few drops of alcohol or water into the reservoir (the sponge inside), and replacing the tip. Important: Never shake a dry erase marker violently. The liquid is inside a sponge reservoir; shaking just creates bubbles, not more ink. What to do with Dried Marker Ink on a Board If you have dried-on marker stains on your whiteboard (ghosting or stubborn marks): Dry Erase Marker Trick: Simply write over the dried stain with a fresh dry erase marker. The solvent in the new ink will loosen the old, dried ink. Wipe it away immediately. Rubbing Alcohol: Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70% or 90%) to a paper towel or microfiber cloth. Wipe the board. Rinse with water afterward to avoid residue. Hand Sanitizer: In a pinch, hand sanitizer (which is mostly alcohol) works perfectly. WD-40 or Hairspray: These work but can leave a residue. Use sparingly and clean the board with water afterward. Vinegar: A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water can also remove stubborn ghosting. Nail Polish Remover (Acetone): Use this only as a last resort. It can dissolve the surface of some whiteboards, leaving a permanent dull spot. What is Dry Erase Marker Liquid Made Of? The liquid inside a dry erase marker is a solvent-based ink. The key ingredient that makes it "dry erase" is a release agent (often silicone or a similar polymer). This prevents the pigment from bonding to the board surface. Typical formula: Solvent: Low odor aliphatic solvents (like isopropyl alcohol) or a glycol ether (like butyl cellosolve). Pigment: Colorant. Resin/Release Agent: A silicone-based polymer or wax that creates the "dust" that can be wiped away. Preservative: To prevent mold. Can You Buy "Dry Erase Marker Ink" to Refill? Generally, no. Most dry erase markers are designed to be disposable. The ink is sealed inside a felt reservoir. You cannot buy a bottle of "dry erase marker refill ink" for standard markers. Exceptions: Pilot V Board Master: These are refillable markers. Pilot sells specific ink cartridges for them. EXPO: While EXPO does not sell refill bottles for their standard markers, they do sell a "Low Odor Dry Erase Marker Refill Kit" which is a bottle of clear liquid that re-wets dried-out markers (it's essentially alcohol with some additives). This is for rehydrating the tip, not for replacing the pigment. Eberhard Faber/Berol: Some older marker models were refillable with specific ink bottles. Summary You want to... Solution : : Revive a dried marker Add a few drops of water or rubbing alcohol to the tip. Remove old marker stains Use rubbing alcohol, fresh marker, or hand sanitizer. Buy ink to refill Generally not available. Buy new markers, or look for a refillable system (like Pilot V Board). Find the liquid formula Solvent + pigment + silicone release agent. Bottom line: The best way to keep markers fresh is to store them horizontally (not upside down) and cap them tightly immediately after use. If they dry out, the alcohol trick works 80% of the time.