# Remove permanent marker from old photos? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 6, 2008, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remove-permanent-marker-from-old-photos/452045 "2008-06-06T19:05:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![capybara](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/capybara/32/202_2.png) [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2008, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remove-permanent-marker-from-old-photos/452045/1 "2008-06-06T19:05:03Z")
So I have a number of old photos (1970s, early 80s) that have been marked on (the image itself) with a Sharpie. Does anyone know of an easy way to fix this and remove the ink, or would I need to take them to a restoration place (and is there, actually, anything they could do about it anyway?)? Thanks in advance for suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2008, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remove-permanent-marker-from-old-photos/452045/2 "2008-06-06T19:33:51Z")
Sharpie ink is not immune to solvents. I’d use either Bestine or UnStik. The photos should not be affected, but a test would be a good idea. Edit: You could also try the dry-erase marker trick. ---
**Author:** ![capybara](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/capybara/32/202_2.png) [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2008, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remove-permanent-marker-from-old-photos/452045/3 "2008-06-06T19:44:39Z")
Actually I just now learned that–whodathunk? What removes Sharpie? Sharpie! How crazy is that?