So . . . you’re a poor college student, starving artist, or another casualty of the raging recession. Markers aren’t getting any cheaper, the refill inks can be terribly expensive – so what do you do?

The solution is rubbing alcohol

Yes, simple rubbing alcohol can add some life to those old markers. Just try these simple steps to revive that old marker. . .

NOTE: I HAVE NOT TESTED THIS ON AD (CHARTPAK) MARKERS AS THEY ARE SOLVENT BASED

Get some rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol). It’s super cheap and you can get it here if you are in internet shopper.

Most design markers come with a chisel tip on one end. It’s the blunt chunkier flatter side of the marker. Simply remove the tip using a wad of tissue paper or sketch paper to keep the ink off your hands.

Next, while holding the marker upright, add a few drops of the isopropyl alcohol to the ink chamber of the marker. Note: this will dilute or lighten the tone of the marker

After you’ve added a few drops, replace the nib of the marker and wait a few minutes to allow the tip of the marker to absorb the alcohol. Presto! your old marker has some more juice.

So get some old markers that are starting to dry up and give it a shot. Your pocketbook will thank you in the end.

If you like this tip, please share it with others. It definitely saved me a few dollars in college!

UPDATE: From commenter Michael -

“Bestine-(Rubber cement thinner) works better than Alcohol. I’m still using old Design2 Markers that are 10 years or older using bestine.”

So give it a shot!

Tags: Quick Tip, Recession, Refill Marker, Sketch Tips, Spencer Nugent

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 12th, 2009 at 5:08 pm and is filed under Basic, Toolbox. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.