Answer

1. 

   156

   

   6-12-11

   Mrs FF says:

   < What the finders found >

    
   Yes, a dried-out dry-erase marker sounds like a oxymoron. But if you’re in a meeting, standing in front of a bunch of kids in a classroom, or just trying to draw a cat for your favorite preschooler, having a pen that doesn’t work can be inconvenient and annoying.

   

   No more dryness

   So how can you refresh, revive and otherwise reinvigorate your favorite whiteboard marker?

   We have five solutions for you, presented in order from easiest to hardest.

   1) Put the cap securely on your marker, and store the pen tip-down for at least 24 hours. Gravity should help drive remaining ink downwards.

   2) Solidly cap your pen, then tape a string to the bottom of your dry-erase marker and spin it around like a lasso. You’re using physics to help resuscitate your pen: centrifugal force will drive what’s left of the ink to the tip of the pen. Depending on how dry the marker is, you will need anywhere from a few swings to a lot more. Check it every few swings, and watch for ink drips! (Also be sure the secured top of the dry-erase is on the far end, or else you’ll instead force the lingering ink to the bottom of the marker.)

   3) With a pair of pliers, gently remove the marker’s tip and turn it around. This should give you ink to use right away, and hopefully revive the pen’s flow.

   4) If your marker is not water-based, briefly dab the pen’s tip in acetone or plain nail polish remover. Cover and store bottom-down to let the solvent soak in before using. After using an additive like the acetone, be sure to test the marker in an inconspicuous place on your whiteboard to be sure it doesn’t damage anything.

   5) With some needle-nose pliers, open the bottom of the non-water-based pen, and add a few drops of acetone or nail polish remover to the ink chamber. (Get more details on using this method to revive dead dry-erase markers here.) Again, test the marker in an inconspicuous place on your to be sure it doesn’t damage your whiteboard.

   Care and feeding of dry-erase markers

   So how can you keep your whiteboard markets happy? First, always cap your pen tightly when not in use. Then, the Expo markers site suggests storing dry-erase pens horizontally. Finally, use these markers only on whiteboards — don’t use them on paper.

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