Whenever you use ink for arts and crafts, you’re bound to have a few spills here and there. Unfortunately, if you spill ink on cardstock paper, it can be pretty difficult to fix. There’s no magic ink remover that will wash the ink off in seconds. That said, a little spilled ink doesn’t have to spell disaster for your project. There are various ways to reduce or eliminate an unwanted ink stain without damaging your cardstock.
In today’s guide, we will teach you how to get ink off cardstock and discuss some of the best methods for dealing with ink stains in general. So, let’s get started!
Types Of Ink Stains
Most people assume that the best method for cleaning ink depends on the material that needs cleaning. While this is partially true, it does not factor in the different types of ink. Certain types of ink are more receptive to specific cleaning practices than others. We will get into these practices a little later on, but first, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of ink:
- Ballpoint Ink – This ink is oil-based and most commonly used in ballpoint pens. It is less prone to smudging than most other types of ink, but it can still cause unwanted stains.
- Gel Ink – Gel ink is water-based and often used in gel pens. It provides a smoother writing experience and richer colors, but the ink can be more challenging to remove from surfaces.
- Rollerball Ink – This type of ink is water-based and used in rollerball pens. Rollerball ink has a higher water content, which makes it flow more smoothly, but it can also result in more prominent stains.
- Fountain Pen Ink – Fountain pen ink is water-based and typically contains more liquid than other types of ink. This can lead to potential smudging and staining, but it also means the ink can be easier to remove from certain materials.
- Permanent Ink – As the name implies, permanent ink is designed to resist water and other solvents, making it very difficult to remove. Permanent ink is often used in markers and can bond with surfaces quickly and effectively.
- India Ink – India ink is a waterproof, carbon-based ink that has been used for centuries. Nowadays, it is primarily used in calligraphy and drawing and can be very difficult to remove once it dries.
- Printer Ink – Printer ink, both inkjet and laser, can cause stains if spilled or if a printed item comes into contact with water. Inkjet ink is generally water-based and may be easier to remove, while laser printer toner is a fine powder that can be more challenging to clean.
Tools & Materials Needed For Ink Removal
Whenever you’re working with ink and cardstock together, you should try to have certain tools and materials on hand just in case. You never know when an unexpected spill or an erroneous stroke of the pen could happen. While the exact materials you’ll need may vary based on the type of ink you’re using, it’s generally a good idea to keep some or all of the following items nearby:
- White Eraser
- Cotton Balls
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Tissue Paper
- Nail Polish Remover
- Clear Adhesive Tape
- Sandpaper
- Box Cutter
- White Correction Fluid
When attempting to remove ink stains from cardstock, always test any cleaning methods on an inconspicuous area first, as cardstock can be easily damaged. Keep in mind that completely removing an ink stain from cardstock may not be possible, and it might be necessary to accept some level of damage.
How To Remove Ink From Cardstock
Now that you know a little bit more about different types of ink and the kinds of tools you should have on hand, let’s examine the best ways to actually remove ink from your cardstock:
Erasing Pen Ink From Cardstock
Using an eraser is one of the best methods to use with ballpoint ink (oil-based ink). However, it’s important to note that this method may be more effective for light ink stains. While you may not be able to get rid of all of the ink, this is still one of the best ways to minimize the damage. To erase pen ink from your cardstock, simply follow these steps:
- Find a clean, white eraser for the pen ink. Avoid using colored erasers or hard rubber erasers, as they may leave smudges on the cardstock.
- Test the eraser on an area of the cardstock to see how well it works with the material. If it causes substantial discoloration, you’ll want to try a different method.
- Gently rub the eraser over the ink stain. Be careful not to press too hard, as this may damage the cardstock.
- Make sure to brush away the eraser residue as you erase. Any excess residue could cause unwanted smearing.
- Repeat the process as needed.
Removing Gel Pen Ink From Cardstock
Gel pen (water-based) ink can, at times, be a little easier to remove from cardstock than oil-based ink. This is especially true if the ink has yet to dry. Oil-based inks often dry very quickly, making it virtually impossible to blot up any stains. On the other hand, gel pen ink can take up to 30 seconds or longer to dry, giving you more time to actually remove large portions of the stain from your cardstock before it can set in. Here are a few different ways to remove gel pen ink (and most water-based inks) from cardstock:
- Blot the Ink – If the ink is still wet, gently blot it with a white cloth, cotton ball, or tissue to absorb as much ink as possible. Avoid rubbing or smearing the ink, as this can cause it to spread or set further into the cardstock.
- Use Rubbing Alcohol – If the ink is already dry (or mostly dry), dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently dab the ink stain. Be very careful not to over-saturate the cardstock. Rubbing alcohol can help break down the ink and lift it from the paper fibers. Allow the cardstock to dry completely before handling it further.
- Try Clear Adhesive Tape – Press a piece of clear adhesive tape onto the ink stain and carefully lift it away. This method may help remove some ink from the surface of the cardstock, but it may not work on stains that have already set in.
- Sand or Cut the Stain – If the ink is already completely dry, you still might be able to sand or chip away at a small ink stain with sandpaper or a box cutter. Use extreme caution though, as this method can easily damage the paper if not done carefully. This method works best on thicker cardstock.
- Cover the Stain – When all else fails, you can simply try to cover the stain with white correction fluid.
Remove Printer Ink From Cardstock
Many of the same methods that work for gel pen ink also work for printer ink, as most printer ink is also water-based. This means you should try to blot up the ink stain as quickly as possible. If the ink is dry, you can also try some of the other methods outlined above. If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover is a great substitute when treating printer ink stains on cardstock.
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