The ink from the printer may bind to the paper fibers or absorb into the paper making it more difficult to remove from the pen ink. However, as long as you don't expect your paper to be as white as new paper, there are a few things you can try. Before you begin, check the label on the ink cartridge or printer to determine if your printer uses inkjet or laserjet technology. If you cannot access the machine, try using the inkjet ink removal method. If the ink has not been erased, use the laserjet ink removal method.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing Inkjet Ink from Paper
Step 1. Wipe the new ink with a cotton swab
An "inkjet" (or "bubblejet") printer sprays tiny droplets of ink onto the paper. These drops of ink may remain wet for several minutes, depending on the type of ink and printer you are using. You may be able to remove a small amount of ink immediately after printing using a cotton ball. This will make the next steps easier, even if the ink is still pretty clear on the paper.
- Do not rub the paper hard. Your paper may tear.
- Most home and office "inkjet" printers use liquid ink, which is usually the cheapest ink and takes several minutes to dry (unless the printer has a heating mechanism).
Step 2. Gently scrape off the paper using sandpaper or a razor
Sometimes, a large amount of ink just sticks to the surface of the paper. Scrape off the top of the paper with a razor or fine sandpaper. Scrape the paper slowly, pointing at yourself.
- This step is more likely to work if you try it as soon as you print. This step is also more suitable for thick paper because thick paper is stronger when scraped off.
- UV ink, which is more expensive and stronger, will quickly adhere to the paper before it soaks in. This type of ink may be easier to scrape off than other types of printer ink.
Step 3. Use a liquid eraser
If the above methods don't remove the ink, you may have to give up. Use correction fluid and wait for the liquid to dry before writing/drawing on it.
Method 2 of 2: Removing Laserjet Ink from Paper
Step 1. Use acetone and a cotton swab to cover the ink
Laser printers spray ink (or "toner") on the paper fibers before removing the paper so the ink will dry and blend with the fibers when you see the printout. Acetone acid, or nail polish remover, can be used with a cotton swab to dilute the ink on the paper. This method is not perfect, but it may be the only easy way to do it. Your paper will be gray and stained, but new print or writing can still be easily seen on it.
Keep acetone away from heat sources as this chemical is flammable. If you feel dizzy from the smell, get some fresh air. If acetone gets on your skin, eyes, or mouth, rinse immediately with warm water for 15 minutes, without stopping to remove contact lenses
Step 2. Rub the acetone all at once with a tissue paper
Rubbing acetone on the ink will increase the amount of ink that is lifted, although 1/3 of the ink will remain as gray smudges and thin images. Rub the tissue paper only where you want to erase because if you rub too much, the paper may tear. You also can't really increase the amount of ink erased.
Step 3. Place the paper with acetone in the ultrasonic cleaning machine (optional)
Ultrasonic machines use high-frequency sound to lift the stain and remove it from the surface. This machine can be used to remove more ink smudges, even if the paper still doesn't look like new. However, these machines are very expensive even though they are sold for household use. This cleaning machine costs from Rp. 1.5 million to Rp. 15 million for a higher capacity and more powerful machine.
Step 4. Look for news regarding laser print eraser
The machine uses a flash of laser light to erase laser ink, but as of September 2014, the machine has only reached the theoretical or prototype stage. However, things can change, so look for news about "unprinter" or the company "Reduse."
This machine cannot be used to erase "inkjet" ink
Step 5. Use a liquid eraser
If all of the above methods do not remove the ink, use a liquid eraser. This liquid will leave a white raised mark on the paper, but once it dries, you can write/draw on it.
Tips
If you don't know whether your printer is "inkjet" or "laserjet," look at the label on your ink cartridge, or search the internet for your printer type for a description of the printer. Unfortunately, the prints from "inkjet" and "laser" printers are difficult to distinguish
Warning
- Some of these steps may affect the appearance of colored paper.
- Some substances other than acetone can remove laserjet ink, or they can be mixed with acetone to whiten any leftover gray stains. However, some of these solutions are too dangerous for home use, and are generally not available other than in chemistry laboratories. If you are a chemist or have acquaintances who can walk into a chemistry lab, use a mixture of 40% chloroform and 60% dimethyl sulfoxide which is probably the most effective mixture.
