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- Shake the marker thoroughly first
Pigments may settle during storage, so shake the marker well to remix the paint inside. - Remove dried paint from the tip
If only the surface of the tip has dried, gently wipe it with a damp tissue or soft cloth to remove the dried paint. - Soften the tip carefully
For a water-based marker, use a small amount of clean water or a compatible cleaning solution to moisten the tip and soften the dried paint. Do not soak the entire marker in liquid. - Re-prime the paint flow
Once the tip has softened, point the marker downward and gently press the tip several times on scrap paper or a palette until the paint begins to flow again. Avoid pressing too hard, as this may release too much paint at once. - Repeat the soften–wipe–prime process if necessary
For more severe drying, repeat these steps several times until the paint flow becomes stable again. - A fully hardened tip may not be recoverable
If the paint has completely dried deep inside the tip or around the internal valve, re-wetting may not fully restore it. Excessive force may also damage the tip or valve mechanism.
Always recap the marker tightly after use and avoid storing it in high temperatures or direct sunlight. This is the most effective way to prevent the tip from drying out.
Updated15 August 2026
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