How to Refill Dry Erase Markers. Save money on expensive dry erase markers by reviving them or refilling them yourself. You can not purchase ink to refill the markers, but using a bit of acetone can help to extend the life of your dry erase markers. If you have acetone on hand, there likely will not be a need to purchase any other equipment, as they are commonly found items.

Things You Will Need

  • Acetone

  • Medicine or bulb syringe

  • Needle nose pliers

  • String

  • Tape

Grasp the plug in the bottom of the pen with a pair of needle nosed pliers. Try to hold onto one of the small plastic tabs.

Remove the plug from the pen by gently tugging back and forth on it. Pull upwards on the pliers while you are wiggling the plug back and forth. Set the plug aside.

Fill a small medicine or bulb syringe with a small amount of acetone. Turn the syringe upside down to keep the acetone from spilling out until your are ready.

Hold the marker in one hand, with the plug end pointing up. Place the tip of the syringe into the end of the pen. Slowly squeeze the syringe to insert the acetone into the dry erase marker.

Put the plug back in the end of the pen. Push it down with your fingers, or use the pliers if it is stubborn. Let the pen sit with the marker tip down to allow the acetone to permeate the ink filter.

Revive a pen by using centrifugal force when you do not have acetate. Tape a piece of string to the plug end of the pen. Put the pen cap back on. Swing the string in a circular motion over your head, forcing the ink to the tip of the pen.