Disc golf: How to remove Sharpie from a disc

It’s not crazy …

There are a few reasons for doing this:

• Reason No. 1 – Mixed with dirt and grime, permanent marker is ugly.
• Reason No. 2 – You’ve bought used, but want the feel of fresh plastic.
• Reason No. 3 – Theft is your hustle, and you need evidence destroyed.

In my experience, two methods work better than most …

Method No. 1 – Acetone

And I’m not talking about nail-polish remover, either …

The stuff you get at beauty salons is usually 60 to 70% acetone – it’s cute. The type of acetone you’ll need to make an actual dent in Sharpie ink is 100% acetone. You can purchase it at any hardware store in the paint department. You won’t need much, as a little goes a long way.

Simply put some on a cotton ball or the end of a wadded-up paper towel. Then, summoning as much elbow grease as possible, get to work rubbing the unsightly ink off the disc in question.

Rinse the disc with water when done.

Method No. 2 – Dry-Erase Markers

This one’s weird, but it works …

I have no idea WHY this works, but still – it works. Take any dry-erase marker and heavily coat any unwanted permanent-marker markings on your disc. There’s no need to let it sit. After marking up your disc, take a dry paper towel and – while applying pressure – wipe it off.

It’s practically witchcraft – click here for video evidence.

Something to keep in mind …

Time matters.

Discs are far more porous than you think …

If Sharpie ink has had 15 minutes to set on the backside of a disc, there’s a dang-good chance either one of the above methods gets rid of it completely. If it’s sat for five years, however, nothing short of tossing the disc in a crematorium will shed the thing of its blemishes.

The “ghost mark” remains.

All hope is not lost, though …

• Option No. 1 – Dye over whatever icky ink remains – it works on tattoos.
• Option No. 2 – Sell (or trade) your used, marked up-discs for cleaner ones.
• Option No. 3 – Embrace the hideous: Scratch out Sharpie with more Sharpie.

Still, the best defense against gross plastic is to practice Sharpie abstinence …

Once you’re certain it’s right, go for it – but not a moment sooner.

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