If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, you know that the experience can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You’re thrilled to have something permanent to show off, but you also worry about how it will turn out. Unfortunately, not all tattoos are created equal – and some of them can be pretty difficult to get rid of. So if if you’re unhappy with your pencil tattoo, don’t worry – there are ways to get rid of it. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get rid of a pencil tattoo safely and effectively.

Many people who get tattoos want to remove them someday. How you choose to do it depends on your reasons for wanting a tattoo gone in the first place and how much time and money you’re willing to invest in the process.
Things You’ll Need
- Baking Soda
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Cotton Swab (Band-Aid)
A Step by Step Guide on How to Get Rid of a Pencil Tattoo
Step 1: Determine if it’s an Oil-based Pencil
If you do not already know, this will help you determine if the tattoo is made with oil or lead. You can tell by rubbing a pencil along your arm that has the tattoo, then touching it to paper. The mark should transfer from your arm to the paper only in powder form if it is yellow, whereas if there are any solid chunks of pigment, then it is lead.
Step 2: For Oil-Based Pencils

If you’ve determined that it’s an oil-based pencil, get some baking soda and soak your tattoo for about ten minutes. Then get some cotton swabs (or gauze pads), soak them in rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl works best), and put them on the affected area for about five to seven minutes. Rinse off the excess by submerging under warm water, dry off with a paper towel, and cover up with a Band-Aid. Repeat this process every three days until the mark fades away completely.
Step 3: For Lead-Based Pencils
If you’ve determined that it’s lead-based, put some lotion on the tattoo to protect your skin. Then take a cotton ball and soak it in rubbing alcohol. Put this on your tattoo for about ten minutes. Then use another cotton ball soaked in water to remove the excess cream from your skin, and let it dry out completely before washing off with warm water.
Finally, dry off with a paper towel and cover up with a Band-Aid. Repeat this process every three days until the mark fades away completely.
Step 4: Remove it Quickly (not recommended)
If you can’t wait three days before repeating the above steps, use a clean Q-tip and soak it in rubbing alcohol. Rub this on your tattoo for about one minute, let it dry out for five minutes, rinse with warm water, dry off with a paper towel and cover up with a Band-Aid. Repeat every two hours until the mark fades away completely.
The downside of using this method is that you could cause significant scarring or permanent damage to your skin if done repeatedly over long periods. Therefore, this is NOT recommended under any circumstances whatsoever!
If you must do so, be sure to wear sunscreen after performing this process so as not to damage your skin any further (the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause significant damage to the skin, and not only do they increase your risk of developing cancer but may also cause you to grow more hair on your body).
Step 5: Prevent it from Coming Back

To prevent pencil tattoos from coming back, always use sun protection. Try not to expose your tattooed area of skin directly to harsh ultraviolet or infrared rays for too long, as this can lead to darkening of the pigment. Always wear clothing over your tattoo when in direct sunlight.
If you plan to tan, opt for a spray-on sunscreen instead of lying out under the sun’s UV rays. You can also purchase an over-the-counter cream explicitly designed to fade tattoos called Tattoo Off. This will help fade any unwanted tattoos quickly and easily! Finally, to top it off, always moisturize after washing by patting dry with a paper towel before applying lotion to the area.
Lastly, always wash your tattoo with warm water and mild soap after doing manual labor or sweating excessively in that area of the skin. If you cannot avoid getting your tattoos dirty, clean them off quickly so they do not get infected.
Remember, keep it moisturized! A simple routine of maintaining your tattoo moisturized will go a long way in preventing further damage. So if you are ever worried about sun exposure or wondering, follow these steps carefully!

Does Anything Dissolve Graphite?
Graphite is a form of carbon. Carbon has the chemical symbol “C” on the Periodic Table of Elements. Many of its physical properties are similar to that of amorphous carbon, which is also known as “amorphous carbon,” “uni-carbon,” or simply “pencil lead.” The material can either be amorphous or crystalline in structure, depending on its atomic arrangement. Amorphous materials are tough and usually dark gray, black, or greenish.
One thing you might try dissolving graphite with would be carborundum. Carborundum is an artificial abrasive mainly consisting of silicon carbide (SiC). It is hard enough to scratch glass yet can easily be broken into sharp pieces. If you cannot find carborundum, you could try sandpaper, made of silicon carbide, or even flint, which includes the same type of mineral as quartz.
Soap and water can dissolve pencil lead if rubbed for a long enough time, but it will not remove the stain. Please do not attempt to use other soap forms because they may contain chemicals that can damage your skin. Distilled white vinegar has been known to lighten mildew stains slightly; however, soaking for several hours may still be required to eliminate the remnants.
Conclusion
We hope you find this article on how to get rid of a pencil tattoo. If you consider getting a tattoo removed, there are several options available to you. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before deciding. The best choice for you will depend on the size and location of the tattoo and your budget and personal preferences. However, we hope you’ve found it helpful.
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.