How to Fix A Dried Out Highlighter
How many times have you found out that your highlighter has dried out right before the night of examination! Even though it is probably new or you have not used up all the ink inside! This problem seems to persist in every student’s life once at least. And it happens mostly when you have no time for buying a new one for immediate use. That is when you would want to know the solution of how to fix a dried out highlighter.
A highlighter is quite important when you are making notes or doing some last-minute revision. You would want to highlight the important lines on your books or notes with colorful ink so that they will stay visible to your eyes when you are going to look through the pages right before you enter your examination hall or the night before. But keeping the highlighter’s company when you need them the most is challenging. If you do not know how to fix a dried out highlighter, you will have no choice but to buy a new one. But fear not, as we are here to help you figure out the basics.
DIY: How to Fix a Dried Out Highlighter
It does not take rocket science to get your dried out highlight work again. If you have not used the highlighter a lot and you are using that there is ink left inside, then it is no doubt that the ink has dried down inside. You do not have to go and buy another new highlight for your next revision; rather, you can use some simple tricks to get the highlighter work again.
Step 1: Shake the Highlighter Pen.
First, shake the highlighter pen vigorously. By shaking the pen, you may mix the liquid ink with the dried-out one, and it will help the dried-out ones to activate again. Sometimes all the ink inside the highlighter may not be dried up.
But only some areas, especially the tip of the highlighter, may have some dried-up ink due to exposure to the air outside. This will help the product to be cleared up to use just like before. Keep scribbling on paper until the ink comes out, and you will have the highlighter working again.
Step 2: Prepare Some Bowl of Water
The next option of how to fix a dried-out highlighter is the most suitable and trustworthy one. For that, you will have to ready a bowl of water. What you are going to do is take off the cap of the highlighter and put the nip on the water. Then, keep the nip inside the water for a few seconds.
Step 3: Wait for a Few Seconds
After that, you have to wait at least ten seconds. You can use some towels to dry the pen out between the time if the whole thing gets water. Also, you have to be careful not to waste any ink on the water either.
What it is going to do is, when you put the nip inside the water, the ink holder will start to absorb the water as it is made out of a sponge. The water will help the dried-up ink soften and become liquid light before. Once the ink is softened, the highlighter will work like before.
Step 4: Take the Nip Out of the Water
After ten seconds or so, you can take out the nip from the water and blow it to help it dry faster. If there is any excess water on the highlighter, use a piece of cloth or tissue paper to absorb it. Please wait for a minute or two until the highlighter is completely dry before you start using it again.
Step 5: Put the Cap Back On
Last, put the cap back on the highlighter and shake it evenly to distribute the ink. You can now start highlighting and underlining whatever you want! If your highlighter has stopped working due to dried-up ink, these steps should help you get it back to its usual self.
Step 6: Shake the Highlighter Pen
If the ink in your highlighter pen has dried up, shaking it is the first step to getting it working again. By shaking the pen, you may mix the liquid ink with the dried-out one, and it will help the dried-out ones to activate again. Sometimes all the ink inside the highlighter may not be dried up.
Step 7: Using Vinegar as Alternative
If you want a more long-lasting, effective way to make the dried-out ink work, you can use vinegar or acetone to do the same. But, of course, you have to use a decent amount of liquid for that.
You will also need to dip the highlighter for more than thirty seconds before trying it out the highlighter. But you have to be careful about using them as they may make the ink lose its color or harm the highlight in many ways that you would not want in this dire situation.
Some Helpful Tips and Suggestions:
1. If the highlighter’s ink is still wet, you can try to revive it by dipping the tip of a pen or a toothpick into some water and then using that to moisten the tip of the highlighter.
2. If the ink is dry, you can try to revive it using a hairdryer. First, blow some hot air onto the highlighter for about 10 seconds. Then, turn the hairdryer to its coldest setting and blow on the highlighter for 10 seconds.
3. If neither of those methods works, you can try dissolving the dried-out ink using a solvent like rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
4. If the highlighter is completely dried out and none of these methods work, you can try breaking it apart and using the pieces as a chisel to scrape off the dried ink.
5. If all of these methods fail, your only option may be to throw the highlighter away and buy a new one.
Why Should You Fix a Dried Out Highlighter?
One of the most important ways to keep your productivity is using a highlighter. Unfortunately, it can be frustrating when your highlighter runs out of ink. However, there are ways to fix a dried-out highlighter.
There are a few reasons why you should fix a dried-out highlighter. First, if you don’t fix it, you won’t be able to use it. Second, a dried-out highlighter is not good for the environment. Third, fixing a dried-out highlighter is not difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can You Do With Old Highlighters?
You can use old highlighters to make new highlighters. You will need a few things to do this:
- A glass jar or container
- Highlighters
- Tape or a glue gun
- A white sheet of paper
- Scissors
Do Highlighters Dry Out if Not Used?
Highlighters do not dry out if they are not used. However, it is best to store them in a cool, dark place to prevent them from becoming dusty and stained.
Why Do Highlighters Dry Out So Fast?
Highlighters are designed to be used with a brush, and as they are used, the pigment in the highlighter fades. This is because highlighters contain oil-based pigments that absorb moisture. When the highlighter is applied with a brush, the pigment is spread evenly over the skin and does not come into contact with air, which would cause it to oxidize and dry out.
Do Highlighters Dry?
Highlighters can definitely dry out if not used properly. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place and avoid storing them in the sun or near heat sources.
Why Do Highlighters Fade?
Highlighters fade because they contain a high level of oil that can be absorbed by the skin. Over time, this oil can cause the skin to become oily and acne-prone.
To prevent highlighter fading, you should apply highlighters sparingly and avoid rubbing them into your skin. You can also use a setting spray to help keep your makeup in place.
Final Thoughts
There you go; that was a few of the ways of how to fix a dried out highlighter. Now, with these solutions available to you, you will never to worry about ink drying out on your highlighter unless you have used up everything inside the highlighter. You can at least now save up some trouble before your exam.
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