
How to Cover Pen and Pencil Marks with SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker
Quick Highlights
- Stops Bleed‑Through: Locks in pen oils and pencil graphite
- Shellac‑Based Formula: Dries in ~30 minutes for faster turnaround
- Versatile on Various Surfaces: Timber, plaster, cement, certain plastics, brickwork
- Powerful Stain & Odour Blocking: Seals musty smells, nicotine stains, and more
- Interior & Exterior Use: Ideal for quick fixes or large‑scale renovations
Introduction
Understanding Pen & Pencil Mark Stains
From children’s doodles to unintentional scribbles, pen and pencil marks can easily mar walls, furniture, or other surfaces. Their oils and pigments often soak in or leave residue that typical primers and paints struggle to hide.
Why Do You Need SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker?
Most standard paints let pen/pencil marks bleed through unless heavily layered. SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker creates a robust barrier within ~30 minutes, sealing in pigments so they can’t ghost through subsequent coats of paint.

How It Works (Simplified)
- Shellac Base: Derived from “lac bug” resin, shellac forms an impenetrable film, locking in oils, greases, and odours.
- Fast Drying (~30 Minutes): Speedy cure time enables quick overcoating with your chosen paint.
- Universal Compatibility: Adheres to wood, plaster, certain plastics, and masonry, making it a one‑stop solution for pen/pencil marks across different areas.
How to Cover Pen and Pencil Marks
Step 1: Surface Preparation
- Clean & Degrease: Wipe away any dust, debris, or oils around the scribbles.
- Light Sanding (If Needed): For very glossy or slick surfaces, lightly sand to improve adhesion.
- Remove Loose Material: If the scribbles have partially damaged paint, scrape away any peeling sections.
Step 2: Apply SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker
- Stir Thoroughly: Don’t shake—gently stir to avoid introducing air bubbles.
- Brush or Roller: Apply a thin, uniform layer over pen/pencil marks. Avoid over‑brushing—shellac primers work best when laid evenly.
- Dry Time (~30 Minutes): Let the primer fully set. In many cases, you can recoat or add a topcoat after this brief wait.
Step 3: Overcoating & Finish
- Second Coat (If Needed): For very heavy scribbles, a second coat may be warranted.
- Topcoat: Once the primer is dry, paint over with your desired colour or finish.
- Inspect for Bleed‑Through: Pen/pencil marks shouldn’t reappear. If they do, spot‑treat with another dab of SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker.
This image demonstrates how effectively SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker covers pen and pencil marks. One side remains untreated, clearly showing the marks bleeding through the topcoat, while the treated side displays a clean finish, with the pen and pencil marks fully sealed.



Further Reading
- Main Blog: Discover more about SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker’s powerful sealing properties.
- Product Page: SPO Shellac Stain & Odour Blocker.
Contact Us
Questions about handling tricky pen/pencil stains or other painting challenges?
Our technical team includes qualified paint inspectors with extensive manufacturing and supply knowledge. We’re here to support you—whether you need advice on this quick‑dry, shellac‑based primer or guidance on other paint projects.
- Live Chat: On our website (bottom‑right corner)
- Phone: 01482 222421
- Email: info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk
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Business Hours:
- Mon–Thu: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Fri: 8:30 AM–3:45 PM