Frequently Asked Questions About BIC® Stationery

From how long a BIC® Pen lasts to why there’s a little hole in the barrel of a BIC® Cristal® pen, here are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often.

Where can I purchase BIC® stationery products?

BIC® stationery products are sold by a variety of outlets such as mass merchandisers, grocery stores, pharmacies, office superstores, wholesale clubs, and online. We also wanted to let you know that many BIC® products are available to purchase directly from us at www.ShopBIC.com.

Can I purchase individual colors of BIC Marking® Permanent Markers?

You can purchase individual colors of the BIC Marking® Permanent Markers at https://www.shopbic.com/products/stationery/markers#2.

What tips do you have for removing ballpoint pen ink? Roller, gel, or highlighter ink? Dry erase ink?

Writing instrument ink is designed to write on paper or other writing surfaces. It contains certain ingredients that could stain certain types of materials and fabrics. Although we cannot guarantee or be responsible for any stain removal method, we would suggest you try the following methods:

  • For Ballpoint and Marker inks, we recommend an alcohol-based hair spray. The alcohol content in the hair spray will break up the ink. If the ink is on clothing, saturate the item with hair spray. Be sure to place an absorbent paper towel or rag under the stain to catch the excess ink. You then need to blot the stain with a rag. Repeat this process until the stain is removed, then launder as usual.

    If the ink is on anything other than clothing, spray the hair spray directly on the stain and then wipe off with a clean paper towel or rag. You might need to do this a few times depending on the size of the stain.

  • For Roller and Highlighter inks, we recommend an all-purpose cleaner instead of hair spray, as these inks are water-based.

    If the ink is on clothing, saturate the item with the all-purpose cleaner. Be sure to place an absorbent paper towel or rag under the stain to catch the excess ink. You then need to blot the stain with a rag. Repeat this process until the stain is removed, then launder as usual.

    If the ink is on anything other than clothing, spray the all-purpose cleaner directly on the stain and then wipe off with a clean paper towel or rag. You might need to do this a few times depending on the size of the stain.

    An important word of caution before trying any of the methods suggested: some surfaces and fabrics may be damaged by the hair spray solution or all-purpose cleaners. If in doubt, test on a "hidden" area first and follow the manufacturer's directions.

  • Dry Erase Ink - Can be wiped off dry wipe surfaces with a clean paper towel or rag. If the ink is on clothing, pre-wash the item as soon as possible and then launder as usual.

  • For All Inks - If the steps above do not remove the stain completely, we suggest contacting a professional cleaning company or the manufacturer of the stained item. They may have other suggestions or be able to professionally remove it for you.

Do you have any advice on how I can remove BIC® Wite-Out® Brand correction fluid stains or spills on clothing, furniture, etc.?

Correction products are designed to cover writing instrument ink, pencil, typewriter, fax and photocopy corrections. They contain certain ingredients that could stain certain types of materials and fabrics. Although we cannot guarantee or be responsible for any stain removal method, we would suggest you try the following methods:

After the Wite-Out® Brand correction fluid dries, scratch most of the spill off with your fingernail or the edge of a coin. Wite-Out® Brand correction fluids can be removed from your hands with an abrasive soap or a soap containing pumice.

Wite-Out® Brand Water-Base correction fluids are water-based and should come out with soap and water in the washing machine. If you prefer to go to the dry cleaner, tell them it is a water-based paint.

The following Wite-Out® Brand correction fluid formulas are petroleum-based: Quick Dry, Extra Coverage, Cover-it®, Wite Out® 2-in-1, and the Wite-Out® Brand Shake ‘n SqueezeTM correction pen. Mineral spirits or citrus-based cleaners will dissolve these correction fluids. If you have spilled one of these formulas on clothing that is "dry clean only," tell the dry cleaner that it is a solvent-based paint so they can treat the stain accordingly.

A word of caution before trying any of the methods suggested: mineral spirits can take out color and/or ruin varnish. If in doubt, test on a "hidden" area first. If you decide to try a citrus-based cleaner, please follow the manufacturer's directions on the label carefully and also test on a "hidden" area.

If this does not remove the stain completely, we suggest contacting a professional cleaning company or the manufacturer of the stained item. They may have other suggestions or be able to professionally remove it for you.

Is there natural rubber latex in BIC® writing instruments?

To the best of our knowledge, all BIC writing instruments, correction fluids, lighters, and razors sold in the U.S. and Canada are free from natural rubber. This is based on our suppliers' confirmation and not on testing that we have done.

Are BIC® stationery products environmentally friendly?

Learn about our commitment to reduce our environmental footprint at https://us.bicworld.com/our-commitments/reducing-our-environmental-footprint.

Can I purchase erasers for BIC® Mechanical Pencils separately?

All refillable BIC® Mechanical Pencils are packaged with extra eraser and lead refills. We do not offer additional eraser refills at the present time.

Why is there a hole in the cap of BIC® Cristal® Pens?

Our vented caps comply with international safety standards ISO11540. These standards attempt to minimize the risk to children from accidental inhalation of pen caps. Traditionally the pen cap served only to protect the pen point. These vented caps allow more air to circulate around the pen point when the pen is capped. This further adds to the quality and overall performance of the pen.

Do you have any coupons available?

We offer coupons at various times throughout the year. When available, they can be found in most Sunday newspapers. Coupons are also available from time to time on our Facebook pages and our Coupons and Deals Page.

Do you make BIC® Wite-Out® Brand correction fluid in colors other than white?

BIC Wite-Out® Brand Quick Dry Correction Fluid is available in buff. We used to offer several other colors but they were discontinued more than 10 years ago.

Can I purchase BIC® stickers?

We do not have BIC stickers or other items with the BIC logo available to send out or purchase.

Do you have any sample products available?

We are sorry, but at the present time we do not send out samples.

How do I refill a BIC® Mechanical Pencil?

To refill a BIC mechanical pencil please follow these steps: (1) remove the eraser, (2) insert new leads, (3) replace eraser & (4) click eraser to advance new lead.

Can I purchase component parts of BIC® Pens or other stationery products?

We do not sell component parts to any of our products. We only sell the finished goods.

Are the inks in BIC® stationery products acid-free?

Ink formulations vary, however, some BIC inks contain certain chemicals which are used to adjust and control the pH of the ink.

How do you refill the lead in the BIC® 4-Color Pen with Pencil?

To refill the lead, follow these steps: (1) unscrew the barrel of the pen to expose the ink/lead cartridges, (2) remove the metal piece on the lead tube, (3) insert lead (no more than 2 pieces of lead) & (4) re-assemble the pen.

Can I purchase refills for your pens and pencils?

Yes. You can purchase refills directly at https://www.shopbic.com/products/stationery/refills-and-accessories/#1.

Do you make a thinner for BIC® Wite-Out® Brand Correction Fluid?

We do not manufacture a thinner for our BIC Wite-Out® Brand Correction Fluid. The shelf life is dependent on many factors including temperature, storage conditions, the number of times the cap is removed, how long the cap remains off the product and if the cap is placed back on securely after use. Under normal storage and use conditions, the shelf life of our correction fluids is approximately 18-24 months.