Can we remove permanent purple marking pen ink from upholstery?
 

A friend got permanent purple marking pen ink on new upholstery. The ink
transferred from a labeled plastic bag. I don't know what the upholstery is
actually made of but I'll call it vinyl (white or off white).
Any ideas on how to remove the ink stain without making the problem worse
than it is?
I'd really like to make it new again so that my friend can stop feeling so
terrible about the accident; I'm over it, but you know how it is when you're
the one who caused the problem.

Bryan wrote:
A friend got permanent purple marking pen ink on new upholstery. The ink
transferred from a labeled plastic bag. I don't know what the upholstery is
actually made of but I'll call it vinyl (white or off white).
Any ideas on how to remove the ink stain without making the problem worse
than it is?
I'd really like to make it new again so that my friend can stop feeling so
terrible about the accident; I'm over it, but you know how it is when you're
the one who caused the problem.


You are probably out of luck, but if I were you I'd try to get an offcut
of the vinyl fabric (you said it was new so maybe you could find out who
did it and beg some scraps!) and reproduce the accident on the offcut.
Then try *every* stain remover you can get hold of on seperate test
patchs, labelling each test with a soft pencil. Many will either be
ineffective or damage the finish but you *might* get lucky. If you do,
do another two tests with the same product so you can practice getting
the best results then and ONLY THEN show your friend.

Plan B - Dip into your pocket and have that seat reupholstered. Take a
photo of it with a ruler on for scale and get a quote from the original
upholsterer. (if its factory upholstery just order it). Then give your
friend a 'I'm sorry I goofed' card with the quote and the money inside.



--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
[at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & 32K emails -- NUL:
'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.

In article ,
says...

A friend got permanent purple marking pen ink on new upholstery. The ink
transferred from a labeled plastic bag. I don't know what the upholstery is
actually made of but I'll call it vinyl (white or off white).
Any ideas on how to remove the ink stain without making the problem worse
than it is?
I'd really like to make it new again so that my friend can stop feeling so
terrible about the accident; I'm over it, but you know how it is when you're
the one who caused the problem.



Isopropyl 91% alcohol will get 'Magic Marker' or 'Sharpie' stains off
of most surfaces. Keep the surface wet while wiping, don't allow the
surface to dry until the stain is gone. You must do some kind of testing
first because if the vinyl is porous you could drive the stain deeper
into the fabric.

If there is a home depot near you, look in the paint department, there is a
product called "M-1". It will easily remove indelible ink, indian ink,
chewing gum, etc. Its the best I've ever found.



"Gudmundur" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...

A friend got permanent purple marking pen ink on new upholstery. The ink
transferred from a labeled plastic bag. I don't know what the upholstery
is
actually made of but I'll call it vinyl (white or off white).
Any ideas on how to remove the ink stain without making the problem worse
than it is?
I'd really like to make it new again so that my friend can stop feeling so
terrible about the accident; I'm over it, but you know how it is when
you're
the one who caused the problem.



Isopropyl 91% alcohol will get 'Magic Marker' or 'Sharpie' stains off
of most surfaces. Keep the surface wet while wiping, don't allow the
surface to dry until the stain is gone. You must do some kind of testing
first because if the vinyl is porous you could drive the stain deeper
into the fabric.

"Ian Malcolm" wrote in message
...
Bryan wrote:
A friend got permanent purple marking pen ink on new upholstery. The ink
transferred from a labeled plastic bag. I don't know what the upholstery
is actually made of but I'll call it vinyl (white or off white).
Any ideas on how to remove the ink stain without making the problem worse
than it is?
I'd really like to make it new again so that my friend can stop feeling
so terrible about the accident; I'm over it, but you know how it is when
you're the one who caused the problem.
You are probably out of luck, but if I were you I'd try to get an offcut
of the vinyl fabric (you said it was new so maybe you could find out who
did it and beg some scraps!) and reproduce the accident on the offcut.
Then try *every* stain remover you can get hold of on seperate test
patchs, labelling each test with a soft pencil. Many will either be
ineffective or damage the finish but you *might* get lucky. If you do, do
another two tests with the same product so you can practice getting the
best results then and ONLY THEN show your friend.

Plan B - Dip into your pocket and have that seat reupholstered. Take a
photo of it with a ruler on for scale and get a quote from the original
upholsterer. (if its factory upholstery just order it). Then give your
friend a 'I'm sorry I goofed' card with the quote and the money inside.

plan B. I'm the boat owner. My friend marked the boat. It's my friend
that feels bad, not me. I wouldn't, don't, want my friend to shell out any
money to fix the problem. I don't want my friend to feel bad; it was an
accident with no way of knowing it might happen. Stuff happens and I'm sure
there is more stuff down the road.

Plan A. Great idea! I was worried about making things worse with
remedies. Thank you.

"Gudmundur" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...

A friend got permanent purple marking pen ink on new upholstery. The ink
transferred from a labeled plastic bag. I don't know what the upholstery
is
actually made of but I'll call it vinyl (white or off white).
Any ideas on how to remove the ink stain without making the problem worse
than it is?
I'd really like to make it new again so that my friend can stop feeling so
terrible about the accident; I'm over it, but you know how it is when
you're
the one who caused the problem.



Isopropyl 91% alcohol will get 'Magic Marker' or 'Sharpie' stains off
of most surfaces. Keep the surface wet while wiping, don't allow the
surface to dry until the stain is gone. You must do some kind of testing
first because if the vinyl is porous you could drive the stain deeper
into the fabric.


You and Ian are right on the money! Here's the reply from Sea Ray:

"A complete listing of cleaning and maintenance information is located
under the "Service" section of our website at (www.searay.com)

Ballpoint Ink, Permanent Marker: Ink spots will stain vinyl permanently.
Immediate wiping with rubbing alcohol in a well ventilated area will remove
much of the stain. Use Yacht Brite Serious Marine Cleaner®. Spray on stain,
let set for 30 seconds, wipe dry with Yacht Brite Microfiber Towel®. Repeat
if necessary."

Rec.boats, you guys rock. I'll let you know how it goes; if I hadn't lost
my digital camera I'd send before and after photos.