Taking off Sharpie mark..

TouringFan · 10-05-2004, 02:25 PM

Well, I finally got a touch up stick from mercedes benz and was going around touching up spots when my friend and I thought it might be a good idea to try a sharpie on some of the thin scratches.

We tried it on a little one and were pleasantly suprised to see it disappear before our eyes. I went back to touching up a larger spot on the bumper and when I looked up my friend had a concerned look...

Well it turns out that while Sharpies may look ok on a small dot type spot, they most CERTAINLY do not look good on long scratches. It is mismatched and looks far worse than the scratch did before.

Sooo.... Is there any way to take off a sharpie mark without hurting the paint underneath? - If I need to i'll cover it with the paint stick, just worried that it wont come out smooth.

Don't let friends touch (up) your car....

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

Brunelleschi · 10-05-2004, 02:31 PM

Lesson well learned...I have no idea. I would call a body shop and ask their advice

BoSoxFan · 10-05-2004, 03:54 PM

I don't know if it will work or not but try some paint thinner (mineral spirits). It will definitely not affect the clear coat and should not affect the underlying paint if the clear coat has been scratched off. I use it to remove excess touchup paint. You may want to mark something you don't care about with the sharpie and then see if the paint thinner removes it.

TouringFan · 10-05-2004, 06:29 PM

How do guys feel about rubbing alcohol? I hear this can remove sharpie ink fairly easily.

I've also been told that eventually it rubs off after a couple months, though I hate to drive around with it.

RJC · 10-06-2004, 01:43 PM

Try a cleaner wax first, Meguires make a good one for this. If that doesn't work, then dip a Q tip in rubbing alcohol and squeeze out the excess with your fingers, then rub it lightly only over the area effected, apply a couple of coats of wax to protect the area after the proper touch up method is completed/dried.

jonw440 · 10-07-2004, 07:36 AM

I think "Prep Sol" may work, or assitone(Try both of these on the UNDERSIDE of the bumper first!!!!!! Be very careful as it may attack the plastic.
If all else fails go to a body shop.

BoSoxFan · 10-07-2004, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonw440

I think "Prep Sol" may work, or assitone(Try both of these on the UNDERSIDE of the bumper first!!!!!! Be very careful as it may attack the plastic.
If all else fails go to a body shop.

I seem to recall reading that acetone will remove clear coat. I don't know about Prep Sol.

jonw440 · 10-07-2004, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSoxFan

I seem to recall reading that acetone will remove clear coat. I don't know about Prep Sol.

You are right!!
DON'T use acetone. it is to strong.
A polish "Should" work.

BoSoxFan · 10-07-2004, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonw440

I think "Prep Sol" may work, or assitone(Try both of these on the UNDERSIDE of the bumper first!!!!!! Be very careful as it may attack the plastic.

Is there such a thing as "assitone?" I assumed that it was a misspelling of acetone. The single reference on Google and Yahoo led to a trade lead which had expired.

TOGWT · 10-08-2004, 11:48 AM

~One mans opinion / observations~

Use water/distilled white vinegar or a 5:1 Isopropyl Alcohol solution (adjust ratio as required) or try equal parts distilled white vinegar, Isopropyl Alcohol and distilled water

I would avoid Acetone on plastic at best it will mar it or worse soften and distort it

~Hope this helps~

Knowledge unshared is experience wasted
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon

TouringFan · 10-08-2004, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'll take a stab at it this afternoon and let ya know how it comes out.

10-05-2004, 02:31 PM	#2
Brunelleschi MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 13,964 Drives: 813-4-life	Lesson well learned...I have no idea. I would call a body shop and ask their advice __________________ See the Z up there? Yes, that is a targa top! No, that is not photoshop. No, the factory does not offer a targa-top version of the car. That crazy deck lid is not a factory option either. Never understimate the power of a skillful hand with a sawz-all, wedler and fiberglass!

10-05-2004, 03:54 PM	#3
BoSoxFan Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation (No. Va. chapter) Posts: 474 Drives: 2004 E500	I don't know if it will work or not but try some paint thinner (mineral spirits). It will definitely not affect the clear coat and should not affect the underlying paint if the clear coat has been scratched off. I use it to remove excess touchup paint. You may want to mark something you don't care about with the sharpie and then see if the paint thinner removes it. __________________ George '04 E500 Granite Grey/Charcoal (04/04 build); appearance, entertainment, comfort packages; DVD Navi, electronic trunk closer, keyless go, pano roof with solar panels, parktronic, power rear-window sunshade, tire-pressure monitoring

10-06-2004, 01:43 PM	#5
RJC MBWorld Fanatic! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: 2000 ft over the Fl coast in a B-17 Posts: 3,794	Try a cleaner wax first, Meguires make a good one for this. If that doesn't work, then dip a Q tip in rubbing alcohol and squeeze out the excess with your fingers, then rub it lightly only over the area effected, apply a couple of coats of wax to protect the area after the proper touch up method is completed/dried. __________________ RJC 2007 PORSCHE 997 Carrera S Meteor Gray Metallic/Black Twin Turbo Forged 19" rims Leather Sport Seats Embossed Crests Sport Chrono Package Plus Self Dimming Mirrors Polished Tips 6 Speed 2008 BMW 328 2nd Car Titanium Silver Metallic/Black Sport Package Steptronic w/Paddles etc, etc Previous MB's 2006 E55, 2004 CLK500, 2003 CLK500, 2001 CLK430, 2000 CLK430, 1999 CLK430, 1992 300CE. Previous Other Brands Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Corvette

10-08-2004, 11:48 AM	#10
TOGWT Super Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England Posts: 637 Drives: '84 380 SL/ '02 XK8	~One mans opinion / observations~ Use water/distilled white vinegar or a 5:1 Isopropyl Alcohol solution (adjust ratio as required) or try equal parts distilled white vinegar, Isopropyl Alcohol and distilled water I would avoid Acetone on plastic at best it will mar it or worse soften and distort it ~Hope this helps~ Knowledge unshared is experience wasted justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon __________________ ~ Providing unbiased advise that Professional and Enthusiast Detailer’s Trust ~

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

10-05-2004, 06:29 PM	#4
TouringFan Almost a Member! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 26 Drives: 98' E320	How do guys feel about rubbing alcohol? I hear this can remove sharpie ink fairly easily. I've also been told that eventually it rubs off after a couple months, though I hate to drive around with it.

10-07-2004, 07:36 AM	#6
jonw440 Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 85	I think "Prep Sol" may work, or assitone(Try both of these on the UNDERSIDE of the bumper first!!!!!! Be very careful as it may attack the plastic. If all else fails go to a body shop.

10-08-2004, 01:28 PM	#11
TouringFan Almost a Member! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 26 Drives: 98' E320	Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'll take a stab at it this afternoon and let ya know how it comes out.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)