How do you get permanent marker off an acoustic guitar w/ out dammaging the guitar?
EL asked:
I got this guitar and the previous owner destroyed it w/ permanent marker and thats about the only problem w/ it, help?
I got this guitar and the previous owner destroyed it w/ permanent marker and thats about the only problem w/ it, help?
this is a delicate procedure. i suggest using either turpentine or zippo lighter fluid. Both are solvents and should take out the marker (mostly) depending on how long is has been there. Otherwise you may need to refinish the wood. Use a very fine sanding paper then buy finisher from the hardware store and paint the guitar. That will take off the marker and give it back the nice shine.
I wouldn’t use any solvents. No matter how carefully you try not to, it’s going to wreck the finish. The first thing I would try is a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. If that doesn’t work, depending on how much marker is there, I’d put something over the marks to cover them. If the marker has seeped all the way into the wood, I think covering them is the only thing you can do.
Try using rubbing alcohol. Wet a cotton ball with the rubbing alcohol and work it into the permanent marker.
Guitar polish or Pledge should take it off. If it’s finished with a synthetic varnish like polyurethane rubbing alcohol will take it off in a heartbeat. Higher end guitars are finished with real natural varnish. Don’t go near them with alcohol, use the polish.
I’ve actually had pretty good luck using WD-40 for this purpose.
The Mr. Clean eraser will scratch the finish.
Greetings from Austin, TX
Ken