Help? Had a Sharpie accident!

[oldcarfan]

I could really use some help. I've used Sharpies for detailing for a while without a slip, but guess what? If you sneeze, while using it, you end up with a nasty mark on your nice fresh paint. I have tried regular household cleaners, rubbing alcohol and such. I thought about thinner, but that will attack the paint most likely. Any ideas on something that will remove it and not disturb Dupli-Color paint? Do I have to strip the paint and just start over? Its not in a place where I can just patch it and go. Thanks for any guidance.

Edited April 24, 2016 by oldcarfan

[Ace-Garageguy]

Sharpie ink will usually come off of BARE plastic with isopropyl alcohol.

That said, Sharpie markers use a solvent that suspends the colorant and carries it into anything even remotely porous, making it difficult or impossible to remove. The principle solvents are alcohols, but they also contain ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. 

Your "fresh" paint may not have sufficient chemical resistance to hold the Sharpie solvents out...which will have let the colorant actually penetrate the surface.

I'd suggest...and if this was my own problem...trying a fine polish, even toothpaste.

If that doesn't get it, try to gently colorsand the area where the mark is, using plenty of slightly soapy water, and 1500 grit or finer, MUCH finer if possible. 

If it's a solid color or clear and it hasn't penetrated too deeply, it should buff right back up after you get the mark off.

If it's a metallic, you're probably screwed, but try it anyway.

WARNING WARNING DANGER DANGER:   DO NOT USE THINNER (though you might try mineral spirits or something like "Goof Off" IF your paint is completely dry, BUT BY ALL MEANS, TEST IT ON A HIDDEN AREA FIRST).

 

Edited April 25, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[pack rat]

Been there, done that.  Novus #2 and a Q-tip works for me

[oldcarfan]

It's bright white paint. I have an old, I mean 25 years, bottle of Novus. I just checked and it is still good. It is taking some of it off. I just found some sanding sheets so I'll give that a try too. Thanks, guys.

[Ace-Garageguy]

If the Novus is working, I'd probably keep on with that. Polish will take off less paint than sanding, so it's safer in general...as long as it's working.