How To Get Pen Ink Off Metal Surfaces

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Among the most difficult of stains to remove is ink. Someone leaves a pen in a pocket and it goes through a dryer, leaving the stain behind, or you accidentally overturn the ink well while practicing your calligraphy—no matter how it gets there, you can get ink off any metal surface with the right solvent or technique. The key is to understand that not all inks are the same formulation. You may need to try one or more remedies until you hit on one that works.

Step 1

Assemble the above materials for a test session. This is where you discover what will or will not work. On the theory that less is more—or in this case better for you and the environment–start with the least offensive ingredient first and work your way through the list until something works.

Step 2

Put 1 tbsp. of household bleach in 1/2 cup of water. Use an old cotton rag, dipped in this solution and let the wet rag set on the stain for a few minutes to test whether the ink is a water based stain. If so, the bleach should remove it. If it does not, the ink will require a different solvent. Proceed to the next step.

Step 3

Rinse all traces of bleach from the stain and dry completely.

Step 4

Put a dab of alcohol on an old cotton rag and rub the ink stain. If it works, continue until all the ink is gone. If it does not work, continue to the next step.

Step 5

Use a non-acetone-based nail polish remover on a rag to test another spot (or wait until the alcohol has dried if trying on the same area—do not mix solvents!). If this does not work, continue to the next step.

Step 6

Spray hairspray on the stain until it is wet. This is the preferred method suggested in the book "Earl Proulx's Yankee Home Hints." Let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe with a dry rag. If this does not work, continue to the next step.

Step 7

Put a bit of acetone on a rag and rub the stain, working until all ink is gone. If this does not work, it is time to forget solvents.

Step 8

Rinse the ink stain to remove lingering solvents.

Step 9

Make a paste of a gentle abrasive cleanser and a dab of water. Use a plastic scrub pad to scour away the ink. This may take a while but will probably work in the end.

Step 10

If all else fails, try a commercial solvent that removes ink. These are generally powerful chemicals, so please read all manufacturer's directions for safe handling.