How to remove permanent marker.

[John the Barber]

The previous owner used permanent marker to put on his registration numbers. How do I get that off without damaging the Hypalon or PVC? I want to buy the stencil kit and make it look a bit more professional.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) will take it right off and is safe for PVC and Hypalon. You can get it at almost any hardware store if you're at least 18 years old. Buy some heavy duty gloves and a respirator while you're there. You don't want that stuff on you.

 

[John the Barber]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

Thank you CmDr .

 

[John the Barber]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

Well, I used MEK on the starboard side. Smells greeeat!! Anyway, the marker did not come off completely. It is still quite visible though greatly faded. The MEK also does a wonderful job of stripping the red from the sponson.

You guys are sure this is not damaging the PVC or Hypalon whatever my boat is made of?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

The ink that has been on there has leeched into the fabric a bit and that will likely never come off. You don't want to rub the MEK onto the fabric like you're trying to sand something off. It's a cleaner only and is safe but you don't want to leave it on there for any period of time. Get what you can of the marker off and then that's as good as it will get.

 

[Todd RT]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

I've used Goo-Gone to remove it on epoxy resin... not sure if it's safe for inflatables though.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

If I'm particularly motivated to remove a stain on my PVC boat I will give it a light wipe with acetone. It flashes off faster and doesn't melt the coating as much. The MEK will soften the coated surface considerably and you are actually wiping off some of the coating when you clean with MEK. If you choose to use aggressive solvents like acetone or mek be careful to not scrub much and accept that staining deeper in the PVC just isn't going to come out. Be sure to use a a UV protectant like 303 after cleaning because the solvent will have stripped everything off and you will want to protect the surface after it has hardened back up.

 

[John the Barber]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

I was under the impression 303 was petroleum based and to refrain from using it on PVC. I know Armor all is and many others.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

Armor All is definitely a problem if you need to make a glued repair. It is very difficult to remove the coating completely and it interferes with the bond. 303 isn't the same and cleans up easily when you use MEK to prep for gluing. Doesn't attack the glued seams either, which it is claimed that Armor All will. All the major river rafting companies I deal with use 303 and they are forever repairing their rafts. 303 does make the tubes a bit slippery at first, but that doesn't last long. There is a product that goes on with a more matt finish, but I can't remember the name at the moment. Maybe someone else can make a recommendation. Use a UV inhibitor of some kind for sure if you want the material to last.

 

[John the Barber]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

Let me keep the fun going. Where can I purchase and what is a brand of UV inhibitor?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

It's available at larger sporting goods stores, but it's cheapest here>>http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=1909&deptid=1090

This is a must have for PVC boats.

a 32oz bottle lasts me about a season. I apply it before every outing.

edit: Actually is cheapest right here on iboats! I've been buying in the wrong place>> http://www.iboats.com/303_Aerospace...13916424--**********.921486593--view_id.39567

 

[John the Barber]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

Thank you. So it's been right in front of me as usual.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

You can use normal thinners or benzine, just do not mess on the seams, wash with mild soap afterwards .......

 

[John the Barber]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

Well, I used the MEK. Made the PVC feel a little softer. Cleaned it with fresh water thoroughly afterward. I masked the area with tape. The red is a bit cloudy with the marker that came off. Now I need to wait for a day without rain to complete the stencil kit.

Thanks

 

[tubergonz]

Re: How to remove permanent marker.

If its just a little area, you can use a dry erase marker. Just scribble over the marking and wipe away with a paper towel.