Cleaning marker?

[CactusBass]

Is there a way to get marker off of the finish on a bass??
Im buying a bass with some unsightly writing on it...I assume its permanent marker..anyone have experience with this?

[ponticat]

On this refinish I cleaned up the pickguard with rubber cement thinner followed by a very fine sanding and polishing. The fifteen-year-old owner had used a black Sharpie on the pickguard and then had second thoughts. Rubber cement thinner is a very handy solvent but I'd recommend testing on an inconspicuous place before going all-out with it -- no guarantees.

[CactusBass]

awesome...its unfortunately on the body...but ill see what happens

[ByF]

Naptha (Ronsonol Lighter Fuel) is pretty safe for any kind of finish--I would try that first. Sharpie ink comes off with alcohol, and in general alcohol is harmless to a poly finish--isopropyl alcohol is pretty benign. Ethyl alcohol is okay on most finishes, but it can dissolve some plastics so don't get it on the pick guard.

Ed

[CactusBass]

Just what I was looking for...THANKS

[HosMan]

I`m going to piggyback on your post here.

For removing black sharpie ink marks on the back/top of the neck? Bass is just a 2002 Squier Affinity P but the previous owner marked in permenant ink near each top dot fretmarker.

Alcohol?

[Oren Hudson]

I've used Krud Kutter and Goe B Gone for such matters and had great success.

[Stuggi]

Yeah, the general idea is to start off with a weak solvent, and then work upwards. Try a wet rag first, if that doesn't do it, then step up to a rag lightly soaked with vodka, then grain alcohol, then naphtha, etc. You want to steer clear of any paint strippers, acetone, etc. Also make sure you only use a damp cloth, don't soak the instrument in the solvent. That way you have more control over the process, time is your friend.

[HosMan]

Thanks for the tips,guys!