An ink stain on a wood table can diminish the appearance of the entire surface. Whether you have an ink stain from a newspaper, pen or marker, you can remove it by a variety of methods. Some wood tables can be delicate, so you may have to try different methods to find one that works with your particular table. Test the product you are using on an inconspicuous spot of the table before applying it to a more noticeable area to be sure that it does not damage or discolor the wood.
Instructions
Baking Soda Method
1. Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl to form a thick paste. Use your fingers to spread the mixture onto the ink mark.
2. Rub the baking soda paste into the stain. Do not scrub forcefully; baking soda is slightly abrasive and may damage the finish if scrubbed aggressively.
3. Wet a soft rag with water and scrub the ink-stained area to lift the stain while also removing the baking soda paste.
4. Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol to remove any baking-soda film left on the table.
Alcohol Method
5. Apply rubbing alcohol or hairspray to a cotton ball. Rubbing alcohol is quite effective at removing ink stains. Hairspray generally contain high levels of alcohol.
6. Wipe the ink stain gently with the cotton ball. Be careful when wiping the stain with alcohol, because scrubbing too hard may remove the wood finish or leave a stain itself.
7. Wet a rag with water and wipe the area clean. Repeat this process until the stain disappears.
Toothpaste Method
8. Squeeze plain white toothpaste onto the ink stain. Avoid using a toothpaste with additives, such as crystals or other abrasives.
9. Rub the toothpaste over the ink stain with your fingers.
10. Dampen a clean rag with water and wipe the wood table clean. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
Sunscreen or Insect-Repellent Method
11. Saturate the ink stain with spray-on sunscreen or insect repellent. These sprays allow water to penetrate the underside of the ink, forcing it to run off the wood surface.
12. Wipe the spray from the table with a dry cloth. Repeat the process until the ink is gone.
13. Remove the spray residue from the table with a clean rag and water.
Tags: baking soda, cotton ball, process until, stain with, with water