Carbon paper stain on white furniture

17 years ago

I hope someone can help. A service tech used the top of my white glass bookcase/cabinet as a writing surface. The carbon paper was exposed to the wood, and I now have signature/date, etc. on the bookcase surface. I have tried mild detergent, a pencil eraser, magic eraser all to no avail. I'm afraid to try anything too strong in fear of ruining the surface finish. Does anyone have any ideas on what I might try? I would like to just fix this on my own before calling for repair.

Thanks ahead for any ideas!

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Comments (5)

grindel
17 years ago
Keep in mind that carbon paper is usually made up of a pigment dye and wax coating, so the removal might take a two step process; one to remove the wax, and the other to remove the dye/ink.

I'm assuming your cabinet is painted white. If so, I would first try a solution of dishwashing detergent, ammonia and water (as hot as you can stand it with a good pair of rubber gloves on). Another option is vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and detergent mixed with hot water. Wash with solution, rinse, and wipe dry. Repeat a couple of times, while the water is still hot.

If that doesn't work, the next thing I would try, would be a foaming waterless hand cleaner. Find one that says it will remove, wax, grease, printer's ink, etc. One I found is #596 by Interstate Products, Inc. Surely, if it's easy on the hands, it will be gentle with your painted cabinet. See the link below.

If none of these work, please post again to let us know, so we can suggest other alternatives.

Here is a link that might be useful: Foaming Waterless Hand Cleaner
grindel
17 years ago
Ack! I just noticed that the foaming waterless hand cleaner also removes paint. I should have known better. My deepest apologies.

I would try for a waterless hand cleaner that does not remove paint.

A citric based cleaner might work. TSP might work. Both say they remove grease/wax, but make no mention of dyes/inks. If you can get the wax removed, I think any ink left could be removed with rubbing alcohol, or hairspray.
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grindel
17 years ago
louise54: Why bother trying to remove this yourself? Shouldn't the service tech be responsible for cleaning up the mess? Take pictures of the area, along with the document and submit it to the service tech, or his/her employer, and let them hire a professional to restore your bookcase to it's former glory. There is no reason why this should be a hardship for you. It is their mistake and they should fix it.
sheilajoyce_gw
17 years ago
I agree with Grindel
Louise54
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you for your help. I tried the ammonia & the vinegar solutions, and unfortunately neither has worked. I think that I may see a tiny sign that the ink is being cleaned off, but I'm not sure. I am going to try to find the waterless hand cleaner next. I also have TSP at home, so will try that tonight.
I did call the tech's company to alert them of what happened. I just thought I'd try removing it myself before having to have the top refinished. If I can't get this out within the next few tries (as I've told them already), I will be calling them back. Thank you!

Carbon paper stain on white furniture

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Carbon paper stain on white furniture

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