Ammonia Soak For Modern Montegrappa Celluloid

[Accidental Rorschach]

Hi folks,

 

In my continued attempt to remove ink staining (some kind of uber-permanent variety) from the inside of my Montegrappa Symphony, I've moved up to soaking in Ammonia. I don't really know what I'm doing though, so would appreciate some tips. Beyond any general guidance, I'd be grateful if you could help me with these specific points:

 

- I hear people talk about 10% ammonia. Is this 10% household ammonia solution, or 10% household ammonia to 90% water (as in about 1% actual ammonia)?

 

- How long would you say it's safe to soak?

 

- Is it worth me putting the pen and ammonia in an ultrasonic cleaner, in the hope of speeding up the cleaning and thus having the pen exposed to the ammonia for less long?

 

Many thanks,

 

Tom

[Sasha Royale]

10% household ammonia to 90% water

is the correct solution. A mild detergent quality is desirable for short-term contact. Avoid stronger concentrations and prolong contact. Ammonia is pretty harsh stuff. I might fill and expel a dozen times, then rinse thoroughly. I would be very timid about "soaking".

 

CAUTION ! Stay far from chlorine (bleach), when using ammonia. The combined fumes are highly TOXIC.

[Algester]

hmm I'm hesitant to say about celluloid material exposed to ammonia (hear say its not a good idea)... you may have to ask the experts///

[mhosea]

Celluloid in ammonia is fine, but I'm not all that keen on long-term soaks in anything, usually. Have you tried Rapido-Eze? Have you tried swabbing the area directly? Some stains are a residue that is easier to wipe off than dissolve in anything (that is safe to use). I use an ultrasonic cleaner most of the time.

Edited July 26, 2015 by mhosea