The Best Solvent For ......

[nigelg]

...... ballpoint ink.

In another thread I wrote that my Parker jotter had been throught the wash and leaked somewhat. I've ditched the refill but what is the safest solvent (if that's not a contradiction in terms) to remove the leaked ink from the insides of the barrel and cap, bearing in mind that the outside is (stainless?) steel and there's probably some plastic gubbins inside.

I know, I know, it's not an FP and ink but it is still a very useful writer at work and home and I jolly well don't want to throw it away.

[Chrissy]

Methylated Spirit or if you don't have that, Vodka

[Inkling13]

Methylated Spirit or if you don't have that, Vodka

Even one better, grain alcohol if you can find it. Depending on where in the US, one can find 180-200 proof grain alcohol, and that will work even better than vodka, being that it has less water. Denatured alcohol in the hardware store is essentially the same thing. Isopropyl alcohol from the drug store will also work.

[pen lady]

I think that in the UK Isopropyl Alcohol is called surgical spirit. Good luck.

[Corona688]

Modern plastic ought to be immune to spirits of any sort. Only plastic I know that's affected by alcohols is celluloid, and that's a mild effect only on a very particular kind.

 

You can also get methyl alcohol, i.e. methyl hydrate, i.e. wood alcohol in the automotive section as "gas line antifreeze". It's also fuel for certain kinds of candles and stoves.

 

All of these are flammable, come to mention it

Edited February 27, 2018 by Corona688

[FarmBoy]

xylenes

[Chrissy]

Xylenes are difficult and expensive to buy in the UK as they can't be sent by "normal" mail. I have a full bottle of Xylene but wasn't sure if I could use it on any FP's, so didn't mention it.

 

Here also, one has to have a license from Customs & Excise to buy IDA (Industrial Denatured Alcohol - methylated spirits that is not coloured purple.) Fortunately, I still have one from ceramic restoration when I used gallons of the stuff.

 

(Buying these pales into insignificance when you try to buy Phenol here. Not possible.)

[Fermata]

Try Stain Devils ballpoint ink remover

 

http://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/stain-removers/stain-devils-ink-stain-remover/

[Chrissy]

Try Stain Devils ballpoint ink remover

 

http://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/products/stain-removers/stain-devils-ink-stain-remover/

 

OP wants it for inside his pen barrel and cap, not his clothing. Not sure if Stain Devils will do that job

[nigelg]

I've got them currently soaking in some 100% proof Vodka which has turned a rather fetching shade of blue . If my writing becomes a bit squiffy afterwards, I'll blame you lot.

[Chrissy]

I've got them currently soaking in some 100% proof Vodka which has turned a rather fetching shade of blue . If my writing becomes a bit squiffy afterwards, I'll blame you lot.

 

100% proof vodka??? Wow is that even possible?

[nigelg]

Well, it says "100 Proof" on the front of the bottle but 50% by vol on the back and it's made in Italy. So perhaps I should be shaken but not stirred.

[CS388]

I think that in the UK Isopropyl Alcohol is called surgical spirit. Good luck.

 

Thanks, I had no idea. Took me ages to find some isopropyl - and I'd had a bottle of surgical spirit in the bathroom, the whole time!

[pen lady]

Ah, but did anything finally work?

[nigelg]

Ah, but did anything finally work?

 

I'll leave them soaking overnight and check tomorrow but it looks hopeful.

[Rowbo]

'880' ammonia diluted in de-ionised water to 10% by vol. worked on my Montblanc Generation bp (with MB refill) after it had been put through the washing machine!

 

I had disassembled it as far as I could: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/277180-montblanc-generation-bp-help/?do=findComment&comment=3166255

 

Flushed with pure water and carefully dried and lubed after. It still works well and suffers no PTSD.

 

The chemicals were analytical grade, as I had the fortune to work for a company that had a chem lab at the time.