How do I clean ballpoint pen marks off old leather couch as well as restore it? Oil or conditioner? thanks.?

Question

few unknown stains, leather is dry, but has a lot of potential and don't know where to start.

Answer 1

you buy a new one

Answer 2

This really depends on what type of leather it is.

If it is on a pigmented leather then the first thing you should try is an ink stick. The fresher the ink the more chance you have of removing it. It is a good idea to have one in your house if you have a pale leather and children!!!!

You should also be using a good quality leather protector on your suite. This will act like a 'scotchgard' and will make any more mishaps easier to clean off.
If an ink stick doesn't work a solvent based remover will need to be used and it may also remove finish and pigment so is best left to the experts.

Hairspray sometimes works but can also make the matter far worse as it can spread the ink over a bigger area (especially on an aniline style leather) Nail varnish remover or any other solvents will remove the finish and pigment which will need replacing.

DO NOT USE Baby wipes as they are about the worst thing you can use on a leather as they break down the finish and will eventually ruin it.

Please do not try milk it is a silly idea that this will work and will leave sticky residues on the surface which will help to break down the finish

If the ink is on an aniline style, there is nothing that will remove it because the ink will have re-dyed the leather. It may dissipate over time with cleaning and protecting.

Old ink will be harder to remove than new ink and may mean resorting to solvents which will also remove the finish. This is probably best left to the experts.

Silicones are the worst thing to use on leather as they will form a coating on the surface of the leather which will not allow any moisture to get to the leather and will eventually break all the finish down and make it crack. Leather needs water and should not be protected against it.

Leather does not need conditioning it needs cleaning and protecting on a regular basis with water based products this will keep it rehydrated and supple. Oils will make things much worse.

Source(s):
www.LTTsolutions.net
Leather care consultnts to the furniture and cleaning industries

Answer 3

Leather is usually pigment dyed so the traditional method of removing ink with a solvent such as rubbing alcohol is not the best idea since it can remove the dye as well.


Try these techniques :

The best course of action is to buy a leather cleaner (which also can remove dye...go figure) and try to clean off the ink.

If you do remove some dye as well as the ink, there are leather color restorers which come in various colors to match the existing color.

Once you have finished, use a leather conditioner to restore the moisture to the areas cleaned. Best of luck and remember without our kids we would eternally bored!

Answer 4

After testing in an inconspicuous area denatured Alcohol works great for removing ink.

Answer 5

There's this thing that Walmart, Home Depot etc.. sells called Goo Gone, and it literally cleans up everything, it lifts everything... Works wonders, give it a whirl!

Answer 6

Believe it or not, but hairspray helps remove ink. Try it.

Answer 7

Hairspray for ink,

Answer 8

try milk