Removing Sharpie from Fiberglass

[mamakback]

As the title says, I need help getting permanent marker off my boat. Long story short, my 3 year old is a brat and my husband doesn't pay attention while I'm gone. I'm still not sure where he got ahold of a permanent marker from but obviously, he did.

I've tried magic eraser, WD-40, Goo Gone, non acetone nail polish remover and it lightens it but it only lightens it. I'm assuming it soaked into the gel coat? Anything that can be done besides wet sanding it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Removing Sharpie from Fiberglass

Try Acetone if its not painted.

At this point you might have rubbed the ink into perosity. You may have to do a little wet sanding and buffing to get it out.

YD.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Removing Sharpie from Fiberglass

Haven't tried it on gel coat, but She Who Must Be Obeyed swears by alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove Sharpie.

 

[mamakback]

Re: Removing Sharpie from Fiberglass

I figured I'd give an update of what I all tried and I did, in fact get it off! Woohooo!!!

I first tried WD-40, it lightened the marker slightly. I tried a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, it did nothing which shocked me... those things work on everything! I tried Goo Gone, non acetone nail polish remover, some M?tsenb?cker's Lift Off (per an Ace Hardware employee's recommendation.) that junk did nothing! Rubbing alcohol, lightened it slightly. Alcohol based hand sanitizer, hospital grade - didn't do anything. What got it off best before the real solution was writing over it with a dry erase marker, but that left some coloration also.

The solution - TOOTH PASTE! I couldn't believe it! I used what we use all the time, Arm and Hammer Whitening Toothpaste with Peroxide but I'm pretty sure it was just the little bit of gritty-ness toothpaste has. The side of the boat where the toothpaste was looks brand new! I honestly think I'm going to buff the entire boat with toothpaste, wash it (it leaves it sticky), then finish off with a coat of wax.

So, if anyone has a naughty little 3 year old and gets ahold of a permanent marker and goes to town on their boat, get out the buffer and some toothpaste! You'll be amazed!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Removing Sharpie from Fiberglass

You have also discovered another way to remove the haze from some car headlight lenses............

Congrats!