Ink or Marker on Lexus Leather

TritonBert · 02-02-09, 01:09 PM

Hello All,

I am a new member, having just purchased a 2008 Lexus RX350. I read the entire sticky on Leather and was not able to find the answer to my problem.

It appears that someone sat in the back seat with a ballpoint pen or marker in their back pocket. The seat back has ink or marker that I have not been able to remove. I have tried soapy water and Meguiers Gold Class cleaner and sealant. I have not tried any harsher solvents yet, and am afraid to without some help. I went to Advance and all the leather products they sell indicated that they did not remove stains.

Has anyone run into this before and, if so, how were you able to remove the ink or marker?

Thanks in advance

Bert

cduluk · 02-02-09, 03:01 PM

leatherique has a product that works wonders for this. I think it's called "ink remover' actually. Expensive but works good. Just make sure not to rub too much or it will remove the leather dye...

RsSharKy · 02-26-09, 07:46 PM

try hairspray
yes, the one that hold your hair
i have blue ink pen on my new RX
i removed all the color of it, but i can still see the "line".....
i didn't want to rub it too much, i was afraid that my Ivory seat will turn into White seat

i used cotton swaps with hairspray on it <-rub too much/heavy might change color
then wipe them off with damped cotton cloth
then leather conditioner <- might help you bring the color back

cduluk · 02-27-09, 10:11 PM

AHHH!!!!! absolutely do NOT use hairspray on leather

Please no hairspray... nothing you wouldn't rub on your own skin.

GS4_Fiend · 02-28-09, 01:22 AM

LOL!@ Got tricked.

RsSharKy · 03-01-09, 08:41 PM

hehe blamed on google
i googled it and i actually tried it

cduluk · 03-01-09, 10:11 PM

oh boy

lol

Has there been any adverse effect from the hairspray? Is the factory dye cracking or anything?

RsSharKy · 03-03-09, 09:46 PM

mine didn't dye crackin or anything
i put leather conditioner on right after i removed ink

cduluk · 03-03-09, 09:49 PM

i'm sure it will be ok then

You got lucky! Wouldn't try that again... :P

markeezy · 03-03-09, 10:28 PM

use mr.clean magic eraser. works literally like magic.

a sharpie exploded in my pocket before, and it left marker stains on the leather in the 4runner. i mean, these were HUGE stains, but it all came out with the magic eraser. get the one that says "extra power".

and please, DO NOT USE HAIRSPRAY.

Guitarman · 03-04-09, 07:19 AM

Be careful with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, they work amazingly well on many things, but they ARE abrasive and have removed the clear poly coat on leathers. This is one application of it I would avoid.

Then you have another problem with your unprotected dye/ color coming off.

If you're careful and use only a pass or 2 with it you might be ok.

P.S. You also won't realize you've taken off the clearcoat, because you can't tell immediately.

cduluk · 03-05-09, 09:39 PM

oh my lord, please no magic eraser either!

Like guitarman said, it's an abrasive with solvents. It will remove the layers of dye making the leather even more brittle. It may look good after you've used the magic eraser,but that's only because you're looking at fresh dye because you took the aged layer off.

It's like having 3 inches of ice on a river. The top layer may have leaves and dirt in it, so you shave off an inch. Before you know it, you'll fall right through!

Be gentle with leather...

jfelbab · 03-06-09, 07:07 AM

Leather Masters is my choice for any leather issue, whether it be maintenance, repair or restore. I have used most of the major branded OTC products and they are nowhere near as good as LM, IMHO.

http://www.leatherworldtech.com/

http://www.ProAutoGear.com/

Disclaimer: I have no position in LM or any incentive for recommending them other than being a completely satisfied, long-time user.