Blue Ink on my white M37

[aachoo]

While on the highway the car in front of me ran over what I assume was a full pen of blue ink. The right front is speckled with ink spots. The spots easily came off the head light,fog light and the grill surround. The paint and horizontal grill slats are a different story. I Googled but that only covered paint and sharpie. Have tried various remedies none have been successful . Any recommendations?

[Ilya]

Hmm...I'd call a detail shop in your area and see what they have to think.

[Larz]

There is a product called "Goof-Off" that I have used on paint surface AND the plastic / chrome grille with no damage to either one. However, after using it, I recommend re-cleaning the area with car soap to get all the residual product off, then applying new wax to the area.

[satown210]

When using Goof Off, make sure you don't have the Professional Strength one. It will eat paint and clearcoat. I'd start with rubbing alcohol. The harshest thing you can use is fingernail polish remover. Do it on cool paint. If it does not remove the ink fairly quickly, wash the surface where you applied the alcohol or acetone, and then wax it. You will remove any form of wax or sealant that you had prior.

[Johnny Means]

Most ink pens are going to be alcohol based. Denatured does a good job of removing. Lacquer thinner also works and is used by detailers for removing all sorts of scuffs and marks.

[aachoo]

Thanks for the replies. I will try the suggestions on inconspicuous areas and see how they work.

[mrnix]

+1 for what Larz said. Goo Gone (probably the same as goof off) removed spray paint from my hood when my toddler got creative last year. It did strip off all the wax so I immediately glazed, sealed, and waxed the whole car after a thorough wash.

[cliffyk]

When using Goof Off, make sure you don't have the Professional Strength one. It will eat paint and clearcoat. I'd start with rubbing alcohol. The harshest thing you can use is fingernail polish remover. Do it on cool paint. If it does not remove the ink fairly quickly, wash the surface where you applied the alcohol or acetone, and then wax it. You will remove any form of wax or sealant that you had prior.

+ 1000 or so on this, the "pro" stuff is some serious stuff--it's one of those "don't ask me how I know things...