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Recently, I purchased a No. 6 Ford F-100 Pickup. It has some kind of stain on the front, possibly marker.

How do I get this gunk off without ruining it?

Try a cotton bud with methylated spirit, shouldn't do any damage

The problem is that solvent-based marker ink often gets into the plastic rather than just sitting on the surface. (Whether it does or not depends on the combination of the plastic and the solvent used.) A mild solvent is always worth trying but, even if it comes off, I think you'll probably always see a shadow.

Idris wrote:The problem is that solvent-based marker ink often gets into the plastic rather than just sitting on the surface. (Whether it does or not depends on the combination of the plastic and the solvent used.) A mild solvent is always worth trying but, even if it comes off, I think you'll probably always see a shadow.

Cleaning plastics can be frustrating because of the variables involved and there are solvents and spirits that may work to different degrees but before trying anything harsh that may make things worse, I usually try something gentle first like warm soapy water and a cotton bud or wet wipes (baby style). I'm sure Tinman will be able to advise better than me but I've also had some luck with things like cif, Fairy Powerspray, wd-40, toothpaste, hairspray, etc. But I think with me it's more luck than judgement

If its nail varnish only acetone will dissolve it but that destroys plastic although soaking the car in hot water for 10 minutes should enable a finger nail to scrape nail varnish off plastic.If its lipstick then a good degreaser will remove it

johnboy wrote:

Idris wrote:The problem is that solvent-based marker ink often gets into the plastic rather than just sitting on the surface. (Whether it does or not depends on the combination of the plastic and the solvent used.) A mild solvent is always worth trying but, even if it comes off, I think you'll probably always see a shadow.

Cleaning plastics can be frustrating because of the variables involved and there are solvents and spirits that may work to different degrees but before trying anything harsh that may make things worse, I usually try something gentle first like warm soapy water and a cotton bud or wet wipes (baby style). I'm sure Tinman will be able to advise better than me but I've also had some luck with things like cif, Fairy Powerspray, wd-40, toothpaste, hairspray, etc. But I think with me it's more luck than judgement

I keep all the same stuff in my Handbag as well Johnboy...

Ghosty.

GHOSTHUNTER wrote:

johnboy wrote:

Idris wrote:The problem is that solvent-based marker ink often gets into the plastic rather than just sitting on the surface. (Whether it does or not depends on the combination of the plastic and the solvent used.) A mild solvent is always worth trying but, even if it comes off, I think you'll probably always see a shadow.

Cleaning plastics can be frustrating because of the variables involved and there are solvents and spirits that may work to different degrees but before trying anything harsh that may make things worse, I usually try something gentle first like warm soapy water and a cotton bud or wet wipes (baby style). I'm sure Tinman will be able to advise better than me but I've also had some luck with things like cif, Fairy Powerspray, wd-40, toothpaste, hairspray, etc. But I think with me it's more luck than judgement

I keep all the same stuff in my Handbag as well Johnboy...

Ghosty.

Manbag, not handbag

Johnybag??

MER car polish is good.