How can I get pen ink off of wood?

Question

How can I get pen ink off of wood?

Answer 1

Mr. clean magic erasers  

Answer 2

if it is not painted try w d 40 it will get the ink off

Answer 3

If the wood is finished with a glossy coating, a cotton ball dipped in alcohol pr essential oil will scrub  it off nicely or even a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. If the finish is more of a rubbed finish, the alcohol may get it out but not all of it as it will have soaked down into the grain. If that is the case, the only way to get rid of it is to sand and refinish. I just had to leave mine alone after the alcohol wouldn't get it though as I would have ruined my table by sanding it down.  

Answer 4

Someone told me to use hairspray (seriously) to get ink out of clothing and it worked somewhat.  I do think, however, that it is the alcohol in the hairspray that was semi-effective and nothing more.  The wood must be pretty light in color for ink to be a problem?  Is it just regular ball point pen ...ink?  Or perhaps a permanent marker?  If it's an expensive piece I'd let a professional handle it but if it's an older piece, an antique, you could easily sand it down and re-stain it.  If you do that you'll more than likely have to do the entire surface of the piece.   Make sure it's not veneer before trying alcohol on it and if possible try to find a spot that has the same finish but can't be seen to test what the alcohol does to it BEFORE attempting it on the top (or wherever it is).  

According to "How Things Work" they suggest the following:

Ink Stains

Ink stains that have penetrated the finish, like black water spots, cannot be removed without re-finishing. Less serious ink stains can sometimes be removed. Lightly buff the stained area with a cloth moistened with mineral spirits; then rinse the wood with clean water on a soft cloth. Dry the surface thoroughly, and then wax and polish it.

If this does not remove the ink, lightly rub the stained area, along the grain of the wood, with No. 0000 steel wool moistened with mineral spirits. Then wipe the surface clean and wax and polish it. This treatment may damage the finish. If necessary, refinish the damaged spot as discussed below. If the area is badly damaged, the entire surface or piece of furniture will have to be refinished.