Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500428
06/24/03
Wood Furniture - Ink Stains
If ink is spilled on a worn or damaged finish in
which the unsealed wood is exposed, it will penetrate
deep into the wood and become almost impossible to
remove. If, however, the finish has been protected with a
layer of wax, ink can often be blotted up immediately
without staining. The following methods may be helpful
should a stain occur.
Blot the spot immediately before the ink has a chance
to penetrate the wood. Clean the surface using a cream
wax or damp cloth. Do Not Rub--keep turning the cloth to
prevent smearing. Should the stain persist, treat the
spot with rottenstone and oil as for alcohol stains.
If stain remains, apply an oxalic acid solution with
a medicine dropper or glass rod (two tablespoons oxalic
acid to one pint lukewarm water). Allow the solution to
stand a few minutes and rinse. The oxalic acid solution
is a bleach and works slowly, so give it time to work on
the stain. It may also bleach out part of the natural
color. The bleach will work better if the spot is sanded
lightly before application.(CAUTION: Oxalic acid is
poisonous. Follow label directions.)
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia
Extension bulletin How to Care for Your Furnishings.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .