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.