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Thread: Ink stain

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    Default Ink stain

    I’ve got a Montegrappa moon landing pen which has that matte aluminum finish. I’ve noticed what looks like ink stains on the section from ink that has likely leaked into the cap which I have already cleaned out, but those stains won’t go away and I’ve tried to clean it with alcohol, mineral spirits, and vinegar. Should bleach or acetone work in it because it seems to be insanely stubborn.

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink stain

    I would definitely advise against the use of bleach or acetone on any pen.

    My first action would be to wash the section in a mixture of warm water with a few drops of dishwashing soap using a soft brush on the stains. If that doesn't work I would move onto soaking the grip in an ammonia based pen flush or using an ultrasonic cleaner.

    As a last resort I might try using Rapidoeze on a Q tip. If it hasn't come off by then I would be changing from whatever ink had caused the problem and using a different ink.

    I also would have posted this question in the Repair forum rather than the General Inky Goodness forum which is only about using inks not repairing pens.

    You will have to hope Ron Zorn, Penwash or some of our other expert repair people see it in here.
    Last edited by Chrissy; October 5th, 2020 at 02:13 PM.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Senior Member Ron Z's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink stain

    I think that I'd be inclined to try Amodex. Rapidoeze would work too, but Amodex does an excellent job of removing ink without damaging the dyes in fabric, so should be safe to use on an anodized aluminum barrel. Rinse well after.

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    Default Re: Ink stain

    Quote Originally Posted by Ron Z View Post
    I think that I'd be inclined to try Amodex. Rapidoeze would work too, but Amodex does an excellent job of removing ink without damaging the dyes in fabric, so should be safe to use on an anodized aluminum barrel. Rinse well after.
    Thanks Ron. Amazingly I have Amodex and have used it many times on clothing but never considered the thought of using it on a pen. Doh!!!
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Ink stain

    Another data point of interest: what was the ink?
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Ink stain

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Another data point of interest: what was the ink?
    I would also like to know so that I can avoid using it.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Ink stain

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Another data point of interest: what was the ink?
    It was some generic black ink I got from some pen kit website super cheaply this is really the only time its happened, every other time it washed off

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    Default Re: Ink stain

    Quote Originally Posted by PopeFed View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Jon Szanto View Post
    Another data point of interest: what was the ink?
    It was some generic black ink I got from some pen kit website super cheaply this is really the only time its happened, every other time it washed off
    Which leads one to the potential conclusion that it is an unstable formula or production that changes over time. Inexpensive is one thing, cheap is a different ballgame.
    "When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
    and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."

    ~ Benjamin Franklin

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    Default Re: Ink stain

    It's quite an expensive pen and for me it seems like false economy to fill it with a "generic ink" that is going to stain it's section so much so that you can't get it off without using Amodex or Rapidoeze.

    As an example Waterman ink isn't expensive, is very reliable, and won't stain your section.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Senior Member Ron Z's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink stain

    It could be though, that the staining is a result of the anodizing process used on the finish of the pen. Anodizing, usually used on aluminum to color the material, can create a porous finish. It could very well be the finish, and not the ink, that is the reason it that the stain won't come off.

    Wikipedia: Some aluminium aircraft parts, architectural materials, and consumer products are anodized. Anodized aluminium can be found on MP3 players, smartphones, multi-tools, flashlights, cookware, cameras, sporting goods, firearms, window frames, roofs, in electrolytic capacitors, and on many other products both for corrosion resistance and the ability to retain dye. Although anodizing only has moderate wear resistance, the deeper pores can better retain a lubricating film than a smooth surface would.
    (bold type added)

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