How to get magic marker off brass?

[tjchung]

I have an antique suitcase with a brass lock, and some idiot had written a small
"7" on it with a black magic marker. Anybody know how I can get it off without resorting to sandpaper?

 

[Josh K]

Try one of those arm and hammer magic scrub pads. The little white ones.

 

[Ken C.]

Brasso.

 

[dawsonbob]

I have an antique suitcase with a brass lock, and some idiot had written a small
"7" on it with a black magic marker. Anybody know how I can get it off without resorting to sandpaper?

Depending on how long it's been on there, and whether the brass is lacquered, you might be able to get it off with just lighter fluid (Naphtha) or WD-40.

If it's been on there for a long time, then it may not come off all that easily.

Good luck.

 

[rifon2]

Brasso.

Yes, Brasso.

Brass is a relatively soft alloy and even "Final Finish" 0000 steel wool will dull its luster.
So be sure to use a soft cloth or soft pad.

Also good for removing magic marker from metal are the "orange" cleaners like
Fantastik, Orange Glo, Goo-Gone, etc.

 

[dawsonbob]

As an old Marine, I can testify that Brasso is great stuff. But try the lighter fluid or WD-40 first. Why? Because if you use the Brasso, you're going to have to use it on all the brass fittings, or they won't match. If, however, you want to shine all the brass, then go straight to the Brasso.

 

[Cougar Allen]

All you need is alcohol -- rubbing alcohol, or whatever you have handy.

 

[JD Mandrell]

Rubbing alcohol or acetone.

I recently had to remove yellow paint from the front sight of a 1956 Smith & Wesson M&P revolver, and acetone took it off without harming the original blue finish at all.

 

[Gollnick]

Fortunately, the marker is on metal. If Alcohol doesn't do the trick, try acetone. If that still doesn't do it, try Xylene which is available at hardware stores under the brand name Goof Off. But, be careful because acetone and even more so Xylene are strong solvents; they're harmless to the metal, but will attack and damage other materials and painted surfaces. You may want to put masking tape around the brass area and then apply the solvent with a q-tip or a very small rag.

 

[tjchung]

OK, +1 on the acetone suggestion. I moistened one of my wife's cosmetics cotton pads with a bit of her acetone, rubbed it on the brass lock and it came off with a few rubs.

Thanks for all the suggestions.