What is a good solvent to remove permanent marker on plastic?

[ransley]

I use Laquer thinner alot, to clean plastic before painting, never hurt any of it.

[Frank]

Yes. The concern is that solvent in the marker plasticized the surface allowing the dye to penetrate. Would make it difficult to remove with solvent which is why I suggest bleach to de-colorize. If carbon black, may be impossible to remove except by buffing it out.

Just yesterday, I was showing my wife how to remove stains from a plastic cutting board with bleach as nothing she had tried was working. Works best by soaking or leaving wet for a while.

[norminn]

My husband used a green 3M scrubber to remove perm. marker from a painted wall...to my amazement, there is no sign of dullness on the wall afterward. Good 'ole Ben Moore alkyd paint :o)

I use a Sharpie marker to mark freezer packages...couple of times the marker has bled purple onto the kitchen counter when it got wet while food was thawing.

[aemeijers]

There is a reason they call it a permanent marker. Unless you can fade it out with bleach (which may still weaken it), I suspect any solvent that will work, will leave the plastic in a fragile state with a rough surface. They make spray-paints for plastic. Just out of curiosity, what is it? If it something dirt-cheap like a plastic chair, I'd just demote it to far-backyard use and forget about it.

[Stormin Mormon]

Most paint thinners are "mineral spirits". I think mineral spirits is a very old name. A quart at Walmart set you back about six bucks. Rather flammable.

[JIMMIE]

GOOF OFF, if this doent take it off probably nothing that wont ruin the piece will work.Acetone would be the next step up.

Jimmie

[JIMMIE]

Try sanding it off

Jimmie

[dadiOH]

Mineral spirits are the same as paint thinner but has been refined a bit more and has less odor. Both are petroleum products. Turpentine is used similarly but is made from pine tree resin, not petroleum. None have alcohol.

[gfretwell]

I am surprised nobody has said WD40

[WW]

norminn I have done that also on Formica counter top. Diluted bleach will clean it up or use full strength bleach. ww