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How to Remove Ink from Aluminum Sheets

Corey M. Mackenzie

Ink will stain nearly any solid surface it contacts. However, the stains do not have to be permanent, even if it is permanent ink. If someone spills ink on aluminum sheets, removing it is not as difficult as it may seem. Several items, some of which you may already have on hand, will safely help lift ink from solid metal surfaces, including aluminum.

  1. Lay the aluminum sheet on a flat surface, such as a work table. Put on rubber gloves and extinguish any open flames.

  2. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a small, clean sponge, and rub it over the ink, most of which should come off immediately. If you prefer, use fingernail polish remover or WD-40 instead.

  3. Apply more alcohol to the sponge and rub the ink briskly. Once you've liquefied most of the ink, saturate paper towels with the alcohol and rub over the ink until the stain is removed completely.

  4. Dampen clean paper towels or a rag in clean water. Wipe this over the aluminum sheet to remove the alcohol. Dry with a towel.