Any tips on removing ink (fountain pen) writing on holster? Have a nice 30s vintage holster some yahoo wrote their name and address on. No one of note according to gobble. Thanks for any help!
Removing Ink from Leather
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MichiganScott
Member
I suspect any attempt to remove the ink with chemicals would damage the holster. I'd view the writing as part of the history associated with the holster.
johnnyflake
Member
I do not believe it's possible, without damaging the leather and making it look much worst. I would leave it as is, if your looking to retain the vintage looks. If your not too caught up with that, you can dye over the writing, in a color matching the original as closely as possible. That would most likely look better than the ink writing.
DoubleAdobe
Member
Is there a chance you could post a picture(s) of where and how the writing is placed? I have had some success removing ink and paint stains from some vegetable tannages. There are a few things you could try, but it would help seeing it first I think.
Did you research the name? Maybe important providence.
Tinhack
Member
Rubbing alcohol does an amazing job of removing fresh
ball point pen ink from fabric, but I don't know what it
would do to leather, old or new. And, fountain pen ink
was something different--and with decades of aging,
it changes too. Might be best to leave as is.
ball point pen ink from fabric, but I don't know what it
would do to leather, old or new. And, fountain pen ink
was something different--and with decades of aging,
it changes too. Might be best to leave as is.
OP
I know it's not much ,but it BOTHERS me! LOL Since you also mentioned paint, here is an old Lawrence. They painted the woodsman too but I got it off. No great value here, but would like to do what I can to clean them up, Thanks.
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bamabiker
Member
I would try the rubbing alcohol.
DoubleAdobe
Member
Yes, you could try the alcohol. I use it on boots a lot, soak the vamp and ball of the foot with alcohol then use a boot stretcher. When dry, re-oil and polish.
If the alcohol does not work, try oxalic acid. It comes kind of granulated, I get it from leather supply places but have seen it for sale at lumber stores also. It is used to bleach wood as well.
A spoon in a pint of water is what I use to clean leather with. It will lighten leather so be ready to oil and polish afterwards. But I would not be afraid to try either of these methods on either of those holsters..The dried paint will take to the alcohol better I would imagine.
If the alcohol does not work, try oxalic acid. It comes kind of granulated, I get it from leather supply places but have seen it for sale at lumber stores also. It is used to bleach wood as well.
A spoon in a pint of water is what I use to clean leather with. It will lighten leather so be ready to oil and polish afterwards. But I would not be afraid to try either of these methods on either of those holsters..The dried paint will take to the alcohol better I would imagine.
MichiganScott
Member
Since you are insistent on removal find a cobbler or leathersmith. They can work miracles but you will pay for it.
Leatherhead23
SWCA Member
I would try saddle soap
29aholic
Member
That was my thoughts too. Or, you could try Kroil.
Never tried removing ink, but I've used plain ol' rubbing alcohol - and even acetone to clean old holsters. Not a single issue. I wouldn't hesitate to try it to remove the ink on that holster. I'm thinkin' that holster doesn't have a lot of monetary value, so you don't have a lot to lose. Try a small area first. Just use a Q-tip soaked with the alcohol on just one letter. You really don't need to saturate the leather. If you don't like what you see - stop.
Lobogunleathers
Member
In my experiance with leather, ink is very hard to remove unless right after it has been put on as it tends to dye the vegetable tanned leather permanently. Alcohol sometimes works to dilute the color and make it less noticeable the best i have found in some cases is turpentine can work miracles! best to oil right after use as it can dry the leather out. Saddle soap works best for dirt and grime.
Alcohol is the solvent for ballpoint ink, ammonium is the solvent for Fountain pen ink,that said there is a product called Amodex that is designed to remove Ink, rust and blood from fabric and leather. It's best used as directed in the instructions on the package.
Steve - using a soft eraser may remove the ink. I have a large, rectangular school eraser that I've used in past on leather (with success)
