I was careless with a pen in my hand as I reached into the back seat, and I dragged the tip across the headliner, leaving about a 5-inch mark. Any recommendations on what to use to clean it? I'm worried about using something that discolors it and it ends up looking worse than it already does. Thanks.
Before doing anything, I think it's very important to know exactly what you're trying to remove as in what kind of pen exactly. Yes it matters. Then research how to remove that exact kind of ink.
Don't know if this tells you anything useful, but here's the description from the Staples site of the exact pen: Product Description Pentel R.S.V.P. ballpoint pens with fine point tips and black ink offer smooth writing. Pentel R.S.V.P. ballpoint pens feature fine point tips for clear, smooth strokes. Filled with permanent non-erasable black ink, these pens give your handwritten materials long-lasting security and the professional look you want. These stylish pens are designed with clips that attach easily to notebooks or pockets, allowing you to keep them close at hand. With 12 pens per box, you can place them in locations throughout your office or business, so you're always ready to write. Ballpoint pen for smooth writing Black color ink for easy visibility Tip size 0.7 mm fine point for precise writing Clear in color and made of plastic for easy-to-see ink level Stainless steel tip for durability and consistency Write for almost a mile before a refill for longevity Well-balanced sturdy pen creates popularity Ergonomic barrel design with latex-free rubber ComfortZone grip for writing ease Limited lifetime warranty Contains 12 pens per box Comfortable Grip These Pentel ballpoint pens offer a secure and comfortable grip, which helps avoid writer's cramp when you write for long periods of time. The pen grips are made of latex-free rubber, providing a soft touch and reducing the chance of allergic skin reactions while you write. Durable Tip Engineered with tips made of durable stainless steel, these ballpoint pens stand up to hours of continual writing and deliver a dependable, consistent ink flow, giving you something to write home about. Clear Sturdy Barrel These Pentel pens are designed with clear barrels, so you see exactly how much ink you have left. This see-through feature means no surprises; just have another pen from the box ready if you have more documents to sign and ink is running low. Made of sturdy plastic, these pens withstand the typical jostling in your purse or briefcase so you can carry them everywhere.
I use that exact same pen. It seems, many like a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol. What I'd do is mark a piece of cloth with the pen and use it to test your cleaning technique. My fear is if you get the headliner too wet it will just spread out into a blot.
Thanks. Yeah, that's my worry - making a larger stain, lightening the headliner color, or both. If that's the alternative, I can live with the thin line.
Check out timestamp 4:59 in this detailer's video. He makes interesting comments about headliner cleaning. Also, the professional car detailers hang out on www.autopia.org and you might find a solution there. See these best way to clean headliner and Head liner
Haven't had a chance to work on this yet, but did want to share the response I got back from Pentel customer service: Our R.S.V.P. BK90/BK91 pens contain an oil based type of ink. We have two products that we can recommend for your use. One is Woolite and the second one is Mötsenböcker’s Lift Off. These products are available at most retailer stores. Please note, our recommendation is not a guarantee of results. Should you decide to purchase and use any of the products, please read all of the instructions prior to use. Repeating the process might be beneficial as well. Work in a safe area and, if a garment, be sure to isolate the stain from any other part of the garment to avoid transferring the ink. You can use a rag or an old T-shirt under the stained area of any item you are working on. We should also note that if you have already washed the garment or other item, then dried it in a clothes dryer, that could have set the stain.
