Marking is carried out in almost every workplace: cutting dimensions on sheet metal, batch numbers on pipes and sections, inspection marks in quality control, storage locations, tyres and tools. What is practical becomes a problem when the marking needs to be removed – for example, before welding, painting, powder coating or bonding; before delivery to the customer; or if a marking was incorrect.
Which marker was it?
- Permanent marker (e.g. Edding): Dyes in an alcohol-based solvent. They penetrate the surface and usually dissolve well on smooth surfaces.
- Paint marker (Paint marker): Opaque pigments in a lacquer binder. They form a solid film that adheres almost like lacquer and require a longer drying time.
- Industrial and specialist markers: e.g. heat-resistant markers for hot components or markers with a particularly low chlorine and sulphur content for stainless steel. Their binders are particularly durable.
- Marking chalk and wax markers: They tend to be on the surface and can often be wiped off simply by wiping them down.
Procedure by surface area
| Surface | What to look out for | Might be suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Metal and stainless steel Sheets, tubes, sections | Clean thoroughly to remove all residues before welding or coating | Dyeclean 200 |
| Plastic and acrylic glass | Some plastics become cloudy or cracked when exposed to solvents | Plexinova |
| Glass | smooth surface, residue on edges and seals | Topclean |
| Painted surfaces | Do not dilute the varnish; just leave it to work for a short while | Plexinova |
| Wood, concrete, stone porous | Dye penetrates deeply; complete removal is often difficult | Counselling |
These suggestions are a starting point. Markers and surfaces vary greatly. During our consultation, we will work with you to find the cleaner that best removes your markings without damaging the surface – usually with a free sample.
Here’s how to do it
- Test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
- Apply the cleaner to a lint-free cloth; do not apply it directly to large surfaces.
- Press briefly onto the mark and leave it to take effect. Paint markers take longer.
- Wipe gently, making sure to use a clean part of the cloth each time so that the paint doesn’t smudge.
- Repeat if necessary. If the surface is to be welded, coated or bonded afterwards, clean it thoroughly to remove any residue.
Markings on stainless steel and prior to coating
On stainless steel, markings are more than just a visual problem. If residues remain on the surface, they can be burnt into the material during welding or interfere with the adhesion of a coating. Even marks that are barely visible should therefore be completely removed before welding, pickling, painting or bonding. The simplest approach is to apply markings from the outset in places where cutting will take place later or where no coating will be applied.
Why not use acetone or nitro thinner?
Acetone and nitro thinner dissolve marker ink quickly, but are highly flammable, evaporate rapidly and irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. On many plastics and paints, they actually corrode the surface itself. The Hazardous Substances Regulation requires an assessment to be carried out to determine whether hazardous cleaning agents can be replaced with less hazardous alternatives. Many of Eco-Nova’s cleaning products are not classified as hazardous. Find out more: Acetone substitute without hazardous substance labelling.
Ink for coders and inkjet printers? There’s a separate post on that: Removing ink residue from inkjet printers and coding lines.
Always follow the instructions in the safety data sheet. The safety data sheet is available on request to existing customers and to customers who have received a sample or attended a demonstration.
The best way to find out which cleaner will remove your marking is to discuss it with us. If possible, please let us know the details of the marker (manufacturer, type) and the surface. Our technical advisers will recommend a cleaner and put together a free sample for you.