I have removed a lot of marks from bike frames including magic marker. The thing that you learn quick is that each of these is unique and no one solution will work on them all. As with any removel process be careful and use a test area first to make sure you do not damage more than you want to fix. When I say test, of course you cannot find a good test spot if your lugs are outlined but you really want to preserve the paint under the marker. Use an inconspicuous area on the frame like the inside of a dropout or inside the BB if possible. What you want to make sure is that the finish you are trying to keep is not damaged by the method you will use to try and remove the marker. If your paint in these areas is not damaged with the test then it will not damage the lug area when used there. As for the solvents, I use a variety depending what I am faced with. I like the alcohol first as it is probably the least agressive, I also use WD40, Benzine, gasoline, xylene, acetone and chlorene bleach. Now I have to tell you that if you are not use to handeling these solvents then the last 5 are not for you. Both gasoline and acetone are very volitile around sparks or flames and need very good ventilation and a mask to use. Xylene and Benzine are pretty toxic substances that can cause among other things, liver damage. Rubber gloves and masks are recommended. Chlorine can cause burns and lung difficulties (so can some of the others). They can do their intended job well but these are not causual substances that you rub on with a cloth and dump the rest down the drain. Gloves, goggles, protective or sacrificial clothing and some normal care and knowledge is recommended for their safe use.
Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ