Robert, As an auction and used equipment hound, I have a lot of experience cleaning such marks (have you priced new scientific lab equipment?). I use detergent and water, isopropyl alcohol, mineral spirits, tetrachloroethane, acetone, MEK or MIBK, and toluene in that order to remove such markings.
Each save the TCE should be available at your LHS (local hardware store). If there are coatings or plastics involved obviously each becomes more likely to damage. In those cases, persistence with IPA is called for. AFAIK, none should hurt the anodization.
I find 70% IPA (rubbing alcohol) almost useless and 100% IPA is 100% better at cleaning things.
Jon M. Crate FAI Materials Testing Laboratory Marietta, Georgia USA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of R.S. Broderick Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 3:47 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR] Stain Removal? - Seeking Hints From Heloise
Perhaps others have run into this problem before:
You manage to source an NOS version of a particularly difficult to find vintage bicycle component, only to be confronted with the handiwork of a well intentioned but nevertheless frustratingly short sighted LBS inventory control freak who has at one point seen fit to brand your new found treasure with some meaningless scrawl using the likes of a common felt pen. In the case of something along the lines of a clear anodized aluminum alloy chain ring (...i.e. my particular circumstance), I have in the past taken a simple rag doused in lacquer thinner and wiped the offending visage clean. And in those confounding circumstances where the cad was silly enough to have used a "permanent" type marker, I have found that those Mr. Clean Magic Erasers do wonders at chain ring tattoo removal of this sort.
... HOWEVER ...
This time I have run up against an indelible black marker the likes of which must have its origins in the French cosmetic industry (...which might actually make sense, to the extent that the Stronglight chain ring itself only just arrived here stateside Par Avion courtesy of the French postal authorities). So, either the French have actually perfected a method of permanent eyeliner application for the haute couture mademoiselle and reconstituted same in pernicious pen form, or the ink in question is merely a more mundane sort that has had some thirty years to allow itself to permanently stain this chain ring in a manner beyond that which I have ever previously encountered.
In either case, before I grab my handy can of Aircraft Paint Remover in a final attempt at exorcising the unwanted coloration while risking ruination of the anodized clear coat in the process, I thought that I might solicit the collective wisdom of the CR List membership as to any other non invasive yet effective measures that one might contemplate (...and no, using a felt pen to finish the job of converting my bis chain ring into a noir ter is NOT an option).
Robert "such stains on chains beget mainly my disdain" Broderick
...the "Chronically Cloudy Clime" of Oregon
Portland, USA