Inkblots On The Trim And End Of The Body Of My Carene Fp

[marcelo]

Hi FPNers!

I need your help. The trim and end of the body opposite to the cap of my Waterman Carene FP became tainted with small inkblots. I tried to clean them with a humid smooth cloth, but did not work.

 

Do you know how to clean them causing no harm to beautiful finish of the pen?

 

I look forward to reading from you.

 

Marcelo

[Ernst Bitterman]

Pictures might help. If a damp cloth isn't removing them, it might be a defect in the finish.

[marcelo]

Hi Ernst.

 

Thank you for the reply. Here's the 'evidence':

 

[Ernst Bitterman]

That's hard to figure out.

 

I can't think of what might be causing it; it doesn't look like there's any pitting, which I'd expect if the ink were eating the chrome finish. Hopefully someone else will have inspiration.

 

The only other useful thing I can think of is a question: what sort of ink do you use?

[flyshot]

Maybe a 1:1 Vinegar & Water mixture?

[marcelo]

That's hard to figure out.

 

I can't think of what might be causing it; it doesn't look like there's any pitting, which I'd expect if the ink were eating the chrome finish. Hopefully someone else will have inspiration.

 

The only other useful thing I can think of is a question: what sort of ink do you use?

Waterman ink: bottle and cartridge.

[Ghost Plane]

Whoa! Definitely a first with that ink.

 

Maybe a gentle pass with Mr Clean Magic Eraser? Takes ink off my stainless steel sink. But careful around the colored part.

[BillZ]

I have a Sunshine Polishing Cloth that I purchased from Richard Binder. Maybe something similar? A local jeweler might be able to assist you. I have a Carene and it is

a beautiful instrument!!

[Nokin]

I'd be tempted to try an ultrasonic cleaner if you can get access to one. It's done the trick with many pens for me, and I've never had any been damaged by the process.

[Moshe ben David]

You didn't mention, but should we assume you are posting the cap when you write -- indicating that the ink spots are being transferred from the inside of the cap to the end of the pen? Won't change how to clean them off, but could indicate how to avoid them going forward.

 

Given you are using Waterman ink I wonder if an overnight soak of the barrel in distilled water would help; possibly followed by using something like JB's Ink Flush. On your particular Waterman do you know anything at all about the finish? This could shed some light over what actions may or may not harm the finish -- not only the chrome. Since Richard Binder is the expert on JB's Ink Flush you may want to consult with him before taking these actions.

 

The only other thing I can think of would be to see if Simichrome metal polish may help clean up the ink spots; this is also discussed on Richard Binder's website: http://www.richardspens.com/

 

Good luck with all of it!

[marcelo]

Thank you all who replied, especially Moshe, to whom I answer I never used the pen with the cap on.

 

I'll try the overnight soak, but not sure about the JB's flush, since I'd have to import it.

 

Marcelo

Edited June 22, 2014 by marcelo

[Moshe ben David]

Sorry about overlooking your location Marcello; hope you arrive at a suitable 'solution' (couldn't resist the pun).

 

Is Golania reachable by road from Sao Paulo and if so about how long is the trip? I think some years ago I did some consulting work at a battery manufacturer in that area.... if I'm correct I think it was a heck of along road trip!

[marcelo]

Hi Moshe.

 

Good one on the 'solution', Moshe.

 

Yes, Goiania is reachable by road from Sao Paulo. In fact the only state capital in Brazil not reachable by road, 'practically' speaking, are Manaus, in the middle of the amazon jungle, and Boa Vista, above the Equator line.

 

You know how big Brazil is - bigger than the continental US. Sao Paulo is almost 600 miles from Goiania, a 10 hour trip, but I don't know of a battery (auto part?) manufacturer around here.

 

When did you come?

 

Best!

Marcelo