How to Remove Black Mill Markings on Aluminum Panels?

[karlos]

Unlike the red markings which come right off with brake cleaner, etc, the black stuff like shown below is nuclear bomb proof. Anybody found a solvent that will remove it?

Thanks.



48528

[idf]

Acetone

[edwardb]

Lacquer thinner.

[Norm B]

I found ghosting of the black writing after it was removed with acetone. The aluminum under the writing was slightly shinier than the rest. I wanted the panels that would be seen to look like bare aluminum so I directionally scrubbed them with a gray Brillo pad and soap and water, rinsed them with water and wiped them down again with acetone. They were then sprayed with high temp clearcoat. All I have to do now to clean them, is wipe them down with a damp rag. Don't know if this look is what your after. If you are going to do this use rubber gloves when handling the panels before they are clear coated to prevent black finger prints showing up.
Here is a picture I took during the build.

Good Luck
Norm

[2bking]

I also found some of the markings left a ghost on the aluminum after cleaning with acetone and/or lacquer thinner even though all the ink was gone. I rubbed all my panels with a green Scotch Brite pad to remove the ghosting and sprayed them with automotive paint clear coat.

[karlos]

Thanks all. Picked up some acetone this afternoon and that did the trick. I also noticed the ghosting that was left behind after the ink was gone, but that too disappears once the panels are polished.

This is not my favorite part of the build to be sure...