How to Remove Ink from Finished Wood

The Logic Verdict

My Take: Tommy from Out of the Woodwork proved only three household products reliably pulled ink out of his oil-and-wax desk: 91% isopropyl alcohol (fastest), a baking-soda paste (just as effective, slightly duller sheen), and plain white toothpaste (works, but painfully slow). Everything else—shaving cream, dish soap, fabric wipes—did nothing, and 100% acetone obliterated the finish. Stick to the winners and refinish afterward.

The Science

Ballpoint ink is oil-based dye that wicks into the pores between a wood stain and its wax/oil topcoat. High-proof isopropyl alcohol dissolves the ink binders without completely melting most cured finishes, so you can wipe the pigment away. Baking-soda paste adds gentle alkalinity and abrasion to coax ink out of the pores, while toothpaste’s fine silica works similarly but more slowly. Any solvent or abrasive will thin the protective wax, so you must recondition the spot when you’re done.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Test the finish underneath. Pick an inconspicuous underside, dampen a cloth with alcohol, and rub. If the finish melts or the stain lifts dramatically, be prepared to re-wax that area later.
2. Stage clean cloths. Fold cotton rags into quadrants so you always have a fresh section to catch dissolved ink.
3. Alcohol method (fastest). Dampen a cloth corner with 91% isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the ink spot using short strokes. Rotate to a clean section as soon as you see ink transfer so you don’t smear it back in. Stop as soon as the stain disappears to limit finish loss.
4. Baking-soda backup. Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to form a stiff paste. Massage it into remaining ink with a non-scratch sponge, let it dwell 1–2 minutes, then buff with a cloth. Wipe residue with a slightly damp rag and dry immediately.
5. Toothpaste for light shadows. Apply non-gel white toothpaste, let it sit a minute, then rub in circles. It can clear faint ghosting but expect to work longer than with alcohol or baking soda.
6. Recondition the finish. Once the wood is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of paste wax or furniture polish to restore sheen and protection to any dulled patches.

Parts & Tools

• Swan 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (Amazon) – Matches the solvent that lifted ink quickest without wrecking the finish.
• Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (Amazon) – Builds the gentle paste that rivaled alcohol in efficacy.
• Howard Citrus Shield Paste Wax (Amazon) – Replenishes luster after the solvent/paste step.

What NOT To Do

• Don’t flood finished wood with 100% acetone or nail-polish remover—it dissolves stain and wax instantly.
• Don’t expect foamy cleaners (shaving cream, dish soap) to do anything; they add moisture but no solvent or abrasion.
• Don’t keep rubbing with a dirty cloth; you’ll just drag dissolved ink across clean wood.

Resources

• Swan 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (Amazon)
• Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (Amazon)
• Howard Citrus Shield Paste Wax (Amazon)