Odd issue: Pencil marked headliner~Solution needed.

[Vegas Transplant]

Never seen this issue before. Ran out to view a Nissan Pathfinder, tan woven headliner (not fuzzy) that a mini-Picaso displayed his rolling Sistine Chapel. Just looking for a remedy before I call the payee with a quote for in and out, polish and seal.

Since I have never seen a penciled fabric headliner before, I am asking whether this is an issue or not? I was not willing to do a test spot at time of viewing due to the light tan fabric.

PS: I do not own a steamer.

[y8s]

Can you find an analog of the fabric and replicate the issue? maybe then you can test some remedies.

[Dr_Pain]

I would say that you are dealing a carbon based stain and doubt that a steamer would "melt" the stain, so no need to worry about not having a steamer. I would definitely do a test spot with a dilution of APC using a small artistic brush or makeup brush to agitate. Do not saturate the headliner and do not allow it to penetrate too much for fear that you would affect the glue. I would also be realistic with the customer to let them know that the pressure applied through the point of the pencil may result in permanent etching on their headliner.

[FUNX650]

Most "pencils-leads" lay in between "lead" and graphite.

"Test-Spot"...
-Gently using an eraser (white gum since the headliner is tan in color)
to remove the majority, if not all, of the penciling.

-Use an upholstery cleaner (such as: Folex)...sparingly...do not soak the headliner!!!...
using a small scrub-brush (perhaps a new toothbrush?) on any remaining 'marks'.

-Use clean-water/clean-white-cloths to gently blot the residue.

If this works out to your satisfaction on the "Test Spot"...You're good to go!


Then: Protect with a fabric-guard (Scotchgard; Or: 303 has a good one)

BTW: 303 also has an excellent fabric-cleaner, if you're willing to forgo the above.

Hope this helps to: Get the Lead Out!



Bob

[Vegas Transplant]

Can you find an analog of the fabric and replicate the issue? maybe then you can test some remedies.

Thanks for replying DMV neighbor. I'm not going to have time since I'm booked with other projects prior to appt. Just don't want to make more of a mess since I'd like to add her '12 Jag to my portfolio before I leave this game.

I would say that you are dealing a carbon based stain and doubt that a steamer would "melt" the stain, so no need to worry about not having a steamer. I would definitely do a test spot with a dilution of APC using a small artistic brush or makeup brush to agitate. Do not saturate the headliner and do not allow it to penetrate too much for fear that you would affect the glue. I would also be realistic with the customer to let them know that the pressure applied through the point of the pencil may result in permanent etching on their headliner.

Sound advice. Didn't even think about the possibility of etching. Thanks Doc, you're a pretty sharp hand at detailing ...pun intended.

Most "pencils-leads" lay in between "lead" and graphite.

"Test-Spot"...
-Gently using an eraser (white gum since the headliner is tan in color)
to remove the majority, if not all, of the penciling.

-Use an upholstery cleaner (such as: Folex)...sparingly...do not soak the headliner!!!...
using a small scrub-brush (perhaps a new toothbrush?) on any remaining 'marks'.

-Use clean-water/clean-white-cloths to gently blot the residue.

If this works out to your satisfaction on the "Test Spot"...You're good to go!


Then: Protect with a fabric-guard (Scotchgard; Or: 303 has a good one)

BTW: 303 also has an excellent fabric-cleaner, if you're willing to forgo the above.

Hope this helps to: Get the Lead Out!



Bob

Seems that you're always pulling me out of tough spots Bob.
My thoughts were originally on a red eraser before I dropped that notion. Will try out the mechanical suggestion prior to chemical. Thank you kindly

Will post a before and after pic on Thursday night.

[y8s]

Actually if you're going to resort to abrading it, you can get some pretty soft art type erasers that will reduce your chances of damaging the headliner.

The kind that comes to mind is the kneaded eraser. it molds like a tacky clay and doesn't tend to damage the surface you're abrading. Second in line I'd think a plastic (white vinyl) would be OK.

I would avoid the pink erasers as they tend to be aggressive and can have abrasives in them.


A local art or office supply should have at least one of two I suggested. Your zip and google maps tell me there is a Michaels and AC Moore not far from you. A few minutes on the phone might help you pick which to try.

[RZJZA80]

Folex from Home Depot

[Ron Atchison]

Instructions
Rub a soft art gum eraser over the pencil mark to remove as much as possible. Rub gently so you don’t damage the fabric.

Mix 1/4 cup cool water, 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 tbsp. of bleach-free liquid dish soap in a bowl. Dip a toothbrush into the solution and scrub the pencil mark gently until it is gone.

If the pencil is on upholstery, rinse with a rag and cool water then blot with a dry rag to remove excess moisture.

2
Combine 1 qt. of water and 3 tbsp. household ammonia if the pencil marks persist. Blot the solution onto the pencil stain with a rag, and then blot the fabric with a dry rag. Alternate blotting with the ammonia solution then the dry rag until all of the pencil is gone. Rinse the fabric and wash as usual.

[Vegas Transplant]

Actually if you're going to resort to abrading it, you can get some pretty soft art type erasers that will reduce your chances of damaging the headliner.

The kind that comes to mind is the kneaded eraser. it molds like a tacky clay and doesn't tend to damage the surface you're abrading. Second in line I'd think a plastic (white vinyl) would be OK.

I would avoid the pink erasers as they tend to be aggressive and can have abrasives in them.


A local art or office supply should have at least one of two I suggested. Your zip and google maps tell me there is a Michaels and AC Moore not far from you. A few minutes on the phone might help you pick which to try.

Thanks y8s
Michaels is 4-5 lights away.

Folex from Home Depot

Thanks RZJZA80.
Better half had a bottle for me when she came in yesterday.

Instructions
Rub a soft art gum eraser over the pencil mark to remove as much as possible. Rub gently so you don’t damage the fabric.

Mix 1/4 cup cool water, 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 tbsp. of bleach-free liquid dish soap in a bowl. Dip a toothbrush into the solution and scrub the pencil mark gently until it is gone.

If the pencil is on upholstery, rinse with a rag and cool water then blot with a dry rag to remove excess moisture.

2
Combine 1 qt. of water and 3 tbsp. household ammonia if the pencil marks persist. Blot the solution onto the pencil stain with a rag, and then blot the fabric with a dry rag. Alternate blotting with the ammonia solution then the dry rag until all of the pencil is gone. Rinse the fabric and wash as usual.

Thanks rzatch

Vehicle has 184xxx on the odo. Pencil was a non-issue. 8 hrs on the interior. In the driveway dodging intermittent rain drops. $40 tip.
Upstairs on her PC. My laptop has a virus...FBI/Moneypak Scam.
She won't let me do photos on her computer.
Laptop will be cleaned up Saturday.

[Vegas Transplant]

headliner~unknown stain



Pre -k art work on headliner



headliner after



and a few more shots taken with 3g

3rd row seats



console



various floor mats







middle row seat



50/50 after pre-soak and pw/before extraction










floormats after




After shots when I get back in. On the other camera.