how do you remove permanent ink from a table?

[2moretrees]

The grandkids came over and during their drawing left permanent ink stains on my oak table. Anyone have an easy method to remove them?

[PrincessPerky]

dunno the effect on oak, but I heard hairspray and alchol work. I would test it on the underside just in case though.

[terry1156]

Believe it or not, toothpaste works.

[34saving]

It's the alcohol in the hairspray that makes it work, so just use alcohol. Be careful about the finish though. Test in an inconspicuous place. It alcohol doesn't work you may need something more agressive like toluene . . . There's this stuff called Goof Off (available at hardware type stores) that's basically a really agressive mixture of a boatload of solvents. If you'd tried everything else try that.

[Snoopy2645]

I agree rubbing alcohol works I know this because I had to do it last night my 1 1/2 yr old had pen marks on our brand new table well I tried it & it worked I quickly wiped it off with a wet rag though when done I didnt want it to eat threw my new table

[2moretrees]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I tried the toothpaste (because it seemed plain crazy to me) and it worked! I had to rub it around a bit, but it eventually all came out.

[Bluezy]

I was going to suggest those Magic Erasers. They work wonders on pen marks, crayon and washable markers, and were successfully tested by cleaning up my wee CJ's recent marker wall mural.

[34saving]

I love the magic erasers! A must if you have young-ins

[BillsGirl]

did any of the suggestions work?

[marglo]

I'm glad you asked this question because I have the very same problem! :-) I'm going to try these suggestions starting with the toothpaste!