Dear Finders,
I seek a method to remove crayon (or grease pencil -- usually red
or black) from book pages without harming the paper. I collect antique
books, which I occasionally buy at thrift shops. The prices are usually
written on the front endpapers or on the title pages with crayon.
Frequently, the character of the paper in old books is soft and porous, which
probably allows the colored wax to sink deep into the paper fibers. I need a
method or chemical that will remove the crayon without a trace and without
abrading or discoloring the paper.
Here is what I have tried so far:
Rubbing alcohol; denatured alcohol; Goo-Gone; Goof-Off; Goof-Off 2
(water-based); Naphtha (same as lighter fluid); Rubber cement (brush on, let
dry, rub off); Acetone; WD-40; Eucalyptus oil.
I've also written to a couple of crayon and pen manufacturers,
but they were unable to give me any useful suggestions. Yes, I've asked the
thrift shop people to stop marking the prices in crayon, but they don't
understand why I care, and they are unwilling to change their routine. Any
help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Do not hesitate to recommend
hard-to-find chemicals. Thank you very much.
