HELP! Ink on photos...how do I get it off?

[Sarahfeena]

Mom sent a bunch of family photos to my sister and me, as we're putting together a slideshow for their 50th anniversary party thos summer. Unfortunately, she numbered them on the back...I think with a Sharpie...and ink smeared on the photos when she stacked them up. Anyone know of a way to remove the ink without wrecking the photos? We are a bit desperate to get it fixed without having to let onto mom what happened.

[Zuul]

I'm not sure if this will work or not, but when I was cleaning up photographs after the house fire I used a cotton ball and some rubbing alcohol. It worked pretty well and the alcohol dried quickly, so it didn't damage the pictures.

[Sarahfeena]

Thanks, Z...I will try it. Cross your fingers!

[Zuul]

Let me know if it works. I'm really hoping, because it sucks mightily to have old family photos damaged.

[Orual]

Best of luck Sarah!

[RabbitMage]

Acetone is great for removing Sharpie...but I'm also not sure what it would do to the photos.

[Sarahfeena]

I'm going to go over to my sister's tomorrow, armed with rubbing alcohol, to help her work on them. I also read on the internet that you can try coloring over the marks with a dry-erase marker, and then wiping it away...apparently it will take the permanent ink with it. We're going to do a bit of testing and see if we can fix them up. Will keep you guys posted!