Replies

1. 
   mapleman | Mar 14, 2009 06:43pm | #1

   art,

   you already know this now - chalk is bad for marking plywood. Use a pencil - you can erase 90% of the mark. I don't even like chalk marks on my solid lumber because it can get in the pores (like walnut).

   I don't have an answer for your dilemma - other than sanding - and yes, you probably will sand through the veneer. It's getting very thin these days on commercial ply.

   Lee

   Lee

2. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 14, 2009 07:06pm | #2

   I have no idea. I would ask did you try your shop vacuume or a air blast from a compressor?

   Maybe the old Gum eraser that crumbled to bits when you use it (are they still around) and the old standard, A Pink Pearl eraser?

   Will mineral spirits and some old tooth brush wash it out?

   Just a thought.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 14, 2009 07:19pm | #4

   "Maybe the old Gum eraser that crumbled to bits when you use it ...."  Interesting you bring up that possibility, Will.  There is a product used for cleaning lampshades, among other things, that consists of a small cotton-cloth bag that's filled with little eraser bits.  I would have tried that first.  Unfortunately, with the chalk particles having been essentially pushed into that veneer pretty firmly, I don't think it would work at this point.

   IMHO, in this situation, one needs to pull the particles of chalk out, or dye them the color of the wood. :-(forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   DustyGeorge | Mar 15, 2009 12:19am | #5

   I'm not really sure what chalk is made from these days.  Is it powdered limestone?  You might try to attack the basic chalk structure with something like vinegar.  If you ever get anything to work, I would be interested in hearing what it was.

   Good Luck, GeorgeYou don't stop laughing because you grow old.  You grow old because you stop laughing. - Michael Pritchard<!----><!----><!---->

   <!----><!---->

1. 
   artfamig | Mar 15, 2009 05:35am | #10

   Dusty,

   I found a way to get it out on a scrap piece of plywood. I tried some denatured alcohol and it worked like a charm. Thanks for your help.

    

   Art

2. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 15, 2009 02:23am | #6

   IMHO, Forest.. You have NO..  'In My Humble Opinion'..

   Your opinions come from a Woman and who am I to argue with that! I am just a old man with many females around me. Life is so hard these days!

   Edited 3/14/2009 7:25 pm by WillGeorge

3. 
   forestgirl | Mar 14, 2009 07:15pm | #3

   Putting myself in a "desperation" frame of mind, and flying completely by the seat of my pants, my ideas could be dangerous, but what I'd try at this point:

   • Lay some really sticky tape over the area (good packing tape, for instance), heat it somewhat with a hair dryer or heat gun (careful!), let it cool and peel it off.  See if the softened adhesive will pull the chalk particles out of the plywood.  Might need to have it a bit warm when pulling, who knows?  Might need to follow it with some Naptha to clean off the glue residue.  Who knows?
   • Make some kind of paste with bleach in it, spread it on there and let it sit, then vacuum it off.  Not sure what to use as th paste -- baking soda and a bit of water?  Explore the kitchen.

   This is how my mind works with no caffeine and in desperation mode.  Any weird approach like these should be tried on a scrap of plywood to see what kind of unintended consequences might follow, LOL.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
4. 
   BruceS | Mar 15, 2009 02:40am | #7

   Mind you, this is only a thought.   How about kids "play dough" ? And sort of knead it out.  The older coggers may remember the old wall paper cleaning "dough".   I don't think I would start with anything thats wet.

    

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 15, 2009 03:32am | #8

   I remember that... The older coggers may remember the old wall paper cleaning "dough". It worked great!

1. 
   BruceS | Mar 15, 2009 04:42am | #9

   As I recall it was very dark green, smelled good, and tasted a little salty.  Don't ask !!   I was always a curious kid.  ;-)Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   woodythewoodguy | Mar 15, 2009 06:42am | #11

   try acetone--it takes pencil marks off wood. Maybe chalk will work also with acetone.

5. 
   dmdnk | Mar 15, 2009 09:28am | #12

   I'm not sure how to get rid of the chalk, but will it take more time to figure out how to get rid of it than to remake the part(s)?

   dmd