Removing water soluble ink from paper

I am currently conserving a large number of archaeological objects
for exhibition, in the process of which I need to remove some
accession numbers/labels that have been applied to objects in
water-soluble ink. In most cases the ink has been applied directly
to the surface of the object, often on soft or porous surfaces, such
as archaeological bone.

I have been having varied amounts of success at removing the ink,
using simply water and cotton swabs.  I am finding that it is
difficult to remove it entirely from rough surfaces (such as
sandstone) and on porous surfaces (such as bone) it will often leave
a yellowish stain. Can anyone advise whether there is a better way
of dealing with these marks or if it is likely to fade naturally
given time?  If anyone has any suggestions for this, particularly
any pointers on removing the ink from uneven and porous surfaces
that cannot be made too wet, I would be grateful to hear your
advice.

Diana McCormack
Archaeological Conservation Intern
English Heritage
Fort Cumberland
Portsmouth PO4 9LD


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 26:41
                  Distributed: Friday, March 15, 2013
                       Message Id: cdl-26-41-019
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