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I'm working on a 62 JM project, and someone has colored in the "Volume" and "Tone" lettering on the original knobs in something permanent, either red paint or marker.  Anyone know of a safe way to get rid of the color?

I know the color underneath will be gone, but I'd rather it was all gone than red. 

Maybe some chemical that is safe for the knobs that I can apply with a Q-tip or something?

Any kind of organic stripper that comes in a plastic container should be OK. I've seen citrus-based strippers in plastic jugs (my theory is that if its not eating the container it should be safe for your knobs). Obviously, avoid solvents. Some eat plastic and some do not. I'd hate to chance it.  No matter what, try a dab on the back of the knob first.

If it's not paint in there, but some kind of wax (or ink) marker or something, a scotchbrite pad and soap and water may remove it.  You might try a toothbrush with and without some softscrub compound or even toothpaste.

I know from sad experience that light scrubbing with a toothbrush takes off the original paint in there. 

Sometimes, if it's permanent marker or one of those paint pens, you can write on it with another marker/paint pen, then immediately wipe it off and get most of it off.

Thanks guys.

I'm not positive it's paint vs marker, so I'll try the toothbrush first.  The original paint is a goner for sure.