Remove white Text on PCB's?

[Flunze]

I wonder, if there is a simple way, to remove the white coding like "R1" or "C1" on the PCB. This is hiding my view over the tracks on a SMD board, which should not be disassambled. Is there a good way?

[SeanB]

Acetone on a cotton bud normally works well, or Xylene or toulene. All 3 are not good to breath the fumes of, and are quite flammable as well. Take care and do the rubbing in an area with good airflow to the outside to remove the vapours.

[Flunze]

Acetone will work? That's nice, because I still got some left. But will it not destroy other parts like plastics on the PCB? I am scared of dissolving my components.

[SeanB]

Only use on the lettering, so that it is selectively removed. In many cases it will dissolve plastics, but should not affect SM devices that are wave or IR soldered, as these generally use a resin that is quite solvent resistant. Just use on the white, you might find the soldermask underneath will come off as well, so use only in small areas.

[ptricks]

If you are worried about the effects of acetone get some of the non-acetone finger nail polish remover. It isn't as harsh on plastics and smells better too !