So here's some more testing on the pine to demonstrate lifting the stain.
One coat of the black ink timermate solution again and dried in direct sunlight for about 30 minutes:
Dipped paper towels in lemon juice and wiped to try and lift the stain until not more black/grey was appearing on the paper towel. Let it dry in direct sunlight for about 15 minutes:
Tried the same approach with white vinegar but no colour on the paper towels. The lemon juice has done it. I'm not sure if the photos show it but it looks lighter to me with the naked eye.
I'm thinking I'll try the lemon juice. What are your thoughts?