tree sap removal

[dcboone5244]

I have a fiberglass boat and it sat for 3 years, underneath a pine tree. It is now covered with sap.. Any ideas how to remove the sap, which is hardened. I have tried a couple of different things but not much luck

 

[Solittle]

Re: tree sap removal

Mineral spirits or paint thinner will remove tree sap - I don't know how effective they would be with hardened or dried out sap.

 

[louisp]

Re: tree sap removal

Lay a sharp razor blade flat on the surface and "slice it" off (it may tend to break up when really dried out). Keeping the blade almost parallel with the surface so you don't gouge the fiberglass. After a few passes you'll get the feel for it, but don't try and get it all off with the blade. Get the remainder off with spirits, or Goof-Off works great too. This method is for fairly flat surfaces, but I've even used this technique on auto finishes. We tend to get lots of practice in these parts. This works on fresh sap as well if you harden it with ice first! Good luck, LP.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: tree sap removal

...turpentine...nice wet, sloshy rag of it...

 

[dcboone5244]

Re: tree sap removal

Thanks everyone. I will give it a try this week, that is if it quits raining. Michigan weather bites sometimes.

 

[RickHem]

Re: tree sap removal

Isopropyl Alcohol will work too, and you can get it pretty cheap. It will also remove any wax or anything else on the boat with it, but if it's been sitting that long, that probably doesn't matter.

 

[dingbat]

Re: tree sap removal

Been there done that. If the sap is dry, alcohol and turpentine will not touch it. I ended up using acetone (finger nail polish remover) and it came right off.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: tree sap removal

Acetone, $7 a gallon at Lowe's. It also works on most adhesives, road tar, and many many other stains, including marks from trailer rollers on the hull bottom. You have to be careful with it around vinyl though, it will eat it. <br /><br />I park our boat under pine trees (no choice) and so sap is a constant part of our lives. Acetone removes it in minutes.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: tree sap removal

believe it or not GoJo will take it off i use it all the time. kind of like a dry wash just rub it on and wipe it off after that you can wash it if you want

 

[dcboone5244]

Re: tree sap removal

What is gojo and where do I find it?

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: tree sap removal

it's hand cleaner any kind will do except the kind with pumice in it don't get that, just rub it on let it set for a few min. then just rub it off, then you can wash it and the sap should be gone, should be able to find it at any auto parts, walmart, k-mart, or maybe even the dollar store.