View Full Version : sap from pine trees
aquabones
06-06-2018, 05:43 AM
does anyone know how to remove sap on a deck left from pine tress.
I tried Murphy's oil soap, Lestoil, and Goo gone-no luck. Then I tried hosing it with hot water-didn't work. I'm reluctant to get a power washer since that might tear the wood apart. My next step will be to scrap with an oscillating scraper-which will probably take the paint off.
If you have any easier ideas, please let me know.
TheTimeTraveler
06-06-2018, 06:01 AM
I had the same pine pitch issue and was tired of dealing with it year after year, so finally I took down the tree that was causing it.
Good thing I did as the stump was 100% rotted in the middle. If I had left it then it would have crushed my deck when it blew over in one of those bad wind storms.
I am sorry that I can't provide you with a good solution for pine pitch removal.
.
Biggd
06-06-2018, 06:11 AM
Last summer seemed to be a really bad year for pine sap. I had it all over my boat and I noticed a lot more pine cones on the ground than usual. I used hand sanitizer to get it off my boat and boat cover. It came off the boat fine but I still have spots on my mooring cover where the sap was even though I got the sap off. My poor dog was always picking at his paws last summer because he had sap on the pads of his feet. :(
Bernie Girl
06-06-2018, 06:28 AM
I use nail polish remover on our glass table top and painted Adirondack chairs. Soak a cloth in the remover then rub the spots off. For tougher spots cover the sap with the remover, let it sit for a minute or two then rub it off. Test a spot first to make sure it doesn't remove the finish on your deck.
It is a terrible year for pitch this year too. I have it on my Azek deck and hope I can get it off without damaging it.
SAMIAM
06-06-2018, 06:37 AM
Witch Hazel.........rug it with a rag and it dissolves
The Real BigGuy
06-06-2018, 06:50 AM
Was told by a car body shop to use rubbing alcohol to remove sap from my paint. One rag with alcohol and one with water. It works. Removes sap (even hardened blobs) quickly w/no damage to the paint.
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AC2717
06-06-2018, 07:59 AM
gas is a good remover as well, but if on like a car or boat, will have to re-wax the spot as it strips the wax as well
chocophile
06-06-2018, 08:36 AM
Isopropyl alcohol — rubbing alcohol — dissolves the sap. I use two paper towels (or rags): one loaded with rubbing alcohol to dissolve and the another with alcohol to remove the smear left after the alcohol evaporates.
Bigstan
06-06-2018, 09:05 AM
Goo-Gone gets it off cars pretty easily.
Slickcraft
06-06-2018, 09:05 AM
I use nail polish remover on our glass table top and painted Adirondack chairs. Soak a cloth in the remover then rub the spots off. For tougher spots cover the sap with the remover, let it sit for a minute or two then rub it off. Test a spot first to make sure it doesn't remove the finish on your deck.
We use acetone which is the active ingredient in most nail polish removers. Be careful how you use it, follow BG's recommendation and test a spot first
tummyman
06-06-2018, 09:09 AM
Try butter...we use it all the time and it takes it right off.....no harmful chemicals. I have also used WD40. Butter works terrific if you get it on your hands. Just a little goes a long way.
Woody38
06-06-2018, 10:23 AM
Super clean degreaser is my go to for almost everything. then there is always WD-40. Obviously there are many products that work thankfully.
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I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic
Snooky
06-06-2018, 10:43 AM
Use hand sanatizer it works great
baygo
06-06-2018, 12:50 PM
There are a number of things that have been mentioned so far that I would avoid. By far the best thing to use is peanut oil. Good luck :-)
Descant
06-06-2018, 02:11 PM
After cleaning with acetone or some of the other harsh chemicals mentioned, you may end up with spots that are "super clean" compared to the sun aged general surface. A milder mix to blend it all may help get rid of the polka-dot effect, but thorough cleaning and then waxing or re-sealing the surface really needs to be the follow up. Even if you don't see polka-dots right away, the spots that have been cleaned and left unsealed will collect dirt more readily and you'll possibly get a reverse polka-dot effect over time.
gwhite13
06-06-2018, 02:53 PM
Best method I have ever found is denatured alcohol, found in any paint or hardware store. Cheap and very effective. Works fast and does not hurt paint finishes.
Reilly
06-06-2018, 04:19 PM
Best method I have ever found is denatured alcohol, found in any paint or hardware store. Cheap and very effective. Works fast and does not hurt paint finishes.
Absolutely the best way
I used all the things mentioned except witch hazel, denatured alcohol and Goo-gone and none worked. Some might have softened the spots, but didn't take it off. I think I am going to have to scrape them off. Ugh.
rozbeezer
06-06-2018, 06:02 PM
Goof Off will remove it--also acetone.
ishoot308
06-06-2018, 06:29 PM
Mineral spirits.
Rusty
06-06-2018, 07:09 PM
This video shows how "Rapid Remover" removes pine pitch (sap):
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BnZH1O0AuFs" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
MBNeckguy
06-06-2018, 08:27 PM
I used all the things mentioned except witch hazel, denatured alcohol and Goo-gone and none worked. Some might have softened the spots, but didn't take it off. I think I am going to have to scrape them off. Ugh.
You must be dealing with the Donald Trump species of pine trees. Have no fear, eventually, with enough elbow grease and passion the pine pitch will go away.....
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garysanfran
06-07-2018, 07:10 AM
You must be dealing with the Donald Trump species of pine trees. Have no fear, eventually, with enough elbow grease and passion the pine pitch will go away.....
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It only took one day and 23 posts to blame Trump for not being able to remove your pine pitch?
What have we become America?
MBNeckGuy, I know I am going to have to spend a lot of time to get it off, that's for sure! Not looking forward to it.
Hillcountry
06-07-2018, 07:18 AM
It only took one day and 23 posts to blame Trump for not being able to remove your pine pitch?
What have we become America?
Thank you.
It only took one day and 23 posts to blame Trump for not being able to remove your pine pitch?
What have we become America?
I chose to ignore that part of the post.
Biggd
06-07-2018, 09:14 AM
It only took one day and 23 posts to blame Trump for not being able to remove your pine pitch?
What have we become America?I think it was the "witch hazel" phrase that did it. :laugh:
Rusty
06-07-2018, 09:43 AM
You must be dealing with the Donald Trump species of pine trees. Have no fear, eventually, with enough elbow grease and passion the pine pitch will go away.....
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Now that there is funny..:laugh::laugh:
chipj29
06-08-2018, 08:01 AM
Many, many years ago I was with a group camping on the California side of Lake Tahoe. The campground was nestled in a very large pine tree grove. I big glob of sap dropped and landed right on my head. I tried washing my hair several times to no avail. Then someone suggested that we try peanut butter. It came right out. So, my recommendation would be peanut butter, or perhaps peanut oil would be easier for a vehicle.
Oldschoolbuilder
06-08-2018, 09:55 AM
Olive oil
Turpentine
watch the Finish but if you want to get really aggressive use lacquer thinner
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Biggd
06-08-2018, 10:51 AM
Olive oil
Turpentine
watch the Finish but if you want to get really aggressive use lacquer thinner
Sent from my SM-J700T using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=92687)I wouldn't use lacquer thinner! :eek:
WinnisquamZ
06-08-2018, 11:11 AM
Lacquer thinner will remove the top finish coat! Found out the hard way.
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rozbeezer
06-08-2018, 06:32 PM
Googone is not Goofoff--no comparison
dogma
06-09-2018, 06:46 AM
Hand sanitizer. Safe on paint
Bear Islander
06-09-2018, 09:04 AM
We have so much pitch we keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol on the sink to removed it from our hands.
The easiest way to deal with it on the deck is to do nothing. Time and sun will dry out the pitch to a white blob that then turns to powder and blows away.
JEEPONLY
06-09-2018, 05:50 PM
I use a product called Oops! Works quite well on the car sap, and very well on adhesive residue from tape and things.
Oldschoolbuilder
06-09-2018, 08:25 PM
If it's unfinished wood surface lacquer thinner is exactly what you want to use
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