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.

tis · 06-06-2018, 06:32 AM

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.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bernie Girl

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.

---------------------------------------------------

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwhite13

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

tis · 06-06-2018, 05:29 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.

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):

MBNeckguy · 06-06-2018, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

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.....

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

garysanfran · 06-07-2018, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBNeckguy

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.....

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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?

tis · 06-07-2018, 07:11 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by garysanfran

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.

tis · 06-07-2018, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garysanfran

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by garysanfran

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.

Rusty · 06-07-2018, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBNeckguy

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.....

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Now that there is funny..

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

Sent from my SM-J700T using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Biggd · 06-08-2018, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldschoolbuilder

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

I wouldn't use lacquer thinner!

WinnisquamZ · 06-08-2018, 11:11 AM

Lacquer thinner will remove the top finish coat! Found out the hard way.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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

Sent from my SM-J700T using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-06-2018, 05:43 AM	#1
aquabones Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 70 Thanks: 44 Thanked 16 Times in 5 Posts	sap from pine trees 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.

06-06-2018, 06:01 AM	#2
TheTimeTraveler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 878 Thanks: 277 Thanked 285 Times in 176 Posts	Pine pitch 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. .

06-06-2018, 07:59 AM	#8
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,574 Thanks: 753 Thanked 354 Times in 266 Posts	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 __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

06-06-2018, 08:36 AM	#9
chocophile Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 19-Mile Bay Posts: 111 Thanks: 15 Thanked 30 Times in 13 Posts	Rubbing Alcohol 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.

06-06-2018, 10:43 AM	#14
Snooky Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 4 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Pine pitch removal Use hand sanatizer it works great

06-06-2018, 06:11 AM	#3
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,110 Thanks: 2,219 Thanked 1,189 Times in 756 Posts	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.

06-06-2018, 06:28 AM	#4
Bernie Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 60 Thanks: 145 Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts	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.

06-06-2018, 06:32 AM	#5
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,719 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	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.

06-06-2018, 06:37 AM	#6
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,893 Thanks: 334 Thanked 1,675 Times in 585 Posts	Witch Hazel.........rug it with a rag and it dissolves

06-06-2018, 06:50 AM	#7
The Real BigGuy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 125 Thanked 467 Times in 285 Posts	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. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-06-2018, 09:05 AM	#10
Bigstan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gilford NH Posts: 376 Thanks: 9 Thanked 163 Times in 91 Posts	Goo-Gone gets it off cars pretty easily.

06-06-2018, 09:09 AM	#12
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 833 Thanks: 256 Thanked 672 Times in 243 Posts	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.

06-06-2018, 10:23 AM	#13
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 578 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	Super clean degreaser is my go to for almost everything. then there is always WD-40. Obviously there are many products that work thankfully. --------------------------------------------------- I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

06-06-2018, 12:50 PM	#15
baygo Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 696 Thanks: 187 Thanked 531 Times in 227 Posts	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 :-)

06-06-2018, 02:11 PM	#16
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,354 Thanks: 1,342 Thanked 1,623 Times in 1,055 Posts	Step two 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.

06-06-2018, 02:53 PM	#17
gwhite13 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Hanover and Moultonborough Posts: 89 Thanks: 7 Thanked 12 Times in 11 Posts	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.

06-06-2018, 05:29 PM	#19
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,719 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	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.

06-06-2018, 06:02 PM	#20
rozbeezer Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 24 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Pine sap Goof Off will remove it--also acetone.

06-06-2018, 06:29 PM	#21
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,243 Thanks: 2,389 Thanked 5,282 Times in 2,054 Posts	Mineral spirits. __________________ It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!

06-06-2018, 07:09 PM	#22
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	This video shows how "Rapid Remover" removes pine pitch (sap): __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

The Following User Says Thank You to MBNeckguy For This Useful Post:
Rusty (06-07-2018)

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to garysanfran For This Useful Post:
Descant (06-07-2018), TiltonBB (06-11-2018)

06-07-2018, 07:11 AM	#25
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,719 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,457 Times in 1,014 Posts	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.

The Following User Says Thank You to tis For This Useful Post:
Seaplane Pilot (06-07-2018)

The Following User Says Thank You to Biggd For This Useful Post:
Rusty (06-07-2018)

06-08-2018, 08:01 AM	#30
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	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. __________________ Getting ready for winter!

06-08-2018, 09:55 AM	#31
Oldschoolbuilder Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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

06-08-2018, 11:11 AM	#33
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2,053 Thanks: 210 Thanked 652 Times in 435 Posts	Lacquer thinner will remove the top finish coat! Found out the hard way. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-08-2018, 06:32 PM	#34
rozbeezer Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 24 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Goofoff Googone is not Goofoff--no comparison

06-09-2018, 06:46 AM	#35
dogma Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 75 Thanks: 3 Thanked 46 Times in 10 Posts	Hand sanitizer. Safe on paint

06-09-2018, 09:04 AM	#36
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	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.

The Following User Says Thank You to Bear Islander For This Useful Post:
tis (06-09-2018)

06-09-2018, 05:50 PM	#37
JEEPONLY Deceased Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 701 Thanks: 360 Thanked 179 Times in 141 Posts	I use a product called Oops! Works quite well on the car sap, and very well on adhesive residue from tape and things.

06-09-2018, 08:25 PM	#38
Oldschoolbuilder Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 14 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	If it's unfinished wood surface lacquer thinner is exactly what you want to use Sent from my SM-J700T using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app