Pine tar sap

[stepayetta]

I noticed tiny black spots on the boat. They are coming from pine trees in the yard. Any suggestions on how to remove and not damage gel coat or decking.

Thanks!

 

[Merlin Clark]

I'd try WD 40.

 

[sinnettc]

Chain saw?

Have you thought about getting a tarp/cover?

 

[wetass]

You thin pine tar for coating wood with turpentine or sometimes mineral spirits, so you may want to give that a try - I'd start with mineral spirits though.

 

[Kings Gambit]

There's also mineral oil.

 

[jrowan]

I have owned older sailboats for a few decades and I would not use any type of oil or petroleum based cleaner to remove tree sap. The oils in stuff like WD 40 will create their own stains in an older porous gelcoat surface, and are even tougher to remove. I and my dad who sailed for twice as long as me swear by using "Soft Scrub" type fiberglass bathtub cleaner with bleach. It works miracles at removing stains on old gelcoat. If the stain is really tenacious, use a green sided scrubby sponge with the soft scrub. If that doesn't get the stain out, nothin will!

 

[Sylvan]

Pine Sap Removal

If Sofscrub doesn't work, mix it with rubbing alcohol. RK