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Old 09-06-2018, 06:25 PM   #1
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Tree Sap??

I've always been able to get the top of the camper, no matter where I had camped. This evening, I went out thinking the toughest thing I had to tackle was the massive amounts of bugs on front.

But, after getting the front cleaned with a minimum of effort, I took a look at the top, and after trying to clean it, it still looks terrible.

We spent 4 nights this week camped in a heavily treed area, so I assume this is tree sap?

No matter how much I scrub with soap and water, this is as good as it gets. And I have these splotches all over the top (and on the top of my storage box also).

Help!! Please tell me that I can get this off?
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Old 09-06-2018, 06:42 PM   #2
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Rubbing alcohol, wet a rag with it set it on top of sap for a minute then rub. Repeat till clean.
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Old 09-06-2018, 06:47 PM   #3
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Can you feel it or is it more of a stain?

Alcohol has worked for me for sap, for stains I use a light compound.
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Old 09-06-2018, 07:14 PM   #4
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It's actually more of a stain, I cannot feel it. So does that mean it's not tree sap, but something else from the trees that has stained it?
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Old 09-06-2018, 07:30 PM   #5
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What kind of trees were they?
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Old 09-06-2018, 07:58 PM   #6
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My 2016 19' has a low spot in the same area, and holds water. If it sits for any time with pine needle or leaf debris in the water the same results ensue. I've had good luck using Fantastik if it hasn't been there too long. If the stain is more stubborn, I used Starbrite Marine Polish successfully.
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Old 09-06-2018, 08:19 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by GregandTeresa View Post
It's actually more of a stain, I cannot feel it. So does that mean it's not tree sap, but something else from the trees that has stained it?
I'd guess at being a stain from leaves or some such. Start with something like Fantastic and work your way up in abrasiveness. Polish, paint cleaner, compound, whatever you have.
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Old 09-07-2018, 09:12 AM   #8
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Might try some WD-40. I've seen it get some things off that gave me a hard time.
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Old 09-07-2018, 09:29 AM   #9
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Lordco sells a tree sap removal liquid. It worked for me.
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Old 09-07-2018, 11:56 AM   #10
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Well, I went to Walmart today, and bought Fantastik, mineral spirits, rubbing alcohol and acetone. And I've got WD-40 at home.

I'll let you know which works.
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Old 09-07-2018, 12:29 PM   #11
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I have used Liquid Lustre , ( The pink car wax as seen on TV )
It is approved for fiberglass gel coat and does a pretty good job at removing bugs , road tar , tree sap and leaves a nice shine .
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Old 09-07-2018, 01:04 PM   #12
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Tree Sap

Whatever you do, don't use rubbing compound, unless you want to scrub off some of your gelcoat. On our freshly painted sailboat, we had a soot stain at the exhaust. Everyone told us to use a rubbing compound. Instead we waxed, and that removed the soot.
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Old 09-07-2018, 01:26 PM   #13
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Rubbing compound can range from a mild abrasive (for polishing) to course for more aggressive results. Care needs to be used in selection.
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Old 09-07-2018, 04:30 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by GregandTeresa View Post
Well, I went to Walmart today, and bought Fantastik, mineral spirits, rubbing alcohol and acetone. And I've got WD-40 at home.

I'll let you know which works.
Think acetone would be my last choice it might take off clear coat 😱
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Old 09-07-2018, 06:56 PM   #15
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And the winner is....Fantastik...amazing stuff. I started with WD-40, nothing. And then I moved onto the Fantastik..no rubbing needed, just spray on, wait a few minutes, and then rinse off. All of the tree sap is gone, and there was a lot. And the bonus, it even cleaned my dingy vents and covers and caulk on top.


Now to use it on my awning tomorrow.


I am so relieved. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions.
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Old 09-08-2018, 03:52 AM   #16
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Good to know Greg. I'm waiting to clean the top after camping season is over. We plan to get liquored up while watching football then climb up on ladders. I'll stock up on Fantastic. Hey, when are you guys going to DC again?
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Old 09-08-2018, 09:28 AM   #17
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Fantastik will work fantasic on your awning also. I've been using it on my boats for years.
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Old 09-08-2018, 09:46 AM   #18
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Fantastik will work fantasic on your awning also. I've been using it on my boats for years.

Awning care instructions say to use mild soap and a soft brush. Some of these cleaners contain bleach which can rot fabric.
I used Scrubbing Bubbles on the underside of my awning and ended up with an arty t-shirt ( which has since fallen apart ).
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Old 09-08-2018, 11:24 AM   #19
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Awning care instructions say to use mild soap and a soft brush. Some of these cleaners contain bleach which can rot fabric.
I used Scrubbing Bubbles on the underside of my awning and ended up with an arty t-shirt ( which has since fallen apart ).
Good point. Don't get Fantastik in the blue bottle. It contains bleach. Green bottle does not.
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Old 09-08-2018, 11:53 AM   #20
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I always thought LA Totally Awesome from the $store was the recommended cleaner, does it work the tree sap?
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