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Old 06-26-2017, 05:03 PM   #1
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Tar removal ?

Hi Guys,

Just finished my 1st bath on the trailer and turned a quarter sized black piece of road tar into a 3 x 5 gray area.

Has anyone out there done something similar ? And, if so, how did you remove the gray area ?

I'd like to avoid coarse grit abrasives if possible.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.
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Old 06-26-2017, 05:08 PM   #2
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WD40, paint thinner, coal oil, kerosene anything along these lines works good.


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Old 06-26-2017, 05:16 PM   #3
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Second the WD40.

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Old 06-26-2017, 05:35 PM   #4
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Auto supply places should have tar removal or any hardware store.
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Old 06-26-2017, 05:51 PM   #5
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Quote:
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Auto supply places should have tar removal or any hardware store.
Provided it's safe for gelcoat. Some removers aren't. WD40 won't harm or stain the surface. There are tar removers specifically for fiberglass, but I've found the WD40 much cheaper, and it can be used for a whole host of things besides tar removal.

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Old 06-26-2017, 05:52 PM   #6
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Mr Clean white sponge works miracles, both inside and outside.
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Old 06-26-2017, 06:02 PM   #7
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Mr Clean white sponge works miracles, both inside and outside.
If you mean the "Magic Eraser", yes it does clean very well, but works better removing something that's dry rather than sticky like tar. Plus, the Magic Eraser is abrasive, even though it's soft. It can result in a slightly "dull" spot when using it to clean gelcoat unless you're careful and don't scrub too much. Kind of like using 3000 grit sandpaper on a glossy surface. A light solvent like WD40 on the other hand dissolves the tar and it just wipes away.


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Old 06-26-2017, 06:30 PM   #8
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Quote:
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Provided it's safe for gelcoat. Some removers aren't. WD40 won't harm or stain the surface. There are tar removers specifically for fiberglass, but I've found the WD40 much cheaper, and it can be used for a whole host of things besides tar removal.

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I guess that I should have added that I would not buy it unless it says on their list that it is for fiberglass. And any such item, it is often advised to try in a little spot first.
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Old 06-26-2017, 06:49 PM   #9
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"Goof Off" "pro strength super Glue remover", from home depot in the paint section. Not "Goo Gone" it takes any stain off the Interior Vinyl walls for me with Q-tip. I Have not needed to try in anywhere else though.
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Old 06-26-2017, 10:25 PM   #10
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Take a look at this thread also for relevant comments.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...er-9889-3.html
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Old 08-16-2017, 06:47 PM   #11
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Hi Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions/pointers.

WD-40 removed about 80% of it, but left a shadow. The acetone took care of the shadow.

Appreciate the insight.
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