Pine resin removal

jessiem
jessiem Forum Participant Posts: 7
edited January 2019 in Caravans #1

please can anyone advise on the best way to remove pine resin (lots of black spots) from the caravan roof lights? I have looked on other sites and read numerous ideas along with contradictions! Because they aren't glass I wonder if WD40 would be a safe bet! I really would appreciate your input.

many thanks

Comments

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2019 #2

    I would not use WD40.

    From their website FAQs

    Wd40 On Plastic
    It is safe to use on metal, rubber, wood and plastic. It can also be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40® Multi-Use Product.

    I find that once sap dries out it washer off easily enough with a bit of a rub or brush

  • jessiem
    jessiem Forum Participant Posts: 7
    edited January 2019 #3

    Thank you EasyT for your reply. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2019 #4

    You are welcome Jess. I know that, in the past, and particularly in hot summers' we have pitched under trees for shade. 

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2019 #5

    When I lined our summerhouse with pine panels, I used white spirits to remove it from the boards that were secreting it.  

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2019 #6

    I have found that a hand sterilizing wash with an alcohol content is excellent for removing sap stains.  Just apply a little, leave for a few minutes to soften the sap and then wipe off.  The stuff from Tesco's was fine.  Like Easy T, I had loads of the dreaded sap droppings on my car and caravan after a holiday in Italy a couple of years ago, both are now sap freecool.  Unfortunately, it was less effective on the sun awingcry.

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2019 #7

    Interestingly, I learned last year that its not always coming from the tree you are parked under but from insect and bug infestations in the tree that are pooing all over your car and caravan surprised 

    Hence my caravan is now under a cover when not in use like at least 50% + of the caravans and motorhomes in the storage compound at Alderstead Heath club site.

  • jessiem
    jessiem Forum Participant Posts: 7
    edited January 2019 #8

    I would like to thank you all for your replies! I think a shot of washing up liquid and water and leave to soak for a bit will be my first attempt! Then if that doesn't work then I'll go for the hand wash with alcohol! I'll try a small area with that first! Our caravan is placed in beautiful Dorset and is seasonal and stored in situ, (we don't tow sadly) in a wooded area with deer! so it's something we shall just have to keep on top of. 

    Thank you all once again

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
    500 Comments
    edited January 2019 #9

    Turpentine is distilled from tree resin. Which makes it a natural solvent for resin. Once the resin has been dissolved and wiped off, any residue can be removed with detergent.

    Alcohol (methylated spirit) and a number of other solvents such as cellulose thinners or petrol will work, often more rapidly, but their effects on plastic and paint surfaces may also be detrimental. Better safe than sorry.

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