Sticky stuff

[deltabighat]

For a number of dumb reasons I did't get my boat cleaned up and put away for a few days after our last trip. While doing that today i found a lot of sticky stuff like sap from a tree on the deck. It had cooked a few days in the sun. Soap, stiff brushes and even Comet fail to remove it. Is there something stronger that will do the job without damaging the gel coat.

DBH

 

[jtybt15]

I'd try one of the lighter solvents first, like paint thinner/mineral spirits on a small area. Mostly, any solvent that has a plastic container shouldn't hurt gelcoat, though there are many types of plastic.

You might even try rubbing alcohol, 70% isopropyl. You can get them in 1 pt containers and it's cheap. Next step up from that would be stove alcohol (the name slipped my mind)

 

[MikDee]

Try some Vaseline, seriously it usually will dissolve tree sap, tar, or other sticky stuff without any damage to the surface. Instead of using strong chemicals, or abrasives. Just rub it on by hand, give some time to work, then just wipe it off leaving a like new surface. Heat, a hot day, the sun, or warm weather will help with this.

 

[mixman]

Acetone perhaps? It won't hurt the gelcoat but it will strip the wax off of it.

 

[Radioactive]

Peanut butter will get gum out of hair, perhaps it will take care of your "sticky stuff".

 

[Stephen]

Acetone wll not harm gel coat and will remove tree sap and creosote from pilings. I use it before I wax to clean up on spots as needed.