tar removal from hull

[OLDSPUD]

I need help, just got back from Lake Powell (for those who know where this is, it's way cool), but the road commission was re-surfacing the highway, on some parts. I had about a 1/16 inch of tar/oil on my truck, but not as bad on my boat. My son works at an auto detail shop, and with some strong products and lots of work, the truck is now clean.<br /><br />I havn't started on my boat yet and I am worried about the surface if I use some of the same tar removal products that I used on my truck. <br /><br />On the truck, I would spray this stuff on, wipe of the tar, and then had to clean the product off. So I ended up washing the truck numerous times to not damage the clear coat. I will re-wax probably in the morning.<br /><br />Any Ideas on the tar on the boat. It is one year old, and I just waxed the boat about a month ago.<br /><br />Any thoughts would be very helpfull.<br /><br />Oh ya, I don't know the name of the product we used on the truck, but it was pretty damn strong.<br /><br />Spud

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: tar removal from hull

Kero will take it off and wont hurt the surface.I would wash with detergent when done.Charlie

 

[djvan]

Re: tar removal from hull

I work for a road commission in Michigan, we use some stuff called orange citrus (I think). at least that's what all our tar delivery guys call it. Brake Kleen works great also. Not sure if brake kleen will damage or not.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[CATransplant]

Re: tar removal from hull

Brake Kleen should be OK. It's essentially alcohol (methanol, I think). Use it and all other solvents outdoors, though. The fumes will make you sick as a dog. Stay away from flames, too. Most solvents are pretty flammable.<br /><br />Most solvents are OK on fiberglas, except acetone. Stay away from acetone.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: tar removal from hull

Gelcoat is tougher than paint. If it won't damage paint it shouldn't damage the gelcoat of your boat.<br /><br />WD40 works well. If that doesn't get it all off get a can of the aerosol bug and tar remover from one of the major auto chem makers (Maguires, turlewax, etc.) They all work well.

 

[steelespike]

Re: tar removal from hull

This probably won't work for your problem but:<br /> I've had very good luck with salad oil to remove tar,engine grease and both latex and oil based paints if not comepletely hard.Other than sometimes leaving oily spots it is comepletely benign and great for cleaning up your hands. With a little soap to finish up it leaves your hands nice and soft.Sometimes I put a little on my hands and work it into my nails before starting to work.really makes cleanup easy.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: tar removal from hull

Mineral spirits and a rag ought to dissolve the tar quickly. Wash it with soap and water afterwards and rewax.

 

[SCO]

Re: tar removal from hull

Believe it or not, baby oil works great for getting tar off your feet. Id worry though that it might make shiny spots on the paint. Just an FYI.