On a recent trip, a band of red squirrels were working all day throwing pine cones down a tree and hitting my CCS tarp. Is there a good way to remove the sap without damaging the tarp or should I leave the sap on it? Same question for the Northwind 17 Starlight. lol

Rubbing alcohol will remove the sap. I don’t think it would harm either surface, but you may wish to get other opinions before trying it.

Don

Hand sanitizer also removes sap. Maybe test a corner of the tarp first though.

Maybe contact the guy who makes them...

For the boat, rubbing alcohol or Ronsonol lighter fluid will work fine and not harm the finish.

I've used rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball on tents and tarps with no problems

I have found that the sap eventually dries out and can be scraped off using a finger nail. Of course, this discovery came about as I procrastinated about what to do regarding numerous sap spots on a tent fly while it was stored in a hot garage. Perhaps the heat in the garage caused the sap to dry out faster.

Just like scratches on a new canoe, pine sap adds the needed "patina" of traveled gear. Leave it.

butthead

butthead: "Just like scratches on a new canoe, pine sap adds the needed "patina" of traveled gear. Leave it.


butthead "

Agree. Or, reach out to Dan at CCS.

I washed my CCS lean with warm soapy water (not detergent- so no Dawn- per instructions that came with). I used hand soap and warm water.

Personally I leave it. It will dry and flake off for the most part like Deerfoot said. I also leave it and accept the patina like Butthead shared.

Pine sap is not like most organics which decay and can hold moisture amplifying issues like mold and mildew. Storing all equipment free of soil, organics and moisture is the key to longevity of equipment. Those items should not be left on equipment long term. Hand dishwashing cleaning spots works well for dirt and the like, Pine sap - Solvents mentioned above all work to remove it from the tarp. I worry they may remove some of the waterproofing silicone, that will not be apparent until years down the road.

Having worked in the field of quality control for over two decades; I know that I am unable to quantify it without spending more than I can afford, to give solid and usable data to say how much if any difference it will have.

Listen to Dan, he knows.

Thank You for all the responses .I will just leave it

DanCooke: "Personally I leave it. It will dry and flake off for the most part like Deerfoot said. I also leave it and accept the patina like Butthead shared.

Pine sap is not like most organics which decay and can hold moisture amplifying issues like mold and mildew. Storing all equipment free of soil, organics and moisture is the key to longevity of equipment. Those items should not be left on equipment long term. Hand dishwashing cleaning spots works well for dirt and the like, Pine sap - Solvents mentioned above all work to remove it from the tarp. I worry they may remove some of the waterproofing silicone, that will not be apparent until years down the road.

Having worked in the field of quality control for over two decades; I know that I am unable to quantify it without spending more than I can afford, to give solid and usable data to say how much if any difference it will have.
"

Great and helpful advice. It's been a big year for sap. Thanks.

butthead: "Just like scratches on a new canoe, pine sap adds the needed "patina" of traveled gear. Leave it.


butthead "

My go to guy with the answer! :)