How to remove sap from timber deck panel?

[Sheddy]

During the heat of summer I found a thick gooey substance on one panel of the decking. It was amber coloured, sticky and doesn't wash off with water so I assume it's sap that's wept from the timber.

Now that the weather has cooled, the sap has hardened and turned white as depicted in the photo. In hindsight, I probably (definitely) should have done something about it before the sap crystalised.

I beg the mercy of the Bunnings workshop forum: Is there anyway I can remove the sap or am I better of replacing the board?

[EricL]

Hello @Sheddy 

I propose using WD40 in combination with a Craftright 5-in-1 Scraper. It will be a repetitive process, but you will eventually get rid of the sap. Another method is to use DIGGERS 125ml Isopropyl Alcohol - 125ml in combination with the scraper. Please note that using the isopropyl may produce a bleaching effect on the decking panel so take this into consideration before using it. Make sure to wash the surface with water to dilute the isopropyl.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Sheddy 

Anything you do is going to discolour the timber and make it standout. And since we are only talking about 90mm treated pine decking boards at around $4.40L/m I would simply replace that section. Within a couple of months, the new board will have weathered in to match the original boards. Saves a lot of work for about $10.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good morning @Sheddy 

Mmmm The only time I have had a crystaline substance on the decking boards was when I bought them so have limited knowledge on removing it.

I did however remove it very easily, see step two of Outside timber lounge with wheels Where I used a small paint scraper flat on the surface and pretty much scrapped it off. I used a hose to help loosen the crystals and wash the red out. It cant help having a go doing that. Other then that maybe warm soapy water and scrub 😕 Hard work but its sap so hopefully it will loosen.

Dave

[Sheddy]

I hit it with a hair dryer. Was able to melt and remove the bulk of the sap but there's still some residual. I'll see if I can clean it off.

@Nailbag I thought replacing it might be the easiest way to go but I couldn't identify the timber myself. I might end up going with your suggestion. Thanks!

[EricL]

Hello @Sheddy 

Thank you for the update. It's looking much better, I suggest scrapping off as much of the sap as possible and wait for the surface to crystalize again and then use your hair dryer again to remove the remaining sap.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Nice work @Sheddy I hadn't thought of using a hair dryer to melt the sap👍

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Evening @Sheddy 

Winner and will add a hair dryer to the list of tools I should have

Dave