How to Get Pine Resin Off a Deck

Pine resin may occur on a wood deck for two reasons: The deck is made of pressure treated pine and knots in the wood bleed sap through the normal aging and drying process; or a nearby pine tree is dripping sap onto the deck. Pine trees normally drip some resin, and those infected by bark beetles bleed profusely. Although the resin won't harm the deck, it creates a sticky mess and is aesthetically unappealing. Although pine resin is a natural, organic substance, it does not break down in water. Use solvents to remove it.

Things You'll Need

• Mineral spirits, turpentine, rubbing alcohol or WD-40
• Clean cloth
• Paint scraper
• Sandpaper
• Paint
• Deck sealer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Apply enough of a solvent such as turpentine, rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits to the sap to thoroughly coat it. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the solvent to soften the pine resin.

   • 2

     Gently scrape the pine resin off with a paint scraper, taking care not to mar or scratch the wood by working with the grain. If the pine resin is very hard, reapply the solvent and wait 10 more minutes. Once the resin is gone, allow the area to thoroughly dry.

   • 3

     Lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper to remove any remaining residue. Repaint or finish the area if necessary.