I may be one of the few left that still uses a real (cut) Christmas tree. The last two years I have noticed a few drips of tree sap on my trains. I don't ever remember this happening before, and we've been buying Scotch pines for decades. Anyway, does someone have a suggestion about how to clean off the sap without damaging the paint? I've been afraid to try.
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Ronson lighter fluid, or WD40.
Goo Gone
Sap should come off with a Q-tip and some warm water, or at least try that first.
Stack
I'd be careful with WD-40. Depending on the actual finish, it can disolve paint if left too long. It also can make plastic "mushy".
I tried it for a learning experience on a caboose I was considering trying to at least re-letter. The letterring came off eventually, but by then the paint did too. Also noted the fine wood grain detail molded in the plastic was losing it's detail.
-Dave
I would think that pretty much anything with a petroleum base might interact with either the paint or the plastic.
Out of shear curiousity, I googled "remove tree sap". The best info came from a site called thriftyfun.com
The one substance that might do the trick...mayo!...as in mayonaise! Or even spray cooking oil. And extra oily peanut butter. Once the sap is dissolved, soap and water to clean up.
Turpentine should do the trick. I would test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
Gilly
I may be one of the few left that still uses a real (cut) Christmas tree. The last two years I have noticed a few drips of tree sap on my trains. I don't ever remember this happening before, and we've been buying Scotch pines for decades. Anyway, does someone have a suggestion about how to clean off the sap without damaging the paint? I've been afraid to try.
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