Hello all. I just returned from a 14,000 mile, 10-week round trip to Alaska, and in removing the copious grime from the trailer discovered thousands of pin-point splats of tar all over the back end. The front also had a few good-sized spots, which I removed individually with that all-time favorite, "Goof Off." But obviously I don't want to wash down the entire rear end with a strong solvent. So What Would You Do?

Damdifino wrote:Hello all. I just returned from a 14,000 mile, 10-week round trip to Alaska, and in removing the copious grime from the trailer discovered thousands of pin-point splats of tar all over the back end. The front also had a few good-sized spots, which I removed individually with that all-time favorite, "Goof Off." But obviously I don't want to wash down the entire rear end with a strong solvent. So What Would You Do?They make a tar remover in the wax aisle at Wallyworld or you can use WD-40. If the spots are small cleaner wax combo will remove it.

WD40, then wash of the residue with soap and water.

I agree WD-40 is a good remover that will not hurt anything as long as you do not anticipating any painting. I find that old fashioned Kerosene does a pretty good job. Let it set for a little bit after applying, then wipe off, followed by a kerosene rinse. Then of course as with any remover you will need to wax.

WD-40, carwash soap, followed by a coat of wax.

Removing tar splattered all over back of trailer

16 Replies

Luke_Porter
Explorer
Jul 14, 2015
donn0128 wrote:
ugh wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Lacquer thinner, acetone

??? You joking, right. Isn't that to hard on the paint?

No joke, I have used lacquer thinner for years. A little goes a long way. Dont spatter it all over, gently rub the tar spot with your rag covered finger, tar comes right off. Follow up with wax.

I used thinner on my rig after my last Alaska trip---big mistake, the paint was never the same.
Ramp_Digger
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
3oaks wrote:
WD-40, carwash soap, followed by a coat of wax.

Thats how I do it also.Works great.Or mineral spirits either one will work and should be gentle enough on the paint.
jmckelvy
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
Mineral spirits.
Dakota98
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
old guy wrote:
when I was a ten ager, a few years ago, we used creamy peanut butter to remove tar.

So I gather, chunky or extra chunky didn't work as well ?
donn0128
Explorer II
Jul 13, 2015
ugh wrote:
donn0128 wrote:
Lacquer thinner, acetone

??? You joking, right. Isn't that to hard on the paint?

No joke, I have used lacquer thinner for years. A little goes a long way. Dont spatter it all over, gently rub the tar spot with your rag covered finger, tar comes right off. Follow up with wax.
My_Roadtrek
Explorer II
Jul 13, 2015
Goo Gone

REMOVE TAR FROM FIBERGLASS, GLASS, LAMINATE, METAL, PAINTED WOOD, PLASTIC, VARNISHED WOOD, VINYL, WINDOWS, BRICK, CERAMIC, COUNTEROPS, FLOORING, GRANITE, MARBLE, STONE, TILE OR WOOD:
Pretest on an inconspicuous area
Apply Goo Gone
Wait 5-10 minutes
Wipe to remove, turning and folding cloth as needed
Use a clean cloth surface each time
Reapply as needed
Wipe off and clean area with soap and water
ugh
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
donn0128 wrote:
Lacquer thinner, acetone

??? You joking, right. Isn't that to hard on the paint?
donn0128
Explorer II
Jul 13, 2015
Lacquer thinner, acetone
Greyghost
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover
old_guy
Explorer
Jul 13, 2015
when I was a ten ager, a few years ago, we used creamy peanut butter to remove tar.