Spanish cedar sap

[Razorhog]

I bought spanish cedar planks to use as shelves in my vinotemp. They have a little sap on them and it sticks to the cigar boxes. When putting in the shelves I didn't even think about it, but will the sap hurt anything? Is there an easy way to get it off the planks and boxes?

Originally Posted by Razorhog

I bought spanish cedar planks to use as shelves in my vinotemp. They have a little sap on them and it sticks to the cigar boxes. When putting in the shelves I didn't even think about it, but will the sap hurt anything? Is there an easy way to get it off the planks and boxes?

I suggest you wipe it down with denatured alcohol. lacquer thinner or acetone on a rag can also be used, but the denatured alcohol is safer. The others will leave behind a residue not advised for inside a humidor. If using the last 2 allow plenty of time to completely dry, rinse with a wet rag and allow to completely dry again.

If severe, a light sanding with sand paper may be necessary.

Chas

[Savor the Stick]

Originally Posted by ChasDen

I suggest you wipe it down with denatured alcohol. lacquer thinner or acetone on a rag can also be used, but the denatured alcohol is safer. The others will leave behind a residue not advised for inside a humidor. If using the last 2 allow plenty of time to completely dry, rinse with a wet rag and allow to completely dry again.

If severe, a light sanding with sand paper may be necessary.

Chas

The Man knows!!!!

[Razorhog]

Thanks, I'll pick up some denatured alcohol and give it a shot.

Would not isopropyl alcohol be the preferred agent for this kind of thing?? I have used it for cleaning electronic equipment for many years, and after doing the research it seems that denatured alchohol is more toxic. Just a thought.

It's my understanding that denatured alcohol is ethanol with 10% methanol. The purpose of the methanol is to prevent its consumption. It's commonly used in the wood working community as a sanding aid because of its rapid evaporation and cleaning abilities. I have never used the isopropyl alcohol for cleaning sap, so I cannot comment if it works better or not. Because of their rapid evaporation, I do not believe there is any risk using either. The reason the denatured alcohol is used in woodworking is it does not open the grain like water does. Its also used in very small quantities in products like tooth paste.

Chas

[captain53]

Originally Posted by The Postman

Would not isopropyl alcohol be the preferred agent for this kind of thing?? I have used it for cleaning electronic equipment for many years, and after doing the research it seems that denatured alchohol is more toxic. Just a thought.

Isopropyl contains water and is never used for cleaning wood or metal prior to finshing. Denatured evaporates much faster and does not penetrate very much. You would definitely want to use denatured on wood but keep in mind it is highly flamable, far more than Isopropyl.

OK, there you go. For metal its Isopropyl, for wood, its denatured, now we know!!