Page 1 of 1

Tar

Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 4:20 pm
by Pelican
The Swedish Ship Götheborg Demonstrates Making Pine Tar

Before chemical or petroleum-based sealants, tar made from pine trees had a myriad of uses; from protecting hemp ropes, lines, and cable from rot; to waterproofing canvas; for preserving wood; to being used as an antiseptic in chronic skin conditions. It was also known as Stockholm tar because a single company held a royal monopoly on its export out of Stockholm, Sweden.
In the 17th century, the Royal Navy bought most of its tar from Sweden, shifting in the 18th century to importing from its North American colonies, primarily from the Carolinas. British sailors whose hands would become stained by handling tarred lines became known as “tars.”
Continues, including video, at:
http://www.oldsaltblog.com/2021/06/the- ... more-57750