Description of what it is like

Pitch is a black or dark brown solid substance produced by distilling tar. It is hard and brittle at room temperature (can be shattered with a hammer) but flows very slowly over time (viscoelastic) and melts into a liquid when heated.

Origin and where to find it

• Production: Derived from Tar (wood tar or coal tar) or Crude Oil (bitumen/asphalt).
• Natural Sources: Some natural asphalt lakes (like Pitch Lake in Trinidad) exist, but historically it’s made from pine tar.

Minimum processing required

1. Distillation: Take Tar and boil it in an open pot.
2. Evaporation: Let the water and volatile oils boil off.
3. Testing: Dip a stick in and cool it. If the drop hardens and snaps when bent, it’s pitch. If it’s still sticky/soft, it’s still tar.
4. Cooling: Pour into molds or blocks for storage.

Tools needed to work on it

• Pot: Metal or ceramic pot for boiling (will be permanently stained).
• Heat Source: Fire.
• Stirring Stick: To prevent burning at the bottom.

Common forms of use

• Caulking: Mixed with fibers (oakum) to seal seams in wooden ships.
• Cutler’s Resin: Mixed with beeswax and dust/filler to glue knife handles.
• Chasing Pitch: Used by metalworkers to hold metal pieces while hammering/repoussé.
• Torches: Coated on sticks for long-burning lights.

Possible substitutes

• Beeswax: For sealing (less durable).
• Pine Resin Glue: Similar adhesive properties.
• Asphalt: The petroleum equivalent.

Limitations and common failures

• Brittleness: If boiled too long or used in freezing cold, it cracks easily.
• Flow: In very hot weather, it may soften and run (sag).
• Burns: Molten pitch sticks to skin and causes severe burns (“napalm” effect).

Risks and safety

• Fumes: Boiling tar produces flammable and unhealthy fumes. Work outdoors.
• Fire: Highly flammable.