Tõrkevabale

Tõrkevabale is a term of Estonian origin that translates roughly to "free from tar" or "untarred." In its most common usage, it refers to a surface, object, or material that has had tar or a tar-like substance removed from it. This removal process can be achieved through various methods, depending on the nature of the tar and the material it adheres to.

Historically, wood treated with tar was common for protection against moisture and decay, particularly in shipbuilding and construction. When such materials were repurposed or needed to be cleaned, the process of making them tõrkevabale would involve scraping, sanding, or using solvents to strip away the tar. This was often done to prepare the surface for painting, sealing, or other treatments.

The term might also be encountered in contexts related to cleaning or restoration. For instance, a piece of furniture or a historical artifact that was once protected by tar might be described as tõrkevabale after restoration efforts have been completed. The state of being "untarred" implies a return to the original material or a prepared surface ready for further work.