Tree sap removal

[DonC]

I have a question for the group. How do you remove tree sap? I typically run into it here in NC. It usually is small about the size of a dime, and can range from sticky guey, to rock hard. Usually has a yellow color to it

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Tree sap removal

Have you tried detailing clay after first washing the car really well?

[DonC]

Re: Tree sap removal

I haven't tried it but I would doubt that it will work on the rock hard sap, i often times can not remove it with my fingernail, it's usually mounded also. Somebody suggested Goof-Off which is a painters product, this worked great on the sticky sap, but will not touch the hardened.

[Stangfan]

Re: Tree sap removal

I found some hard sap on my Dad's hood the other day after washing the car. Goo Gone took care of it. I did have to let the stuff penetrate the sap for a bit, but it all came off.

[Princeslik]

Re: Tree sap removal

Have you tried isopropyl rubbing alcohol??

[davisinla]

Re: Tree sap removal

I found some hard sap on my Dad's hood the other day after washing the car. Goo Gone took care of it. I did have to let the stuff penetrate the sap for a bit, but it all came off.

I have 3 pine trees...and a bottle of Goo Gone.

Stang: Nice Mustang(s)...love the rare 7-up! I just sold my 87 LX 5.0 vert...but got an '07 GT .

Are you on Mustang Source forums?

[onawrxhigh]

Re: Tree sap removal

Hey Donc,

If you have rain-x give it a try. the solvents in it will breakdown the sap and it will remove very easily. For the really hard sap try soaking a rag with it and place it over the sap spot and let it sit for a little while(45 second to a few minutes and it should soften it enough to wipe it right off. Them remember to re-wax the area because the solvents in the rain-x will remove the old wax.

Andrew

[invertalon]

Re: Tree sap removal

Don't mean to bump this old topic, but rubbing alcohol does the trick!

My dad's prius had three areas of tree sap that hardened like a rock on the paint. I tried a few things such as clay and whatnot but nothing worked. Read about use alcohol so I did...

As soon as the alcohol touched the sap it broke it down and came off like butter. Then I just used some cleaner wax on the area and was all set. Good as new!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Tree sap removal

Always test a product first to make sure it will work in one small area first, different types of tree saps are easier or harder to get off than others.

Test, test test...

[leolus]

Re: Tree sap removal

I agree with invertalon. I had big gobs of soft tree sap and tiny hardened gobs of tree sap. For the big gobs I used Goo-gone to to remove the soft parts, then used the alcohol for all the hardened parts. I rinsed with water in between each alcohol application to remove the alcohol, then removed extra residue with more goo-gone. I was going to try UQD on some new tree sap spots that I've found, but I wanted to know if anyone has tried using UQD on tree sap and had any success?

A problem did arise that I hope someone could help me with. There seems to be some lifting now especially where the hardened tree sap was. It can definitely be felt, but can only be seen with close inspection (during day, and with a light during night its easier to see with close inspection).
I'd like to post pictures, but its very hard to photograph. What could I use to remove these easy to feel/hard to see spots and restore the smooth surface? I was thinking ScratchX, but wanted some opinions from MOL before I started anymore work.

I was hoping to do this by hand as I only have an orbital buffer. It is also a new car with white pearlescent paint.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Tree sap removal

I recall reading a post somewhere that if you hold an ice cube on the sap glob that it will harden it up, make it contract , and cause it to become fairly brittle. Then a fingernail will remove most of it.

[angeloabbattista]

Re: Tree sap removal

I've had success with mineral turpentine, soak it for a while then rub off. It will leave a dull mark but when re-polished and waxed/sealed will be back to normal.