Tree sap removal

[Highlightreel]

I got some tree sap on my vehicle while parking it in the woods this fall. What is a good method to get it off of my paint? There are a couple spots where it has about a 2" drip on the paint. I have been too nervous to scratch my paint, even using my fingernails, since my vehicle has some scratches on it from I do not know when and they are in spots I'd have noticed if I did it so I'm trying to be super careful. I realize it's not good to even have left it on this long but now is the time.

Is rubbing alcohol the solution? I didn't even want to try that but any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[caplanm]

There are special tar and tree sap removers out there that work well. Try any auto parts store. You should take care of the tree sap, especially from Pines right away. Letting it sit will cause it to etch the clearcoart

 

[Big H]

Hand sanitizer works as well, if u have extra to spare these days. U will need to wipe down more than once to get completely off, as it dilutes the sap.


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[StealthyBulldog]

Also keep in mind that if you use the Bug and Tar remover (and probably any other heavy cleaner actually) once you get it all off, wash it with regular soap and water just to be sure none of the chemical is left on.

 

[carymccarr]

I got some tree sap on my vehicle while parking it in the woods this fall. What is a good method to get it off of my paint? There are a couple spots where it has about a 2" drip on the paint. I have been too nervous to scratch my paint, even using my fingernails, since my vehicle has some scratches on it from I do not know when and they are in spots I'd have noticed if I did it so I'm trying to be super careful. I realize it's not good to even have left it on this long but now is the time.

Is rubbing alcohol the solution? I didn't even want to try that but any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Acetone.


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[5280tunage]

Not sure on acetone, that will remove any wax or protection on the paint too, but yes it will get sap off. Acetone is rough... One of the least damaging I've used is olive oil, but I recently got a bottle of commercial goo gone (walmart had It in the paint section) to get tar off of my wife's car. It worked quite well and I just used a microfiber cloth to get any residual goo gone off.

 

[carymccarr]

Not sure on acetone, that will remove any wax or protection on the paint too, but yes it will get sap off. Acetone is rough... One of the least damaging I've used is olive oil, but I recently got a bottle of commercial goo gone (walmart had It in the paint section) to get tar off of my wife's car. It worked quite well and I just used a microfiber cloth to get any residual goo gone off.

Yeah I’ve had to use it once when there was dried on sap and another time when some superglue dripped on the paint. Tried goo gone first but neither budged.

You’re right though. Gotta be careful (I used a qtip) but it will work 100%. Just need to carefully apply and the wash off immediately.

 

[Fozzy]

Spray it with WD-40 then soak a rag with WD-40. Hold the tag over the sap to soften it up. Wipe off, wash, clay bar and seal your paint. Then it’s not as bad the next time.


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[Deadman]

Mineral Spirits is what the local car wash uses....

 

[Gary Hanna]

Turpentine works great, just wash off after removal.

 

[Wayne Decker]

Rubbing alcohol.

 

[Bow512]

My old truck got covered on the whole side with little speckled tree sap and left a rough finish.

Used a clay bar on it and got it all off and was smooth as glass afterwards. Just have to make sure to put some wax on afterwards.

 

[xrcsl]

Rubbing alcohol.

This is the best answer. I've used rubbing alcohol after everything else had failed and it worked perfectly.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

Just like N95 face masks, rubbing alcohol has become scarce lately. I haven't seen it in the stores I've visited in months.

 

[Deadman]

Just like N95 face masks, rubbing alcohol has become scarce lately. I haven't seen it in the stores I've visited in months.

Every store here has hundreds of bottles on the shelf and has for months.

 

[Don K9SARK]

I have been using liquid fabric softener for years. Weather permitting, I spray down the front of my vehicle the night before, the wash it the next day. It is not a 100% removal solution, but it softens up sap, bug splatters, and road tar, making them a lot easier to remove. I've never had a problem with this on paint or trim in over 20 years.

 

[Bunky]

WD-40 guaranteed to work and won't harm the paint. I wouldn't trust Gary Hanna's turpentine idea, though.

 

[5280tunage]

I have been using liquid fabric softener for years. Weather permitting, I spray down the front of my vehicle the night before, the wash it the next day. It is not a 100% removal solution, but it softens up sap, bug splatters, and road tar, making them a lot easier to remove. I've never had a problem with this on paint or trim in over 20 years.

Interesting approach, I've never heard of this. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BlueStangGT]

Clay bar is the right way to do it if you have time to do it correctly. Regardless of method you’ll definitely need to seal the finish when you’re done since all of these methods will leave your clear coat wide open.

 

[Highlightreel]

Thanks all. I tried rubbing alcohol and it quickly did the work. I will get it sealed asap as well as winter is here to stay Minnesota.