How to get tree sap off . . .

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by fengshui

Where we live the pine trees make a game out of seeing which can get the most sap on your car.

I just use nail polish remover for the really tuff stuff but you have to be carefull not to use to much.

Doesn't nail polish remover have Isopropyl in it, its just diluted?

Cody

NEVER use nail polish remover on the paint, it will take the clear coat off.

Alcohol or clay only.

[rayxi]

Most nail polish remover is acetone. Nail polish is similar to paint, therefore, nail polish remover is paint remover. Do you really want to use paint remover on your car's finish?

[zman0803]

NEVER use nail polish remover on the paint

I agree.

I am still new here but not new when it come to detailing cars.

The clay bar is safest and most effective way of removing tar or sap.

[fengshui]

OK my bad. I've only done it to our tractors and pickup before. The paint is still in great shape. However I don't think the clay bar would work for the kind of sap im talking about, you know the thick goey stuff that gets everywhere like in your arm hair or the dogs feet and stays sticky like tar for weeks!

I agree with everyone the clay bar is the best for those little speck things of sap and just to get paint silky smooth.

Cody

O Ill prob never use nail polish remover again haha.

[myinfernalbmw]

Ok i have seen a load of cars come through with tree sap all over them. If it is fresh and is like little specs all over the car, a claybar is the best method to removing them. If it is a big booger of sap you're going to want to use isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by gresch

I agree, Isopropyl is like kryptonite to tree sap. just load up a nice soft cloth, hold the cloth on the sap for a bit to soften it up and get the alcohol into the sap, and they gently wipe it off. Then wax the shit out of the area.


It's a no brainer, .99 solution.

Good advice! This definately works.

My wife just got back from trip where she had parked the X under a tree for 2 days straight. She brought it home tonight with about 10 or more sap droppings on it and the Isopropyl alcohol worked like a champ.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by FSETH

Good advice! This definately works.

My wife just got back from trip where she had parked the X under a tree for 2 days straight. She brought it home tonight with about 10 or more sap droppings on it and the Isopropyl alcohol worked like a champ.

Every now and then i get one right

[EKS PYB]

Originally Posted by myinfernalbmw

Isopropyl alcohol will take it off if the claybar doesn't...

Actually, that's all I used. My wife's old white honda civic was parked outside of the garage for a week and tree sap got baked in. I thought for sure it won't come out but I asked my brother who worked at a body shop and told me to use isopropyl alcohol and off it went...

[UoweDucks]

I've used both butter and mayonaise to get hardened sap off.

[X5 Meister]

BMW tree resin (sap) remover works too.