How to get tree sap off . . .

[exsterminator]

The hood and windshield without causing any damage to the paint . . . Tips welcome. Thanks

[2002Silver4.6is]

This should be moved over to the Detailing Forum. Phil is a wizard with cleaning and getting off tough to remove things like sap......

[///Manuel]

I just use water and soap and it comes right off, do you have problems because the sap dried out and is hard to come off? Was your car waxed?

[midwesterner]

I have been detailing my own cars for years. Depending on how much sap there is first wash your car. Next use something called a "Clay Bar"

This will take off all debris and sap that is stuck to your hood. However, be easy when you use it. I would recommend a brand such as Mothers or Meguiars since I have used them. It takes a while, but make sure you follow the directions and use plenty of the solution they give you. It will work like a charm.

[zman0803]

Use a clay bar. Trust me, everyone should have them in their cleaning supplies. Both Mothers and Meguires makes one.

I use one made by Car Brite (yes that is spelled correctly) and this one:

http://www.claymagic.net/

[myinfernalbmw]

Isopropyl alcohol will take it off if the claybar doesn't. The problem is that you can scratch the shit out of your car if you rub too hard. By soaking the effected area and blotting it you can avoid scratching the paint. I would follow it up with a hand polishing and wax.

[lo_jack]

Claybar will get off anything short of overspray, I have found. And sometimes it will even take that off if it has not been left on too long.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by myinfernalbmw

Isopropyl alcohol will take it off if the claybar doesn't. The problem is that you can scratch the shit out of your car if you rub too hard. By soaking the effected area and blotting it you can avoid scratching the paint. I would follow it up with a hand polishing and wax.

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.

[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

[the head]

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

nail polish remover is essentially a combination of laquer thinner and isopropyl

Clay works wonders just be sure to have a lot of detailer on hand to lubricate the surface.