How to fix damages cause by tree sap?
 

Hay I my 2005 x5 a few months ago. There was some tree sap (what I think are tree sap) on various area of the X5. The previous owner got most of it off that is why I am not sure it is tree sap but I am pretty sure. I am pretty sure the previous owner did not clean it right away. He/she take it to the car wash once a while type of person.

When I got it the spot in question (picture attached) still felt rough to the touch. So I wash and clean and used Turtle tar and tree sap remover on the spots. I also used clay.

Now it is smooth to the touch but the spot can still be seen ash show in the picture.

The only think I can think of is to use a paint polish. But paint polish really cut into the paint.

Any suggestion or techniques. Proven techniques for this sort of thing is most appreciated. thanks

Do you own an orbital buffer? Taking that out is going to require a cutting pad and some compound, and probably a finishing polish afterwards with a polishing pad if you really want to level down and remove the defect. If you cleaned it well and used clay and its all smooth, then it is etched into the clearcoat and won't come out with some correction work.

Gte some 3m rubbing compiund and rub on it with a MF towel. Go over with finer polish once removed

Wetsand would be the correct first step, but I would bet that etching is thru the clearcoat and into the colorcoat. You have 2 choices....live with it or respray. The spatter/jagged edges leads me to think it was bird crap, NASTY stuff when left on paint!

Why do so many vehicle purchasers insist on buying dark color cars, then neglect them??? :dunno:

Phil would suggest the Surbuf pads with M101 or M100 compound (very aggressive), then following with FG400 and MF cutting pads, then Uber Green/Orange with Sonax perfect finish 4/6.

A lot of steps, but probably can get away without sanding.