Removing tree sap while detailing...

screentime · #1 05-06-2005, 08:32 PM

Hi All,

I parked my 91 TR under a tree at work today, and when I came back, I had small spots of sap or something from the tree on the windows and body. What is the best way to remove this? I plan on taking the car in for a full detail, with clay bar etc., in the next few days, but should I do something immediately or wait until I take it in?

Fred2 · #2 05-06-2005, 08:36 PM

Tree sap can screw up pain, and pine sap seems to be the worst.
While fresh, you should be able to wash it off.

PSP · #3 05-06-2005, 08:37 PM

Mineral spirits will take off the sap

**venusone** · #4 05-06-2005, 09:40 PM

If you catch it before it gets baked on, lots of soap will get it off. Like pure Dawn w/ hot water. I live in the deep south & have had pine drippings on all my cars. There is always Mothers bug & tar remover.

**tvu** · #5 05-06-2005, 11:03 PM

You can try the bug/tar/sap remover products from your local automotive store. Of course, the sooner you get it off the better.

PRimov · #6 05-06-2005, 11:18 PM

Try using Dawn dish soap in really hot water and a clay bar. If that doesn't take all the sap off try using 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner 08984 with cheese cloth. Both will remove most waxs so don't for get to re-wax or re-Zaino.

Paul

Darolls · #7 05-06-2005, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screentime

Hi All,

I parked my 91 TR under a tree at work today, and when I came back, I had small spots of sap or something from the tree on the windows and body. What is the best way to remove this? I plan on taking the car in for a full detail, with clay bar etc., in the next few days, but should I do something immediately or wait until I take it in?

Plain water should remove the sap if you get to it soon enough.

If the car is otherwise clean, I use a spray bottle and terrycloth towel.

Saves having to actually 'wash' the car.

If any streaks are left, then go over the car with a final detailer.

Rosso · #8 05-07-2005, 01:12 AM

I don't suggest using dawn. It strips your wax or sealant you have on over your paint and can cause your paint to dry up.

Try a good bug/tar remover, like stoner's Tarminator or Meg's bug/tar remover.

**RacerX_GTO** · #9 05-07-2005, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosso

I don't suggest using dawn. It strips your wax or sealant you have on over your paint and can cause your paint to dry up.

Try a good bug/tar remover, like stoner's Tarminator or Meg's bug/tar remover.

AGREED!

Sap occurs in several ways: dabs and speckles, a gooey glob or a teardrops. Then there's the damn pine tree, never park under those pines! The thicker it is, the more difficult it becomes, but it can be removed. You need to remove the sap as soon as possible.

I use Turtle Wax Bug & Tar remover. I have a stack of white terry cloths ready to carefully take off the sap affected area. The key is to emulsify the sap with the product as to break it up and loosen the sap. Apply the remover to the cloth, never the paint surface. Carefully swipe the sap in one direction and make sure you swipe with a clean part of the terry cloth each time until you completely lifted the sap off the surface. There's no reusing the rags, just throw them away. After the sap is removed completely, then go about restoring the top coat with your choice of polish and wax.

I hope this helps!

Dcup · #10 05-07-2005, 03:14 AM

use steel wool, seriously, use tar and bug remover

Dopplemax · #11 05-07-2005, 07:58 AM

Figured out the same thing two springs ago at my building! Unless you got to it immediately with some speed shine and micro-fiber, you'll need to go the clay bar route. And get a new parking space

DMAX

spang308 · #12 05-07-2005, 08:55 AM

OK everybody. Pay attention.

TIP of the day.

WD 40.

Spray a little on the sap. Let it sit for a minute or two. Wipe off.
Works amazing. One more use for Americas majic formula!!

Good luck,
John

F328 BobD · #13 05-07-2005, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosso

I don't suggest using dawn. It strips your wax or sealant you have on over your paint and can cause your paint to dry up.

Try a good bug/tar remover, like stoner's Tarminator or Meg's bug/tar remover.

Wow, Dawn will remove wax but bug & tar remover won't? I never would have thought that.

**venusone** · #14 05-07-2005, 12:50 PM

Definitely if you use Dawn or any dishwashing detergent on your car you will need to reapply wax. I don’t even use a towel washed in detergent to dry my Miata because the residue noticeably screws w/ wax finish on a dark car. But, are petroleum based products kinder to a paint surface?

Rosso · #15 05-07-2005, 03:30 PM

I think a petroleum product caqn be OK if used correctly, but you always have to use caution if you're going that route. I wouldn't let it sit on your painted surface for very long.

If you're really worried about using any chemicals, just go with the clay. Non abrasive (usually, make sure to fold and knead for a fresh surface after each panel) and safe, no harm to your paint, and your wax/sealant layer should still be intact (clay does not remove old wax).

screentime · #16 05-07-2005, 04:49 PM

Thanks for all the tips. I took it in to a detail shop who will use clay bar, and then paint sealant instead of wax, plus they're doing the leather treatment, etc. I just got the car, so I was planning on taking it in anyway, this just made it happen a bit sooner!

**38 Off** · #17 05-10-2005, 07:09 PM

Detailer gave me this tip a number of years ago, works great--wax spot after use. RUBBING ALCOHOL. Mineral spirits, etc. will leave scratches in paint because you have to scrub to get sap off.

**dm_n_stuff** · #18 05-10-2005, 08:05 PM

Bugs-b-Gone. Used it on my car the other day. A FREE SAMPLE NO LESS.

Worked better than anything I have ever used.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/bugsBGone.htm

I got it from these guys.

http://www.carcrazy.net/find/p/1440/mcms.html

Although they seem to be out of stock at the moment.

DM