How to remove tree pitch safely?

[Griz95]

While parked under a tree I got some tree pitch on my truck. What should I use to remove it without damaging the paint? Thanks, Griz95

 

[ag_ghost]

I'll watch this for insights on this but I'll tell you do NOT use Goof Off! Kevin

 

[cknight49090]

WD 40 will work just do it in the shade when the surface isn't hot.

 

[spasm3]

I have used wd 40, and sometimes mineral spirits. Wd 40 first.

 

[mrsilv04]

I'd try one of the "Bug and Tar Removers" first. It's designed not to damage paint or clearcoat. Maybe some WD-40 on a micro-fiber cloth? Either way, I'd follow it up with a good wash and a quick coat of wax when you're done.

 

[tom slick]

Alcohol

 

[wymi516]

Turtlewax bug & tar remover has taken off everything I've tried it on so far.

 

[Kira]

Denatured alcohol is the solvent in your bug and sap removing products. If you have a can of lacquer thinner around DO NOT USE IT except to Q-tip it directly on the sap itself. Lacquer thinner will eat paint. Kira

 

[abycat]

Don't try wd 40. my old neighbor actualy drew from Ice road truckers tried it and wrecked his paint. made it crack.

 

[abycat]

I'd use hot water from a pressure washer.

 

[ranelson]

Turpentine--safe for paint and it works!

 

[sleddriver]

Sudsy ammonia. Straight from the bottle. Let it sit a minute. Works great for bugs as well

 

[Donald]

Bug & Tar Remover, Kerosene, Turpentine, Mineral Spirits

 

[raytseng]

A good sacrificial layer of wax so it doesnt stick as much in the first place. But after those treatments you can aldo have at it with a claybsr

 

[acdc]

I have always used ordinary rubbing alcohol

 

[AandPDan]

I'll second the alcohol. Works like a charm.

 

[3800Series]

Might be over kill but I always use a little paint rubbing compound. I typically wax my cars often which makes it a lot easier to remove tree sap (in my experience).

 

[The Critic]

Isopropyl Alcohol would be my first step, followed by a solvent such as Tarminator. FWIW, I've also removed tree sap using ONR diluted to the wash solution level.

 

[Griz95]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. I'll be giving some of them a try.

 

[Toros]

It might sound strange but try hand sanitizer and spit on a microfiber cloth with some elbow grease. It works.