Tree Sap Removal on Paint

[FirstNissan]

Hi, I have numerous tree sap spots on my 1 year old Accord that I have neglected for about a month (busy with work and family). I know that I really need to get this stuff off my paint before it causes rust issues. Any recommendations for products that will remove the sap without ruining my paint. I plan on washing and then waxing the car afterwards.
Thanks!

 

[ejes]

Goo Gone, Turtle Wax, etc. make removers specifically for it, but I've always used Kroil to remove tar and sap. You should wash and wax after.

 

[Balrog006]

Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or pad.

As above, wash and wax afterward.

 

[demarpaint]

WD40 has worked for me, softening it up, then I use one of those plastic razors the detailers use. When I get the bulk of it off I use a clay bar with WD40 as a lube for the remaining spot.

 

[milehigh]

Soft microfiber and lacquer thinner works beautifully on clear coated paints.

 

[Merkava_4]

GooGone + toothbrush

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: Balrog006
Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or pad.

As above, wash and wax afterward.


Right.

Learned this one the hard way, one can damage the paint before the pine sap is gone using harsh solvents, lacquer thinner, blow torches, hammer and chisel, scrub brush and Lord knows what else.

70% isopropyl alcohol used generously and some patience. No tools, just a thumbnail if necessary

 

[2010Civic]

Wow, there is a lot of poor advice above. Find a dedicated detailing forum and look there. Do not use wd40 or plastic razors on your paint.

 

[abycat]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
WD40 has worked for me, softening it up, then I use one of those plastic razors the detailers use. When I get the bulk of it off I use a clay bar with WD40 as a lube for the remaining spot.


a guy I lived beside used wd40 and all his clear coat turned into tiny spiderweb cracks all over the roof and hood. I know lots of people have had good luck with it but since his was a bad experience I have not been able to even try it myself.

 

[The Critic]

Wash and dry the car, then use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on a microfiber towel. Be patient, it will usually work.

Originally Posted By: milehigh
Soft microfiber and lacquer thinner works beautifully on clear coated paints.


DO NOT use lacquer thinner on clear coated paints. It attacks the clear coat and damage is usually not seen for a while. Mineral spirits is safe and will work similarly, but takes much longer.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: abycat
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
WD40 has worked for me, softening it up, then I use one of those plastic razors the detailers use. When I get the bulk of it off I use a clay bar with WD40 as a lube for the remaining spot.


a guy I lived beside used wd40 and all his clear coat turned into tiny spiderweb cracks all over the roof and hood. I know lots of people have had good luck with it but since his was a bad experience I have not been able to even try it myself.


Good to know. I've done it at least a dozen times w/o issue. We have a pine tree next to the driveway and if the car is in the wrong place it gets hit with pine sap. A local body shop detailer told me to use that method, or mineral spirits which I found didn't work as well. Next time I'm going to try alcohol as mentioned above.

 

[BTLew81]

Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Wow, there is a lot of poor advice above. Find a dedicated detailing forum and look there. Do not use wd40 or plastic razors on your paint.


Actually, many professional detailers do use a plastic razor blade in this case, if absolutely necessary. Same with Ed 40. While not their preferred choice, it absolutely will not harm your paint.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: BTLew81
Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Wow, there is a lot of poor advice above. Find a dedicated detailing forum and look there. Do not use wd40 or plastic razors on your paint.


Actually, many professional detailers do use a plastic razor blade in this case, if absolutely necessary. Same with Ed 40. While not their preferred choice, it absolutely will not harm your paint.


The plastic razors work quite well, so did the WD40. But I will give mineral spirits a try next time.

 

[Warstud]

I like this better than Rubbing alcohol

 

[Yah-Tah-Hey]

I'd soak the sap with turpentine, which is made from tree sap.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: HosteenJorje
I'd soak the sap with turpentine, which is made from tree sap.

I tried that and it didn't work very well with dried on sap.

 

[RTexasF]

Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Wow, there is a lot of poor advice above. Find a dedicated detailing forum and look there. Do not use wd40 or plastic razors on your paint.


You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Both work without harm when used correctly.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: RTexasF
Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Wow, there is a lot of poor advice above. Find a dedicated detailing forum and look there. Do not use wd40 or plastic razors on your paint.


You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Both work without harm when used correctly.

As a result of this thread I've been flip flopping on what to use with tree sap. I decided flip back to what has worked for me before. WD40 and the plastic razor, with a clay bar using WD40 as a lube for the lighter stuff.

 

[2010Civic]

Originally Posted By: RTexasF
Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Wow, there is a lot of poor advice above. Find a dedicated detailing forum and look there. Do not use wd40 or plastic razors on your paint.


You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Both work without harm when used correctly.


If you want to scratch the [censored] out of your car be my guest. I guarantee my car is more swirl free than yours though.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Originally Posted By: RTexasF
Originally Posted By: 2010Civic
Wow, there is a lot of poor advice above. Find a dedicated detailing forum and look there. Do not use wd40 or plastic razors on your paint.


You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Both work without harm when used correctly.


If you want to scratch the [censored] out of your car be my guest. I guarantee my car is more swirl free than yours though.

Not sure about WD40, but plastic razors can be safely used on paint. But it is also one of those tools that most people are better off NOT trying - very few people are able to use them correctly without damage.

I would put it on the same level as using a high-powered 1/2" air impact gun to evenly tighten all lug nuts to 80 ftlbs...few people can do it consistently and accurately.