Sap Removal?

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Sep 10, 2002 | 11:41 PM

Bedwellz28

Thread Starter

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 11

From: Brazil, IN United States

Sap Removal?

Does anyone know how to tree sap marks out of the paint without spending a bunch of $$$?

Sep 10, 2002 | 11:44 PM

Bizzomb0707

Registered User

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 121

From: South Jersey

Did you try claying the spots? The first thing I would do is clay them depending on how long they've been there and if they're "etched" into your paint. If so, then I'm sure mike or kevin can help you out with some abrasive products to try.

Sep 11, 2002 | 10:39 AM

MikeLS

Registered User

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 1,564

From: Memphis, TN

I completely agree with the above post ^^^. Try clay first as it's the least abrasive, generally the easiest and cheapest method available. Other household products you might have that may work: alcohol and a soft towel, mineral spirits, paint cleaners, etc... The earlier you treat the area, the less likely any semi-perm or permanent damage occurs.

Here's an article that may be of interest to you:

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
Tree Sap
Removing tree sap from a car's finish is a bit more difficult than tar, as hardened sap can scratch your paint. I've found that by hand-rubbing the sap spots with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol, I'm able to easily remove the sap without damaging the finish. Mineral spirits and denatured alcohol acts as a solvent to break up and dissolve the sap.

If there is a large amount of sap on the car, or if the sap has been left on the finish for an extended period of time, it can be a lot of work to remove. For these cases, I discovered that hitting the affected areas with a light-duty buffing compound removes the hardened surface on the sap spots. Then I can hit the sap with the mineral spirits to remove it. The light duty buffing compound softens the sap so the mineral spirits or denatured alcohol can do its job. The goal is to use the least pressure possible to reduce the risk of scratching the paint. After removing heavy sap, I always buff the treated areas with a good polish to clean up any marks created during hand-rubbing with solvent. The treated area must also be re-waxed.
</font>

OR, an easier way...

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">To remove tree sap, use a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol. Spray onto affected areas. Allow to dwell on surface. When it has softened up, wipe away with a soft cloth. Be prepared to re-seal any affected area, as the alcohol will remove any coatings.</font>

Mike

------------------
2003 Infiniti G35 - Garnet Fire

*My gone but not forgotten 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*

Thank you ZainoBros!

[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited September 11, 2002).]

Sep 11, 2002 | 01:00 PM

Bedwellz28

Thread Starter

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 11

From: Brazil, IN United States

Thanks guys for the info. I will give it a shot and let you know what happens. The sap has been there for a couple days and i tried some mother's cleaner wax which took most of the spots out, but it left a dull area. I tried clay bar and that did not help. I will try the alcohol.
THX