request: how to remove tree sap from car paint

cruisingdownthestreet · 12-17-2016, 12:38 PM

hi, what are some of your methods to removing tree sap from car paint? i got some really thick ones that's stuck on like crazy glue.

08njSTEP · 12-17-2016, 12:51 PM

This is easy. Get some dry gas. I think Isopropl alcohol would work also, but we use dry gas in the paint dept I work in. Really thick sap should place a soaked towel over and let sit. Might take several attempts as the alcohol will evaporate. Use a soft paper towel and be patient. I see a lot of damaged paint from sap removal by owners not taking the time to do it right.

G35POPPEDMYCHERRY · 12-17-2016, 12:52 PM

...clay bar really easy

MrSmartyPants · 12-17-2016, 03:30 PM

Put isopropyl alcohol on a small towel. Apply to the sap and let it sit for a minute. Dab and apply more as necessary. After its all gone reapply some wax to the area you cleaned. Super simple and safe.

I've also seen people use steel wool, fine grit sandpaper...really bad. It's so easy with the IPA.

E86Z · 12-17-2016, 03:30 PM

If its etched the paint once you take off the sap you might need a polish after.

Dackelone · 12-17-2016, 03:37 PM

I would try these methods first...

Soap and water and a sponge...
Clay bar...
Isopropyl Alcohol...
"Bug and Tar" remover...

All the above work well. Just don't forget to apply some wax/sealer afterwards.

08njSTEP · 12-17-2016, 03:41 PM

We generally don't seem much paint etching from sap. Less than bugs or bird shit. But a quick buff never hurts.

12-17-2016, 12:38 PM	#1
cruisingdownthestreet Second Lieutenant 123 Rep 258 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: LA county iTrader: (0)	request: how to remove tree sap from car paint hi, what are some of your methods to removing tree sap from car paint? i got some really thick ones that's stuck on like crazy glue.
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12-17-2016, 12:51 PM	#2
08njSTEP Captain 795 Rep 762 Posts Drives: '07 335i, '66 SS396 Chevelle Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Manchester, NH iTrader: (0)	This is easy. Get some dry gas. I think Isopropl alcohol would work also, but we use dry gas in the paint dept I work in. Really thick sap should place a soaked towel over and let sit. Might take several attempts as the alcohol will evaporate. Use a soft paper towel and be patient. I see a lot of damaged paint from sap removal by owners not taking the time to do it right.
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12-17-2016, 12:52 PM	#3
G35POPPEDMYCHERRY Banned 4995 Rep 4,139 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (1)	...clay bar really easy
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12-17-2016, 03:30 PM	#4
MrSmartyPants Lieutenant 354 Rep 499 Posts Drives: F80 M3 - 6MT_MW on SO Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Put isopropyl alcohol on a small towel. Apply to the sap and let it sit for a minute. Dab and apply more as necessary. After its all gone reapply some wax to the area you cleaned. Super simple and safe. I've also seen people use steel wool, fine grit sandpaper...really bad. It's so easy with the IPA.
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12-17-2016, 03:30 PM	#5
E86Z First Lieutenant 63 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 3.0si Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	If its etched the paint once you take off the sap you might need a polish after.
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12-17-2016, 03:37 PM	#6
Dackelone European Editor 10528 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	I would try these methods first... Soap and water and a sponge... Clay bar... Isopropyl Alcohol... "Bug and Tar" remover... All the above work well. Just don't forget to apply some wax/sealer afterwards. __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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12-17-2016, 03:41 PM	#7
08njSTEP Captain 795 Rep 762 Posts Drives: '07 335i, '66 SS396 Chevelle Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Manchester, NH iTrader: (0)	We generally don't seem much paint etching from sap. Less than bugs or bird shit. But a quick buff never hurts.
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