For The Tree Sap Specialists

Beemerboy

Beemerboy

Just One More Coat
At this time of the year, where my wife has to park her car while at work. There are many trees, these trees drop a yellow looking sap, its not oily by nature but STICKS to the car like glue. I don't bucket wash that car that often, mainly use S&W. But even when I do bucket wash it has no effect on the sap.

I guess my question is in the areas of the country where sap is big problem, what are you using to wash it off.

I'm asking because there can be 100's of these dots and smears on the car at ends week. The only thing that I have done that helps some, is to coat the paint with layers of Nattys paste wax.

I would hate to think that the only solution is to use a solvent based liquid to get them off.

Thanks;)
 
I have been using Duragloss Bug remover (471) for a few years and I like it for tar and sap(I get a lot of pine sap). Doesn't remove the LSP either. I have also had good luck with Poorbuys Bug Squash at 3:1. Also LSP safe at 3:1.
 
Dr Oldz said:
I have been using Duragloss Bug remover (471) for a few years and I like it for tar and sap(I get a lot of pine sap). Doesn't remove the LSP either. I have also had good luck with Poorbuys Bug Squash at 3:1. Also LSP safe at 3:1.
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I just stocked up on BS so maybe on the next wash I'll try that..thanks its really a PTA to get them off.Thanks
 
I just started using CG Bug Bugger and it works well for my issues.

When I do park outside, which is rare, the sap from the honeylocust always finds my car.

I dilute Bug Bugger in a quart sprayer, 1 cap to 32 oz water (strong), let it dwell on the affected areas and proceed with the wash.
 
Mr. Gloss said:
I just started using CG Bug Bugger and it works well for my issues.

When I do park outside, which is rare, the sap from the honeylocust always finds my car.

I dilute Bug Bugger in a quart sprayer, 1 cap to 32 oz water (strong), let it dwell on the affected areas and proceed with the wash.
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You think that if I used PB BS the same way, in a spray bottle. Then followed up with PB S&W?
 
How long was the sap on the car before you tried washing it? I've been able to get brand new,freshly dripped sap off paint with QD, but anything older than that can take time.
 
Bill D said:
How long was the sap on the car before you tried washing it? I've been able to get brand new,freshly dripped sap off paint with QD, but anything older than that can take time.
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Bill, This is a daily occurrence at this time of the year. Its in the parking lot where my wife parks for work.

These trees drop small yellow looking sap for lack of better terms. Its not oily in nature but once dry the car, it sticks like glue. By the time she gets home they have already setup on the paint. Trust me in this, I've tried a lot of things to get these off, QD was on the list. The only thing that has helped in getting them off, is to have a few layer of fresh wax. This makes it easier to get them off, but just using PB S&W with a plush towel has no effect on them what so ever.

The bug squash mixture sounds like it would work, it sure dose on bugs that are glued on the paint.

I should also add that I use the CA Duster on the car every day and S&W every two to three days depending on its condition. The car gets a full cleaning once a week.
 
Maybe this is being extreme, but I wonder if getting in touch with an arborist familiar with those types of trees and picking his brain about what types of chemicals can effectively remove the sap might be an option. I would think though, if you tried every safe product under the sun, that might not be worthwhile.:dunno:

An outside of the box thought might be to try to safely experiment with steaming the spots to loosen them, then removing them as you ordinarily do. Of course, you'd have to be very careful, but maybe that could help the removal ?
 
Beemerboy said:
Really? Tell me how that works? Because if the soap and water with a wool pad is not removing these I can't see where a QD is going to.
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As I mentioned, if it's fresh sap that hasn't been baked hard by the sun, an instant detailer sprayed on will usually take it off. Mist it on, wipe with a microfiber is how I do it.

I've used this method with pine trees and some other types, but I'm no tree expert, despite my name.

What type of tree?
 
forrest@mothers said:
As I mentioned, if it's fresh sap that hasn't been baked hard by the sun, an instant detailer sprayed on will usually take it off. Mist it on, wipe with a microfiber is how I do it.

I've used this method with pine trees and some other types, but I'm no tree expert, despite my name.

What type of tree?
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NO idea what types of trees they are. QD will not take this sap off been there done that already.
 
My neighbor has a huge tree right over his driveway (not sure what kind) and has found that just plain cold water does the trick -- I wonder if maybe you used an ice cube like a clay bar if it would work?
 
For fresh sap I use a chemical called bug off sprayed on undiluted. Doesn't hurt the clear coat and melts the sap. Then I just use a soft nylon scrubber dipping it in car wash soap mixed with water and it wipes right off. After that I wash the car and then apply a clear coat sealer and rinse good, then wax. Next time I have to do that same car I mist it with the bug off and just wash it, comes right off. Hope this helps PS- Baked on sap is a whole different process!!
 
Beemerboy, have you tried Dodo Tarmalade yet? I have heard a lot of good about that but haven't tried it personally yet. Just throwing another option at you......Sap can be a real SOB.
 
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