Severe tree sap problems.

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imported_Sullybob

Member
I need some suggestions on what to use to remove a ton of tree sap. The problem is that the sap isn't fresh, it’s kind of dried out, almost crystallized.

I am working on a white truck that has dried tree sap all over the hood and the roof.

I have tried:

Bug off, didn't do anything.

Citrus blast, didn't do anything.

Tarminator, followed the directions to a "T" didn't do anything. Sprayed Tarminator all over the hood and let it soak for 20 minutes to really loosen up the sap. It did very little. Repeated that one more time, did very little to help.

I tried claying and it really didn't do much either.

What can I use to get this dried up sap off?

I was thinking about trying to polish it off with Optimum polish by hand. I kept thinking that this would just be horrible for the paint though.

Any other chemical that I should be reaching for?

Any help would really be appreciated.
 
pdsterns said:
IPA (Isopropal alcohol) will dissolve tree sap but I think your in much deeper than that.
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You are so right:)

The problem is that it is dried on. Its almost like its fossilized. Do you think that it will remove the dried up sap?
 
I would normally say yes but my buddies Odessey had some pine tree sap on the hood that had been left forever and it was on there better than 2 part epoxy. Give it a shot, you will know in 30 seconds.
 
A friend of mine has the same problem on her black accord. I've heard you can use TURPENTINE if nothing else works (which I think is made from tree sap)! I'm reluctant to try it , though. Anyone have any experience with it?
 
percynjpn said:
A friend of mine has the same problem on her black accord. I've heard you can use TURPENTINE if nothing else works (which I think is made from tree sap)! I'm reluctant to try it , though. Anyone have any experience with it?
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I can't even get it.
 
percynjpn said:
A friend of mine has the same problem on her black accord. I've heard you can use TURPENTINE if nothing else works (which I think is made from tree sap)! I'm reluctant to try it , though. Anyone have any experience with it?
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Yes, it is true turpentine is made from it. Ideally though, it's probably best to know exactly what kind of tree it came first. Not all sap is exactly the same.
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have the IPA standing by. I will try it tonight.

How harmful would turpentine be to the paint? I believe that the sap is from a pine tree.

BurlyQ-Will the heat gun melt the sap? It is just like pdsterns said, 2 part epoxy. I don't have a heat gun but I do have a blow dryer. How about a blow dryer and some tarminator?
 
Yes it will melt it, but you don't want to cook it so set it on low, heat guns are cheap and a good detailing tool, great for removing pin stripping and various labels. Blow drier might dry it out, but it wouldn't hurt to try it on a small spot to see.
 
70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol is getting the job done! So far I have the hood done and I have used about 8 ounces of IPA.

Tomorrow I will do the roof and the sides. For the roof I plan on laying down a towel and soaking it with IPA, then wiping it down. I found that the IPA dissolved the sap to such an extent that I needed to get a clean towel and do a final wipe to remove the last of the stickiness.

Thank you all for your help.
 
Sullybob said:
70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol is getting the job done!
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Great. Just a comment about the heat gun for everyone out there, great tool but be carefull. IMO a heat gun is exactly like a hair dryer but 100 times hotter. It's like comparing a garden hose without a nozzle to a pressure washer. It can burn you or your piece in a blink.
 
I will probably finish the job tonight. Then I will throw on a LSP.

I am getting ready to go to my Mothers Graduation from Portland State University. Then we are going out to eat. I need to go buy some more IPA.

Thanks for all of your help.

Another Autopian success story.
 
My truck won't fit in our garage, and I have two sap dripping trees that I dream of cutting down with a chainsaw. Stupid Homeowner's Association.
 
'Hi guys, sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, but I also have similar problems with tree sap. I was gonna use the IPA method, and possibly a cheap heat gun as well. For the spots that are still on thick, I was thinking I could heat it up and use a scraper to remove most of it. My question is do you guys think that something like this:\r\n\r\nHarbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices\r\n\r\nwould work? I hope this won\'t scratch my car\'s paint. If this is too crazy for it, what about the Lil Chizler:\r\n\r\nAction Line Lil\' Chizler at Office Depot.\r\n\r\nThanks guys, I really appreciate your input!'
 
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