WRXsubaru2010
New member
I am having problems removing tree sap from white cars, can somebody give me a tip? on what is the best and most effective way to do it.....
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What is the best way to remove tree sap
- Thread starter WRXsubaru2010
- Start date
Richard Grasa
New member
I use undiluted Purple Power concentrate in a spray bottle and a MF. It will take rock hard sap off with just some light rubbing.
imported_animes2k
New member
Clean the area, then use 91% isopropyl alcohol (a few dollars for a quart at the drug or grocery store).
Spray on or dampen a clean MF and soak that sap. Light rubbing will help to remove it. Multiple applications will likely be required unless it's fresh. Follow up with a final clean rag alcohol wipe down, then whatever you're planning (polish, seal, etc).
Spray on or dampen a clean MF and soak that sap. Light rubbing will help to remove it. Multiple applications will likely be required unless it's fresh. Follow up with a final clean rag alcohol wipe down, then whatever you're planning (polish, seal, etc).
SpoolinNoMore
New member
What have you tried before? Does clay not work?
Ron Ketcham
Active member
WRXsubaru2010 said:I am having problems removing tree sap from white cars, can somebody give me a tip? on what is the best and most effective way to do it.....
It will depend on "what tree produced the sap".
Some, IPA is good, others use a gentle, non-butyl all purpose, then there are "safety solvents", and if a pine or cedar, often turpentine is the best and safest solvent, just be sure to wash with your carwash solution after using.
Another variable is the amount of time the sap has been on the surface, what temperatures it has been exposed to, etc.
Sorry, nothing is easy as it seems in most cases.
Grumpy
Weird, I have run in to the same problem with a white car this afternoon!? It sat for past 4 months under a pine tree so there are various levels of sap from gooey to rock hard. Bug and tar remover made the gooey blobs go away with ease but the hardened ones are being difficult. I was thinking trying goof-off or maybe acetone? I will try the 91% alcohol and yes. Full clean, clay, polish, seal afterwards.
imported_animes2k
New member
Acetone sounds like a bad idea to me, since it eats plastics and clearcoat (if I'm not mistaken) is essentially a plastic.
imported_animes2k
New member
Glad to hear!
FWIW, I'm pretty sure acetone will remove paint, single stage or not. It's the main ingredient in many nail polish removers.
Acetone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
FWIW, I'm pretty sure acetone will remove paint, single stage or not. It's the main ingredient in many nail polish removers.
Acetone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acetone is a good solvent for most plastics and synthetic fibers including those used in laboratory bottles made of polystyrene, polycarbonate and some types of polypropylene.[7] It is ideal for thinning fiberglass resin, cleaning fiberglass tools and dissolving two-part epoxies and superglue before hardening. It is used as a volatile component of some paints and varnishes. As a heavy-duty degreaser, it is useful in the preparation of metal prior to painting; it also thins polyester resins, vinyl and adhesives.