Tree Sap Issue ?

[Dbeau]

I got these darn tree sap spots that I just cant seem to get off.
I have tried several car cleaners including some bug and tar remover, but no luck. Stuff is hard as rock not tacky at all.

Anyone have had this problem and found a product or technique that works ?

[KCALB SIRAY]

Wet towel on a hot day. Lay it on the spot and leave it there for as long as possible. once it is rehydrated, use WD40 to clear it.

[frownonfun]

damn trees. i know exactly how you feel. i have these all over my yaris and my tundra. you know how long it takes to scrub that crap off a tundra crew max? anyway that's how i get the sap off mine, soap and water and a lot of scrubbing. it just takes a while. WD40 is probably a good idea though.

[Dbeau]

Originally Posted by KCALB SIRAY

Wet towel on a hot day. Lay it on the spot and leave it there for as long as possible. once it is rehydrated, use WD40 to clear it.

Suppose to be really nice day, lots of sun so maby I'll give the wet towel method a try.
Thanks

[andru47]

You can also try using some Toyo Guard Sealant Cleaner. It works wonders for me haven't had tree sap but this stuff can really take stuff off your paint job with little effort. Couldn't find a picture of the bottle to show you but, attached is a Photobucket album with videos of someone using it.

Toyo Guard Sealant Cleaner Link

[goku87]

This happened to my "other car" and i just waited a couple months to clean them off, and the spots where the sap was are permentantly "etched" in.

but a shot in the dark: try spitting on it before you scrub. the enzymes in your saliva might help break it down and make it easier to rub/washs/scrape/grind off.

[counterfiend]

or you could just claybar the car every few months, or not park near the tree's that give you the sap.

[07WYarisRS]

cut down the tree


just kidding
clay bar works best and won't wear down the paint like polishes or cleaners

[kenkyd]

you have to put the sap/bug remover on the sap, let it sit and then rubrubrub. it doesnt take the paint off of my car when i do it that way, ive done at least 100+ spots on my car. i park under a tree everynight. but it always comes off

[goku87]

Originally Posted by 07WYarisRS

cut down the tree

thats what happened to my tree

[tomato]

"Whatever you do, do it ASAP"

I would agree with that. My Honda had some tree sap on the side, didn't notice it right away and never could get rid of it after that. The only thing I didn't try was claying the car, though. That might work. But if you wait too long, the stuff goes right through the paint and you got a permanent stain there.

[TroyD]

Use ZEP Grafitti Remover. It'll take it right off with suprisingly little effort. (This is harsh stuff though so don't get it on any plastic or rubber parts)...and don't forget to re-wax, since it will strip all the wax off too.

I got my Corolla from some people that apparantly had left it parked under a pine tree for about 8 years of it's life, and it was COVERED with pine pitch some of which had hardened on for years. The ZEP stuff took it right off. Although it admittedly took some effort on the thicker older patches, and the clearcoat was pretty much shot underneath once I got the sap off.

[Tobyz28]

I've tackled serious tree sap issues in the past with my black camaro. Paper towel and Rubbing alcohol. Be very careful, use a light touch to remove it.

[Nagoya_TRD.]

Soap, water, and claybar.