Sap....

[volcombug]

What can I use to get sap off the paint with out damaging the paint or scraching the paint?

[the other pc]

Clay








And to MOL volcombug!

[mike_svt]

I've heard of people using rubbing alcohol to remove sap. I've actually tried it and saw no visible damage to the paint. Saok a paper towel w/ the alcohol and let it sit on the sap (use your finger to apply pressure just in the area of the sap) for a few seconds to soften it up, the just wipe it off. A quick go-over w/ a clay bar should remove any remaining residue. A fresh coat of wax would then be highly recommended.

[the other pc]

Rubbing alcohol may not be bad for paint but I would absolutely avoid paper towels. They're abrasive. Even if you try to drape it delicately with no movement I just don't think it's worth the risk. A cotton cloth or microfiber is much safer (one that you'd be willing to sacrifice to the sap demons).

Other solvent methods that usually work include Bug and Tar Remover and Body Solvent.

I find clay to be the easiest and fastest method on the sap from trees in the neighborhoods I frequent.


PC.

[Shane Lariba]

Using the Smooth surface Clay Kit would be your best bet when removing sap. In the kit it has everything you will need. It contains clay, spray detailer, microfiber towel, and cleaner wax. Using this system should take care of your problem. If this is something you would like to purchase, please fill free to give me a call and I will be more than happy to place the order for you.

[grover]

If the sap is dried on and extremely hard like what I had happen on my car, it takes patience but the clay bar will remove it.

[volcombug]

I did try the clay on the sap befor but it doesn't seem to be working on it. Most of the sap it very hard so that just makes it hard. The sap that isn't hard comes off with the clay. I am goingt o try the alcohol. This stuff is just driving me crazy! thanks for the help.

[inthedetails]

I have had great success with mineral spirits on pine sap.

Around here I swear the trees spit the stuff at cars. I was able to remove a nickel sized blob off the hood by putting mineral spirits on a cloth and then putting the cloth on the spot. I would add a little more mineral spirits to the cloth periodically and eventually I was able to rub the spot right off. There was no damage to the paint. I was a 2 stage paint job, however.

I also used it to remove tar that had splashed onto the roof of a 1 ton dump truck. The thing was covered with tar, but eventually came clean. (I was also white paint which made it easier and harder if you know what I mean)

Dave

[volcombug]

Where can I find mineral spirits? What is that?

[inthedetails]

paint thinner...

hardware store

[onawrxhigh]

hey volcombug,

If you have rain-x you can use that also. It has a lot of alcohol in it. Moisten a micro fiber towel and drape it over the sap spot for a few minutes and then it will wipe right off. I have done this and i to have seen no paint damage.

Andrew

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

For sap, I usually use one of the following in no particular order:

1. clay
2. Body Solvent
3. WD-40
4. Paint Thinner
5. solvent

The key is to always test any product in a hidden area first.

Tim

[PaintPolisher]

I use goof-off with the yellow bug sponge for cleaning up road paint from the finish and this same combo works wonders cleaning up baked on hard pine tree sap spots and various sticker residues.