Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

[gb387]

Found this on another web site in a detailing section. Can't be the best solution for tree sap. Clay maybe?

Pine sap and ice cubes

I just found a great way to remove hardened pine sap from the car. Just take an ice cube and rub gently. Works magic on spots that would not come off with any solvents that I used.

[Tim Larson]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

Many environmental contaminants like pine sap adhere to your paint so strongly, that even a high-quality car wash cannot remove them. Some may be visible to your eye. Others you'll detect when you pass your hand across the finish after washing and notice it doesn't feel as smooth as glass. I can't say that I have heard of using ice to remove pine sap. It seems to me like you could run a risk, depending on the ice, of scratching the finish. Your best safest bet is the Smooth Surface Clay Kit.

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

Hey Gb,

Thick hard Pine sap can not be removed by clay. The reason someone suggested ice is that the ice will harden the sap to the point that it may become brittle and then carefully picked off. Yes...you may slightly mar the finish, but hard and thick pine sap is is very difficult to remove.

Sometimes using WD40 or paint thinner or even body solvent and gently softening the sap can also work.

Tim

[gb387]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

Interesting.... well I guess its a good thing I don't park near any pine trees. Thanks for the reply.

[tguil]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

Hey Gb,

Thick hard Pine sap can not be removed by clay. The reason someone suggested ice is that the ice will harden the sap to the point that it may become brittle and then carefully picked off. Yes...you may slightly mar the finish, but hard and thick pine sap is is very difficult to remove.

Sometimes using WD40 or paint thinner or even body solvent and gently softening the sap can also work.

Tim

And I used 3M Adhesive Remover (a "safe" solvent that I have used for years) to try to remove pine sap from my wife's white Tacoma. The pine sap combined with this solvent removed some of the paint under the sap. According to a professional detailer friend of mine as well as a friend who operates a body shop, this happens frequently. Both suggested alcohol or mineral spirits and neither would guarantee the results.

Tom

[Graeme]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

You can buy a spray that is used in the commercial cleaning industry to remove bubble gum, you spray it on and it freezes the bubble gum so you can then remove it.

It maybe worth a shot.

Graeme

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

And I used 3M Adhesive Remover (a "safe" solvent that I have used for years) to try to remove pine sap from my wife's white Tacoma. The pine sap combined with this solvent removed some of the paint under the sap. According to a professional detailer friend of mine as well as a friend who operates a body shop, this happens frequently. Both suggested alcohol or mineral spirits and neither would guarantee the results.

Tom

Hey Tom,

It has been a while!

The body solvent I am referring to is quite different from the 3M product. I have never had an issue from it on any types of paint. But one should still do a test spot to be certain.

Mineral spirits or paint thinner can work. Note...this is not the same as laquer thinner which can damage your paint. WD-40 as I mention does work well on lighter sap but thicker sap, when it is hard, it will break off and residue cleaned up with mineral spirits.

Tim

[Lydia]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

I'm glad I saw this thread because two of my Dad's cars have big globs of pine sap on them. I've been wondering what to do with them for a while.

[gbackus]

Re: Is this a new one? -- ice cubes remove pine sap?

Undilted glass cleaner(D-Line) works awesome on certain types of sap, and not so hot on others. It's hit or miss.