Question about tree sap :(

[Solipsist]

Hi everyone,
so here goes, my first thread! (except for the introduction one) so be gentle with me, lol.

So last week, I treated myself to some NXT 2.0 liquid wax and wash. I was heaps happy with the outcome, my car is a 93 teal coloured toyota hatchback.
Problem is, today I went out to find my lovely little car covered in little dots, my mum had warned me about the next door neighbours tree, and how it can leave sap on the car, but there's nowhere else for me to park it. So today, I saw the dots on my car, and hoped maybe it had rained during the night, and they were "just" water spots, well, nope, when I turned the windscreen wipers on, it smeared all over my windscreen, not good.

So heres my question, I have the liquid wax, the wash, and UQD (oh look, the new girl is learning the acronyms!). So my question is, should I wash it tomorrow, and apply UQD, or just hose it off? I'm asking because I am unsure how the sap will behave, and if I hose it off, will some remain which might be then leave a residue? or am I better off to give it a good wash? Just a bit unsure of what to do, sorry for such a long post over such a small question!

[CieraSL]

Re: Question about tree sap

Since it's just tree sap, a good wash should fix the problem. And you can apply UQD afterwards if you'd like, but that's optional.

Not sure if I've welcomed you yet or not, but to MOL!

[Alex C.]

Re: Question about tree sap

The tree sap around my house is verrry sticky. Goo Gone with a MF cuts right through the stickiness. I've used it a few times on my truck with great results. No discoloration or blotchiness. Not sure if it also cuts thrugh the wax layer though, but i never worry as i wax so often.

[Andrew C.]

Re: Question about tree sap

Pre-Treat it with Body Solvent then go ahead with your normal wash routine. The body solvent should help it detach from your paints surface.

[CieraSL]

Re: Question about tree sap

Pre-Treat it with Body Solvent then go ahead with your normal wash routine. The body solvent should help it detach from your paints surface.

Note that Body Solvent will strip wax from your vehicle though, so you will have to re-wax the areas you pre-treat.

[SRT10]

Re: Question about tree sap

I always keep a handy bottle of cleaner wax. If the sap is fresh (and it is) the cleaner wax should take it right off and leave a protective layer of wax. But it may also take off the NXT too so maybe you should try the detailer first

[roger 668]

Re: Question about tree sap

Try wiping it down with rubbing alcohol on a microfiber then wash.

[Solipsist]

Re: Question about tree sap

Oh my, solvent, alcohol, goo gone I've never used anything like these before, so much for hosing it off!

Ha, well i'm gonna try giving it a wash, and see what I'm left with, I read on here that it's best to start with the gentlest option first, and see what happens, so wish me luck! and thanks for all the speedy replies

[angeloabbattista]

Re: Question about tree sap

Since it's just tree sap, a good wash should fix the problem.

Agreed. If you don't have luck with washing and the saps a being stubborn try claying the area.
You can also try turpentine, I've had success using turpentine on stubborn sap. You'll need to polish and re-wax the area.

[Solipsist]

Re: Question about tree sap

Agreed. If you don't have luck with washing and the saps a being stubborn try claying the area.
You can also try turpentine, I've had success using turpentine on stubborn sap. You'll need to polish and re-wax the area.

Thanks Professor I've never used clay before, so I might get some and have a play, which means i'll probably have a whole new bunch of questions for you guys! oh the joy of being a perfectionist!!

Oh, and as requested, I put some photos up of my brother's car at All Ford day on my intro thread

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Question about tree sap

Give it a good wash. See if that removes the sap.

As for claying, it is very simple. I was worried the first time. Now I think it is one of the easiest steps in preparing your finish. Good luck, Keep us posted on your progress.

[Solipsist]

Re: Question about tree sap

Give it a good wash. See if that removes the sap.

As for claying, it is very simple. I was worried the first time. Now I think it is one of the easiest steps in preparing your finish. Good luck, Keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks J.A I'm gonna give it a good wash tomorrow, it's saying "chance of shower" so I'm hoping the rain holds off! I only applied one coat of NXT 2.0 last week, should I put on another coat??

This clay thing sounds pretty good, would I clay then apply the wax? Do you need a polish? I'd have to get some of that too if that's the case. lol, I remember when my brother showed me how to wax, I was so impressed with myself, now i'm learning about all these other things, so much to learn, so many possibilities. How is it that so many people just hose their cars off and that's about it? hehe

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Question about tree sap

After you clay you will have to rewax your vehicle.

The polish step is up to you. It is a optional step.


I agree. The knowledge you receive here is pretty amazing. It opens up a whole new world of detailing.

Good luck.

[Andrew C.]

Re: Question about tree sap

If you haven't ever clayed, go ahead and buy a bar. You will be amazed. Just make sure to re wax (polish is optional) as JA said.