Sap and Resin from trees

[Peter.kelly]

I sometimes park my car (black 2004 renault) under tress for the shade. The Eucalypts and related trees here is Sydney shed a lot of resin and sap onto the car in a hot day. After a wash, small marks are still visible. I've used (by hand) SwirlX 2.0 and the deep crystal paint cleaner on small areas to see their effectiveness. They help but do not remove the marks 100% I don't want to get too aggressive and cut hard into the paint so I am looking for some suggestions and advice. I am 100% consumer and a hand polisher...

Thanks a ton!
Pete

[Murr1525]

Re: Sap and Resin from trees

Look for some clay, like the Smooth Surface Clay kit.

Also, if a big spot, bad area, you can use some glass cleaner.

[seth1066]

Re: Sap and Resin from trees

Rubbing alcohol.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Sap and Resin from trees

I also suggest using warm, to nearly hot water (don't burn yourself) for the washing process. Do small sections of the vehicle and work slowly and carefully.

The warm water + car soap usually will remove reasonably fresh sap without needing any further chemicals.

[Peter.kelly]

Re: Sap and Resin from trees

It's a big area.. plenty of the roof and hood. Murr1525 - what sort of glass cleaner did you have in mind? I've tried the warm water but this stuff isn't budging. It has been very hot F 100+ and I suspect that only the heaviest,sticky pieces of the resin are left also the alcohol sounds likely. Some of this stuff has been waxed over - I brought it to a 'quick clean' place which after taking my money seems to have made it worse (I am cursing my laziness). That might be defeating the warm water..

[seth1066]

Re: Sap and Resin from trees

The alcohol will dissolve most tree sap very quickly. I would think a good tar remover solution would work also, such as D13001 Body Solvent or
G10716 Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover. Of course, you'll have to reseal the paint with your favorite Meg's LSP.

[Murr1525]

Re: Sap and Resin from trees

If it is a big area, but just little specks, clay would probably do it, and be the safest for the paint.

As for the glass cleaner (which is partly alcohol), I use the Meguiars ones of course, like the Nxt Glass Cleaner.

Buying something like the Detailer Line Glass Cleaner, or iso-propyl alcohol can be let you adjust the strength if you need stronger/weaker.

It is certainly best to keep things as mild as you can.