Help with "dried in" tree sap

[4ralphwiggum]

Hey. I am a consumer and I need some advice on what to do.

We have a 2007 Volvo XC90 and we have about 10 spots where pine tree sap has dried into the paint on the hood, and we want the hood to look better.

I took the car to a detailer and he said that the "sap [had] dried into the paint" and he could not do anything about the "dried in sap." He said that I should go to an auto body place.

So I posted these pics to an auto body forum, and I was told that this was a job for a good detailer and to come to this forum. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this?


Thanks for your advice!

[4ralphwiggum]

Re: Help with "dried in" tree sap

Can anyone help here?

[wifpd4]

Re: Help with "dried in" tree sap

Can anyone help here?

What have you tried already?

From the photo, it looks like you've tried abrading or scratching it off.

[4ralphwiggum]

Re: Help with "dried in" tree sap

I have tried the Turtle Wax pine tree sap removal spray liquid.

[wifpd4]

Re: Help with "dried in" tree sap

I was going to suggest alcohol based glass cleaner, but would have thought the Turtle Wax product would have worked. Sorry.

Some of the wise ones will respond fairly soon to your situation.

[Murr1525]

Re: Help with "dried in" tree sap

Maybe glass cleaner, but that looks like it will be pretty bad.

[HCAD]

Re: Help with "dried in" tree sap

That first picture does indeed look like the tree sap has penetrated the clearcoat, but it's a little hard to tell for sure from the photo. If it is still something on the surface and has not yet destroyed too much of the clearcoat, an experienced detailer would be able to wet sand the area as the last resort. Maybe the detailer you took it to isn't quite capable of that, try a different company.

To add one more quick fix solution, try some rubbing alchohol from your bathroom cabinet. Note that if/when you get the sap to come off the paint you will need wax!

[akimel]

Re: Help with "dried in" tree sap

I recommend that you get a can of Stoner's Tarminator. NAPA stores usually carry the stuff, and if they don't have it in-stock, they will usually order it for you.--you can also order it direct from the company. Tarminator has dissolved some pretty tough tree sap on my vehicles.

But if the sap has etched the clearcoat, then you may have to follow-up the Tarminator with actual paint correction. You'll then want to pick up a bottle of Meguiar's Ultimate Compound at the local auto store, as well as some foam applicators. But try the Tarminator first.