Concrete tree sap removal

[Craddosk]

I've got some major tree sap on the car (see attached pictures). To remove it, I've tried washing/scrubbing, clay bars, and WD40 (as a solvent). None have been overly successful, with washing being the best. However, this requires lots of pressure and extensive time per spot (as in 2-3 minutes). A wash alone would take 2+ days.

Anybody have any tips or clues as to remove this stuff? I'm almost at the point of dropping the cash for a professional detail to have it removed.

Thanks!

[Craddosk]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

No suggestions?

[Murr1525]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

Glass cleaner is always good to try. Or purer alcohol.

[davey g-force]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

That looks pretty bad. You'll need a solvent of some sort.

Try Meg's Bug & Tar Remover. Failing that, I'd step it up to Methylated Spirits or Isopropyl Alcohol.

Failing that - Kerosene or Turpentine

Failing that - wax & grease remover such as Prepsol

They're some pretty harsh solvents, so be sure to give the car a good polish and wax when you're done!

[Craddosk]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

Awesome. Thanks guys! Now to find some of the options that davey g-force mentioned.

[weavers]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

try a plastic razor. they sale them at och and depot stores, in the car detail section. You will probably have etching and will need to compound or maybe even sand with 2000 grit

gasoline and a rag might do the trick. gasoline was the original waterless car wash.

[YUSUF_1977]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

try vinegar

[Kevin Brown]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

link:

Don't buff that sap! Use D120 Glass Cleaner!

[jwestcott]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

I have had good results with De-Solv-it. This product is for removal of adhesives, tar, etc. It will not harm the finish. Let it soak and rub the sap away. If the sap has been there for some time the soak period should be longer.

[CHzo6]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

link:

Don't buff that sap! Use D120 Glass Cleaner!

This method works wonders!

[Kevin Brown]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

Okay, seriously... (the obligatory side-to-side head shake and hand on hips ensues)....

I should have linked to the thread and posted the text, which is:

I would recommend that you do a complete wipe down of the car using Meguiar's D120 Glass Cleaner Concentrate.

I would mix it stronger than the recommended 10:1. This product contains alcohol (as well as other ingredients) that will remove any dried on or fresh tree sap.
It really is incredible to see!

You can mist it on small sections (1'x1'), let it sit, then wipe with disposable cotton towels. If there are any stubborn remnants, simply saturate a small rag with the concentrated glass cleaner and place it over the sap until it loosens its bond (use anything from 1:1 to 3:1 water/glass cleaner as a starting point).

Should you decide to buff the car, which you may need to do if the sap has "stained" the paint (read that to mean damaged, dissolved,or etched)...
You certainly don't want that stuff melting into your buffing pads or onto the paint.

I would wish you good luck but you won't need it because this really works.


Even on sap that seems to be cemented, the glass cleaner works.
I never believed it, and didn't even try it when I detailed full-time because I thought there was no way alcohol would work. But it does.

Hey- it's a chemistry thing.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

If there is one absolute in detailing, it's this:

If Kevin Brown says something will work, it will. Now, some of those things will require the consummate skill and patience, and keen eye, that Kevin possesses, but this glass cleaner on sap thing should be pretty straight forward.

[juliom2]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

jedi masters have spoken........

[Kevin Brown]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

If there is one absolute in detailing, it's this:

If Kevin Brown says something will work, it will. Now, some of those things will require the consummate skill and patience, and keen eye, that Kevin possesses, but this glass cleaner on sap thing should be pretty straight forward.

jedi masters have spoken........

Yeah, no pressure here...

"Oh! you said TREE SAP..... well, wonkwonk wonkwonk wonkwonk..."

Best attempt at replicating the "adult" voice used in Charlie Brown shows.
And no Joe, I am not related, although our hairlines are remarkably similar.

[Craddosk]

Re: Concrete tree sap removal

Now here's a big question, where can I dig up D120 Glass Cleaner Concentrate in Canada? It's something I doubt Canadian Tire will have in stock...