secured some driveway space tomorrow, and working on the car. parked under a pine over the weekend, so have some sap. hit it after i found it with some diluted to QD strength ONR, but there are still some remnants. I don't have Tarminator, so what I can easily access is: ISO 91 WD-40 PoorBoys Bug Squash Clay any recs before I battle this in the AM? Current plan is full-strength Bug Squash, thn move up to Iso and let dwell, and if all else fails hit it with WD-40, dwell, and remove. I'm doing a full decon on the car, clay, then polish, sealant and Americana, so not worried about the finish. I can go get goo gone or Mineral Spirits if people are finding that works better. just means another trip to the hardware store thanks!
thanks. never used it on paint before. any tips? just spray, let dwell, then wipe off with a clean MF?
Spray it onto a pure cotton cloth or microfiber then blot the sap and slowly work it away. It's weaker than Tarminator, but will kill less brain cells. How long has the tree sap been on the paint? The harder it becomes over time and UV, the harder it will be to remove. (If you ever purchase Tarminator it should always be sprayed onto the cleaning towel you are using and never directly onto the paint's surface; this via direct conversation with Stoner.)
makes total sense. thanks. its only been a few days, an luckily i got most off with ONR. sap has always kind of freaked me out since it doesn't respond well. thanks for your tips.
A strong IPA mix will work also. I removed 3 yr old tree sap with IPA, but the sap left etchings in the paint. Just make sure your in the shade, the paint is cool and I would the are a with a hose afterwards, then polish and seal.
Use caution if you use WD-40 for sap removal, as it contains hydrocarbon-based (aliphatic) solvents, which may compromise the integrity of the clear coat causing it to occlude (clouding or yellowing). “Removal of Tree Resin / Sap” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia-detailing-wiki/141056-tree-resin-sap-removal.html#post1499766
I personally would not use WD-40. I have before but do not feel it is the safest product to use on paint...
I use with great success up here in the land of giant conifer trees, Goof Off in the little yellow can from Home Depot, etc. Always do a Test Spot first somewhere that has similar paint. I put some on a Q-Tip, touch the sap, and move it slightly back and forth. Then remove the sap with an old microfiber towel. It might take more than one application. This product works faster than anything else I have tried to date. You dont want to leave it on longer than necessary, do this out of sun on cool surfaces, etc.. Have used it on hundreds of cars over several years and never had a problem. Dan F
aliphatic indeed. I used some aliphatic epoxy enamel paint and boy did it last on some city bus shelters. expensive as hell but durable. i literally just threw the brushes away rather than try to clean them.
Ended up going the WD-40 route. Worked like a charm. Immediately washed it off, did an ISO wipe, and then rewaxed. Bye Bye Sap. thanks everyone for the tips.
