Sap on car?

A friend of mine asked me if I knew the best way to get a good amount of sap off of a car. What do you guys use?

Thanks in advance

 

Typically I just clay bar it. But I have never clayed a car with a TON of sap... so I'd also be interested to see if there are more effective and efficient alternatives.

Good thread.

 

Factors as to the amount of time it takes to remove sap and what damage it has caused are dependent on temperature and time the sap has been on the paint surface. Be careful and take your time removing it, remember always let the products do the work for you.

Tree resin (sap) once it’s removed will sometimes leave a 'ghost' outline, try a chemical type paint cleaner or a finishing polish with a zero abrasive foam pad

For tree sap that has hardened, carefully / lightly scrape the top of the spot off with a plastic razor blade to expose the softer sap inside. The remaining sap can usually be removed by soaking with Isopropyl Alcohol (or Stoner’s Tarminator®) wet the area with the product by soaking a micro fibre towel (place 'dots' of detailer's clay on each corner of the towel) and allows it to remain on the surface for 3-5 minutes, then wipe with soft dry towel.

Apply Zaino’s ZPC Fusion with a foam applicator and then remove residue or soak a towel with the solvent placing it over the sap and let soak for 10-minutes, repeat in order for the solvents to break down the sap, once it’s removed re-apply sealant / wax protection of your choice. If the paint has been etched the surface can be levelled with a suitable polish and then apply a paint protection

Notes

1. 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).

2. Avoid using a QD sprays to flush residue, as they contain either carnauba wax or polymer sealants, which will seal the acid and not allow it to dissipate. Using an alkaline rinse of baking soda and water (to neutralize the acid) as soon as is practical is highly recommended, if the affected paintwork is not neutralized any remaining acid residue will be reactivated.

3. If the paint or glass surface has been etched the surface can be levelled with a suitable polish, then apply a paint protection.

 

Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover works well with sap.

 

Zep Citrus at 4:1 just make sure the paint is cool to the touch and that you apply it when either the sun is setting or before sun rise, if not possible to do it during those times apply it in the garage let it sit for a few minutes then pressure rinse it off. You can also do this via a foam cannon but once again stay out of direct sun light.

 

second the IPA soak.

 

had a new car to get done from a guy who leaves it under a pine tree i wish i took a pic but the car look like it was plasti dipped and i used a ipa wipe down worked good

 

IPA at 10% should work just fine.

 

Well, the kind of tree sap I get all the time laughs at IPA and doesnt start trembling until I bring out the Goof Off Professional cleaner and Q-tips. I have never had the "luxury" of cleaning new sap, its always been on for years and has hardened. You know what's worse than sap ? Artillery fungus that has been on a good while. This stuff laughs at almost anything. I have had pretty good results using the same goof off product on it.

Good luck with your sap removal project !
Dan F