Tree Sap
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Some WD-40 should soften it up. Goo-Gone also might work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 778
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From: Chantilly VA
Goo Gone has worked for me on mini van. It's no fun at all getting this off once it has hardened. I use my fingernail until I get most off without hurting paint, then the goo gone stuff. I've had pine sap on my mini van and it is a POA. Just take your time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
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From: Rochester Hills MI
if you heat it up a little with a hair dryer to soften it and then use goo gone it may be easier. or get a can of duster and hold it upside down and spray the ice on the sap to freeze it. then it might chip off.
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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You can also use a plastic credit card after letting it soak in either of these. Then clay bar it and polish. Start with something that has a little corrective property and go to a progressively finer polish. Good luck 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
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From: Lawrenceville PA
I have the same problem where I live. We have dozens of pine trees and I have to deal with the sap occasionally. I use alcohol wipes to get the sap off, but unforunately it also gets the wax off so I end up re-waxing the area. It's nasty stuff but it usually melts right off with the wipes.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
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From: EXTON PA
3M makes a product that is available at retail auto part stores. It is used to removed wax, adhevises, stickers, etc. It works great and it is safe on your paint finish.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
On the main menu page, scroll down to the Detailing Forum for more responses.
If you decide to use something other than WD40, heat, GOO GONE (safe to paint products), make sure you try it on an inconspicuous area first to confirm it won't harm your base coat/clear coat...
If you decide to use something other than WD40, heat, GOO GONE (safe to paint products), make sure you try it on an inconspicuous area first to confirm it won't harm your base coat/clear coat...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,108
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From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
I agree with the freezing if nothing else works,I have had good luck with pre softened wax,but be persistent.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I've found that in most cases plain cold water usually gets it right off. If it's a little difficult, careful rubbing will soften it and get it off. The thing to be most careful about is using something that won't scratch the paint, like a microfiber towel.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast of Calif.
I had tiny spots of sap or pitch on the left rear fender that had dried on. Clay bar took them right off but they had stained the clear coat so I polished it with the DA and the least abrasive level of polish and it's as if the sap was never there. Viala.
I like the idea of freezing it so it will pop off easier and then clay bar. I'll have to remember that if I encounter the problem again and can get to it before it dries.
I like the idea of freezing it so it will pop off easier and then clay bar. I'll have to remember that if I encounter the problem again and can get to it before it dries.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
Rubbing alcohol works like magic!
Use a Qtip soaked with it on the problem area, then I wipe down with a wet towel, or sponge, dry, then a quick shot of detail wax...good to go.
Even old nasty stuff comes off right away!
Frank
Use a Qtip soaked with it on the problem area, then I wipe down with a wet towel, or sponge, dry, then a quick shot of detail wax...good to go.
Even old nasty stuff comes off right away!
Frank
