Tree Sap Removal
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Try some Bug and Tar Remover - let it soak a bit before removing. Just make sure it is clear coat safe. You could also try some WD-40.
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From: Redondo Beach CA
I had a lot of pine sap across the entire hood. I wondered why the space under the tree was open, and, later on, I found out.
I didn't want to use a chemical solvent across the entire hood and fenders, so I used a claybar with a lot of lubrication , working the bumps and being gentle on the paint. Took a little while since the abrasion was so gentle, but no complaints about the results.
The advice about the waterless wash seemed promising, it probably would be a better way to start , and is not going to damage the paint as a more aggressive solution might.
I didn't want to use a chemical solvent across the entire hood and fenders, so I used a claybar with a lot of lubrication , working the bumps and being gentle on the paint. Took a little while since the abrasion was so gentle, but no complaints about the results.
The advice about the waterless wash seemed promising, it probably would be a better way to start , and is not going to damage the paint as a more aggressive solution might.
Last edited by strand rider; Jul 28, 2016 at 06:44 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New Bloomfield Pennsylvania
Before you try anything drastic, try washing it with water and your favorite car wash soap. Most likely the "sap" is actually honeydew, a sugary waste product expelled by aphids or scale insects feeding in the trees. Yes, it can bake on, but it's still water soluble. Trees don't just drip sap, unless the branches have been pruned, broken, or otherwise injured. Aphids and scales are common insects that cause the very problem you describe, and the stuff simply washes off.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
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From: Wisconsin
Before you try anything drastic, try washing it with water and your favorite car wash soap. Most likely the "sap" is actually honeydew, a sugary waste product expelled by aphids or scale insects feeding in the trees. Yes, it can bake on, but it's still water soluble. Trees don't just drip sap, unless the branches have been pruned, broken, or otherwise injured. Aphids and scales are common insects that cause the very problem you describe, and the stuff simply washes off.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: the island of misfit toys
PSA: Since we are more or less on the subject of trees, I wanted to remind everyone that this is nut season. I've been parking under the same tree in the parking lot at work for several months, but today I came out to find 10-15 nut shells scattered across my hood (insert "silent scream" emoticon).
I managed to rub out the marks, but I won't be parking in that spot for the next few weeks.
Be particularly careful of walnut trees, because green walnuts are quite heavy.
I managed to rub out the marks, but I won't be parking in that spot for the next few weeks.
Be particularly careful of walnut trees, because green walnuts are quite heavy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
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That reminds me of the time I hired electricians to install 4 fluorescent lights in the garage. One of the electrician unscrewed the bulb from the automatic garage opener and left it up there. Of course, he forgot to screw it back up. I drove out and when I came back, the vibration made the bulb fall on my hood (did not break). It sounded like an explosion had hit my hood. I had no idea what had happened until I looked around and saw the bulb on the ground. Luckily the hood had just a small nick which did not go too deeply into the finish. I raised hell with the company. The boss came over to take a look.
He agreed to give me a $100 credit on the next job. (not sure I will be using that company again)
He agreed to give me a $100 credit on the next job. (not sure I will be using that company again)
