tree sap
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From: spring tx
tree sap
So i have small sap spots all over my 04 blk z lookes like overspray.i tried a small area with clay bar and meg swirl remover by hand.also tries turtle wax bug tar sap remover.still there.will my small buffer do it or will i need port cable 2424.and what product..help please my baby looks like hell
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
Do not attempt to remove this problem with polishing.
Alcohol is what is needed to melt away tree sap. If it doesn't work, then it's not tree sap. Strange that clay isn't touching it??? It could be overspray??
Take a clean micro fiber towel, apply alcohol to it and gently rub over the sap. Do not scrub and keep turning the towel to avoid a build up of lifted sap being rubbed into your paint.
Test a small area to see if there is any marring that is being created that will later require light polishing. Remember, you will need to apply a fresh coat of sealant/wax afterwards.
Alcohol is what is needed to melt away tree sap. If it doesn't work, then it's not tree sap. Strange that clay isn't touching it??? It could be overspray??
Take a clean micro fiber towel, apply alcohol to it and gently rub over the sap. Do not scrub and keep turning the towel to avoid a build up of lifted sap being rubbed into your paint.
Test a small area to see if there is any marring that is being created that will later require light polishing. Remember, you will need to apply a fresh coat of sealant/wax afterwards.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 2
From: Bergen County, NJ Sarasota, FL
That's right.
I've tried them all and you won't find anything better than 70% isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol- the stuff you see on the shelf at your drug store. I put it on cotton ***** and change them frequently.
If you are taking tree sap off your windshield, you can use a clean razor blade, but don't even think of doing that on your paint.
I've tried them all and you won't find anything better than 70% isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol- the stuff you see on the shelf at your drug store. I put it on cotton ***** and change them frequently.
If you are taking tree sap off your windshield, you can use a clean razor blade, but don't even think of doing that on your paint.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From: spring tx
I will try it.but it is sap.just moved to a house with alot of trees.its on the truck the challenger and my baby.90% came of the challenger at the car wash.ill let u know what happens with the liquor
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Often times I have found that some Bug/Tar Removers will work as will 3M's Wax and Adhesive Remover. Just remember you will need to reseal or rewax the area as it removes everything. Apply it, allow to dwell (if its hot wait till cool), you can cover with a towel as needed while dwelling, and then lightly wipe. Reapply as needed until gone.
Sounds like your gonna also need to trim the tree's or find a new parking spot as possible.
Sounds like your gonna also need to trim the tree's or find a new parking spot as possible.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From: spring tx
Omg.i tried the alcohol and not helping.what the hell.it came off the truck..i took a wax pad and applied alot of pressure and some of it came off.so it seems that i will need some aggressive compound. Any more thoughts???
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach / London State: Dazed and confused
Artillery Fungus
They resemble asphalt (tar) spots but could be the spore of artillery fungus they look very much like tar spots and are often mistaken for them; usually about 1/10th-inch in diameter, typically artillery fungus feels like a sticky film, and when flattened can be smeared appearing white.
It is a fungus that lives in wood-based mulch, the spores are usually shot only a short distance (several feet) but the wind can carry them for longer distances. Typically artillery fungus is sticky and has a film; they sometimes feel like they are in the clear coat, when in fact they have more than likely been covered with a wax or sealant.
They can be removed by using a chemical paint cleaner (Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner or Klasse All-In-One or for really stubborn spots Iz einszett Industrie-Reiniger (W99)) and a plastic razor blade to scrape and remove the spot. If the affected paintwork is not neutralized any remaining acid residue will be reactivated each time it comes into contact with water.
They resemble asphalt (tar) spots but could be the spore of artillery fungus they look very much like tar spots and are often mistaken for them; usually about 1/10th-inch in diameter, typically artillery fungus feels like a sticky film, and when flattened can be smeared appearing white.
It is a fungus that lives in wood-based mulch, the spores are usually shot only a short distance (several feet) but the wind can carry them for longer distances. Typically artillery fungus is sticky and has a film; they sometimes feel like they are in the clear coat, when in fact they have more than likely been covered with a wax or sealant.
They can be removed by using a chemical paint cleaner (Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner or Klasse All-In-One or for really stubborn spots Iz einszett Industrie-Reiniger (W99)) and a plastic razor blade to scrape and remove the spot. If the affected paintwork is not neutralized any remaining acid residue will be reactivated each time it comes into contact with water.
Last edited by TOGWT; Nov 5, 2012 at 09:29 AM.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 2
From: West Jefferson North CArolina
Sap removal
So i have small sap spots all over my 04 blk z lookes like overspray.i tried a small area with clay bar and meg swirl remover by hand.also tries turtle wax bug tar sap remover.still there.will my small buffer do it or will i need port cable 2424.and what product..help please my baby looks like hell
Richard Kashinsky
Adam's Premium Car Care Products
Distributor and East Coast Clinic Coordinator