2015 GMC Truck with Pine Sap etched in clear coat and swirls

[djpotts]

I am looking to do my first paint correction on a 2015 Black GMC Sierra. It has pine sap all over the paint, glass, and plastic trim. I took the truck over to a buddy's body shop and he used 3M Rubbing Compound and a pad that seems to fix the paint. What products would you suggest I use such as a compound, polish/swirl remover and pads with my Flex 3401? I already have the LC force white pads and waiting on orange ones as well.

Thx

 

[van185]

Without seeing pictures it's hard to say what all might need to be done with the paint. Pine sap will etch through the clearcoat and often cannot be corrected with most details. In the past I have used Stoner Tarminator and a plastic razor blade to remove the pine sap. This will oftentimes also remove some of the clearcoat or the clearcoat may already be etched to the point of no return. After removing the pine sap you will need to clay the paint and then use a compound or polish to lighten the etching. A coat of wax will need to be applied after the polish or you could use a All-In-One Cleaner wax. The orange pad will remove more defects than the white pad. If you use a compound I would follow that with a polish and then a wax for protection. I'm sure others will have different advice but this has worked for me over the years.

 

[ducksfan]

I've never had etching from sap. I just take it off with isopropyl alcohol.

 

[van185]

I have on several vehicles. For some reason Subarus seem to be the worst. Not sure why. We live in areas with lots of pine trees and every year I get several that Pine Sap has etched.