How to remove encrusted tree sap.

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marki61701

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I read online that the best way to remove hard encrusted tree sap was to use rubbing alcohol. Wanted to check before using it if rubbing alcohol would cause any damage to the paint. Also has anyone found a better way to remove tree sap?
 
I've had better luck using a claybar to remove tree sap.
 
I have not caused any paint damage using isopropyl alcohol to remove tree sap. I have used it quite extensively on many cars with all sorts of different paints and even gelcoats on boats, as I park my boat under a large white pine that drips a lot!
 
A wise old detailer friend of mine said rain X you buy in the spray bottle is his go to sap remover. I've used it for years with no issues to paint (light & dark color) as I live in the south with pines trees everywhere. We get sap mist and blobs and the rain x dissolves on contact.
 
Clear gel hand sanitizer works great. It is mostly alcohol and the gel even holds on vertical surfaces pretty well.
 
We have tried many things and always go back to 91% ipa. Using a fresh plastic razor blade to lift the edges and allow penetration wil speed the process. If its encrusted, there will probably be damage underneath.
 
I generally don't dilute my 70% IPA if it's just a small spot of Sap. I put a few drops of IPA on a MF wrapped on my finger tip, dab the spot once or twice, wipe dry, dab once or twice, wipe dry. And I have a wet mf handy (water) to immediately wipe the surface clean after I've knocked out the spot.

So IPA is never really resting on the paint surface. IPA Dab, wipe dry, IPA dab, wipe dry, wipe with wet towel, dry. Done. The whole process takes about 15 seconds. Repeat as necessary. Never had any problems.
 
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