Most efficient way to get rid of excessive tree sap/bugs

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Rez90

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I just had a customer drop off an E92 M3 for a detail. The plan is to clean it up and do a one step polish and finish it with a beauty wax.

I can't believe how gross the front end of this car is. it's COVERED with tree sap and bugs.

I'm worried the typical citrus wash might not get the job done with the sap/bugs. I have poorboys bug squash and a couple pinnacle bug sponges and i know with a ton of elbow grease i'll get it cleaned up but i'm wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks i can use to get this car prepped for polish a little faster...

thanks in advance...
 
A high powered steam cleaner will work quickly but in the process it will also spread the sap into one big glob spot on the paint which will have to be compounded out.I wish I hadnt learned that the hard way!:doh: In place of that, wd40 or stoners tarminator will work to loosen up, hairdryer or heat gun too will help loosen, and to help scrape it off Ive used a credit card wrapped in microfiber, plastic razor blade, and also too a chunky ice cub will work. After applying the loosening agents to the sap, rub the ice cube across the surface. As the ice moves across the sap it kinda dry freezes it and also breaks down the ice cube giving it some grip somewhat like claying it without marring the paint.
 
Germ-X on the blobs of tree sap.

Don't knock it till you tried it.
 
Tarminator. But just be careful with it on that sweet ride.
 
Acetone dissolves tree sap almost instantly. It is clear coat safe, but if you go rubbing on it like crazy then it will leave some marring. Best bet is to wet the rag and hold it onto the sap until it softens, then lightly wet another rag with it and gently wipe it away. Don't use acetone or mineral spirits on plastics.
 
Brown Royal Wheel Cleaner. It is clear safe. Even removes Artillery Fungus.
 
P21S Total Wash is often a nice prewash product
 
Honestly, I love my Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover. That stuff works wonders and is readily available and cheap to boot!
 
Get einszett degreaser mix 5 parts water and one part product. Then spray and watch the bugs melt off :)
 
RoadRageDetail said:
Acetone dissolves tree sap almost instantly. It is clear coat safe, but if you go rubbing on it like crazy then it will leave some marring. Best bet is to wet the rag and hold it onto the sap until it softens, then lightly wet another rag with it and gently wipe it away. Don't use acetone or mineral spirits on plastics.
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:iagree:Damp MF is a great way to go.

We just got back from a camping trip and after washing my wife's car I noticed a huge clump of tree sap that had baked onto the roof for the past 7 days. I sprayed it with Tar-X and covered it with a damp MF. After letting the Tar-X dwell for about 3 mins I wiped it away like it was never there.
 
I usually use Optimum Power Clean for bugs; Tarminator for tar.
 
Whats wrong with just powering washing the bugs off?
 
ARizzle said:
Whats wrong with just powering washing the bugs off?
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Sometimes I use a pressure washer to get the loose bug guts off, but with the help of a chemical it makes cleaning a lot easier.
 
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