New guy battling old tree sap

5

50spence

New member
Joined
Dec 30, 2013
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
This is the spot of sap on the hood of my 2011 Forester. Is there any hope to save this? Tarminator got some, but obviously most of it still remains. I'm fairly new to detailing, so what should I do? Would I be better off taking it to a professional?

by4ety9u.jpg
 
Have you tried paint thinner or mineral spirits?
WD-40 and fingernail polish remover may also work. If you try using fingernail polish remover, be sure to rinse the are with a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize the polish remover!

I've also used lighter fluid with great success.
 
No, Tarminator is all I've tried because I knew it'd be safe on my paint and clear coat.
 
I definitely would not use paint thinner on your car! If tarminator is not working, try goo gone with a microfiber towel. Don't scrub it. Let it soak and then try to remove the sap.
 
When you say soak, should I spray directly on the spot or saturate the microfiber then let it sit on top? How long should I let it soak for?
 
I use Goof off and a Q-tip works great for things like this.
 
50spence said:
When you say soak, should I spray directly on the spot or saturate the microfiber then let it sit on top? How long should I let it soak for?
Click to expand...


Saturate a microfiber towel with it and tab it on the sap. Let it sit for five minutes or so and see if it will come off. Add product to the microfiber towel as needed.
 
I've used paint thinner before as a last resort. NOT LACQUER THINNER! Regular paint thinner is pretty weak. IF you have to resort to using it, do so only on the tar itself and don't let it linger on the paint!
 
I'm no expert, but that doesn't look like tree sap to me.

Are you sure it isn't some kind of paint defect / bubbling of the paint?
 
If it's an isolated blob of tree sap..start with a plastic razorblade
 
I'll go get a can of goof off and try that. Ok, so worst case scenario, what if none of that works? What then?
 
Just02896 said:
I've used paint thinner before as a last resort. NOT LACQUER THINNER! Regular paint thinner is pretty weak. IF you have to resort to using it, do so only on the tar itself and don't let it linger on the paint!
Click to expand...

why not lacquer thinner?
 
allenk4 said:
If it's an isolated blob of tree sap..start with a plastic razorblade
Click to expand...

After soaking it for a while, carefully use a plastic razor blade and it should pop right off. I have had a couple cars with these size spots and this is what I did to remove them. Follow up with a polish if necessay. The piece should come off in 2 or 3 chunks. Just my 2 cents. Good luck
 
UglyBetty said:
I'm no expert, but that doesn't look like tree sap to me.

Are you sure it isn't some kind of paint defect / bubbling of the paint?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure it's sap. When I hit it with the Tarminator there's a faint brown spot left on the microfiber. If it is some kind of paint defect, I'm not knowledgeable enough to know.
 
Put a couple drops of purrell on it or any of the instant hand sanitizers, let it sit for 10 mins then try wiping it off with a microfiber towel
 
I have used purell or equivalent with decent results.:buffing:
 
tpr1634 said:
I have used purell or equivalent with decent results.:buffing:
Click to expand...


If it is indeed tree sap, I believe purell works because it contains ethyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. I've had success with just IPA. Body prep solvent is another option.
 
Pureshine said:
I use Goof off and a Q-tip works great for things like this.
Click to expand...

Yep! :iagree:

Italian Guy said:
After soaking it for a while, carefully use a plastic razor blade and it should pop right off. I have had a couple cars with these size spots and this is what I did to remove them. Follow up with a polish if necessay. The piece should come off in 2 or 3 chunks. Just my 2 cents. Good luck
Click to expand...

A tool we all need, even us "part timers". ;)

mark98xlt said:
Put a couple drops of purrell on it or any of the instant hand sanitizers, let it sit for 10 mins then try wiping it off with a microfiber towel
Click to expand...

I forgot all about Purell. Brain fart! :D

I like TarX, but I still will use WD40 and MS as well. Soaked spot of a MF towel with a bit of weight on it to help it get into the surface. I'm so freaking glad I don't run across those that often though. (And our place is one that is TOTALLY loaded with monster trees. Of the 2 acres they didn't remove any trees from the front yard when the house was built, just left it natural other than a 15' strip out by the street, full width of the lot. Then another around the house. Down the hill by the creek we have 90' River Birch trees!)
 
I have had good luck with turpentine. It dissolves the sap without affecting the paint (at least so far).

After all, turpentine comes from trees in the first place.

I soak a small cotton ball and place it on the blob of sap and in a few minutes it has either loosened it or totally washed it away.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top