Tree sap on paintwork - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Vic · 03-04-2004, 23:44

I have just discovered this morning that little speckles of tree sap are covering my car.
If I put my fingernail to it and gently apply pressure, it slowly comes off but that takes a while to achieve. The problem is that its all over the car and windows.
What can I use/apply to soften the speckles of tree sap so that I can remove them from the exterior properly?

laminge · 03-05-2004, 01:38

Ive always used warm watter and decent wash product

sylox · 03-05-2004, 02:12

If that doesn't work try a Paint Cleaner such as meguriers or mothers.
If that fails also try a light cutting polish

Vic · 03-05-2004, 02:18

Ok, I will try just the soapy wash product first and then meguriers / mothers (unfamiliar with those names)..

sylox · 03-05-2004, 02:30

bug and tar remover may also work as may Kero (dont worry its just like bug and tar)

If I were you I would be putting a coat of polish on the car asap as well to help protect the paint a little as well......

ProfessorSabre · 03-05-2004, 03:11

Before you use a cutting compound use mineral turpentine it works. Use the cutting compound as your last resort.

Cheers

Vic · 03-05-2004, 03:24

Well I have plenty of metho so I'm all set there!

EBXR · 03-05-2004, 03:52

And watch where you park in the future!!! I find washing the car weekly, without fail, seems to remove any marks from the car. (that is apart from tar at road works)

69stang · 03-05-2004, 14:17

I do paint touch ups, and this product I use for stuff like tree sap, insects, even overspray is clay bar remover. You can get it at most auto paint shops, and Ive seen a Meguires version of the stuff too. Its basically this piece of "clay" which you can roll into a ball or knead it into shapes like plasticine. You apply soapy water, or this detailing liquid that they recommend, and then rub the area with the clay bar remover. It really cleans the surface well. I use the Mothers brand, only coz it was more economical. It had 3 pieces of the clay, as opposed to the Maguires one which had only one. But the Maguires one includes a spray on solution that you use in conjunction with the clay.

One Ford Drone · 03-05-2004, 16:02

Yup, Meguires Detailing Clay is good for all that. I had a whole heap of tree sap on my bonnet and the paint felt relly rough. Got rid of it yesterday, works well and works for pretty much every other 'dirt' in your paint. :D