I need some advice on products/methods to remove tree sap (apparently oxidized black) from the vehicle’s roof. Manual car wash with high pressure is only moderately effective despite pre-soaking etc.
Thank you.
I have had good luck removing tree sap with WD-40.
Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover is a good product.
There are two versions. I recommend the one in the metal can, as it is a powerful solvent.
The other version, in a spray bottle, is not as strong.
Whatever you do, don’t do what someone recently revealed in a phone call to Tom & Ray. This guy used a scouring pad on his paint when other methods failed to remove tree sap! Hopefully you are already aware that scouring pads and automotive paint are not good companions, but since we recently heard from someone who was not aware of this reality, I thought that I should mention it.
Again the only thing I’ve ever used is a bucket washing with Meguires car wash. Bug and tar remover for anything really bad. You have to have a good coat of wax on the car to begin with though.
Nail polish remover (acetone) and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) should remove the tree sap. Wet a disposable rag like a paper towel and lay the wet towel on the sap. Press it down so that the rag makes good contact with the sap. After about 30 seconds, pull it up and then use the rag to rub the area. If the solvent evaporates out of the towel, rewet it. This will also takeoff the car wax. Wash the area well with soapy water, dry it, then apply new wax.
I’d be afraid to use the acetone on paint…it sounds a bit too harsh.
There’s this stuff from 3M that hasn’t let me down yet. It’s called General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (#08984). NAPA and some of the better parts places carry it. It’s great for removing tar and goo from windshield stickers and bumper stickers. Here is more info:
“I’d be afraid to use the acetone on paint.”
Old paints (> 20 yrs) might be problematic, but newer OEM paints are not. And it isn’t on the car very long anyway. A good way to check is to put the wet compress on the underside of the hood or truck; somewhere that no one will see it. I haven’t had problems with acetone on my car.
It also depends if the car has factory paint or its been repainted. Personally, I’d play it safe and try the WD-40 and 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner first.
Great product…is Bounce…Yes the fabric softener sheets. Wet them real good and rub the bugs right off. Not harmful to the paint…although it will remove the wax.