Tree sap/gum on paint

BiTurbo_Bro

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I parked in the shade yesterday on site and when I got back my truck was full of tree gum/sap/glue/whatever you call it droplets, only realized this when I got in and saw the spots on the windscreen. I tried to remove with a wet rag to no avail (sticky AF).

Any suggestions on how to remove these without damaging the paint/clearcoat? Truck is standing in the sun today so these will most probably be backed hard by mid-day :(
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McLeadslinger

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Lighter fluid on a rag or A clay bar and lube is what I use. It just depends on the size of the sap spots.
 

KNI

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I parked in the shade yesterday on site and when I got back my truck was full of tree gum/sap/glue/whatever you call it droplets, only realized this when I got in and saw the spots on the windscreen. I tried to remove with a wet rag to no avail (sticky AF).

Any suggestions on how to remove these without damaging the paint/clearcoat? Truck is standing in the sun today so these will most probably be backed hard by mid-day :(
I'd try rapeseed or olive oil. I use that to clean my hands, farm equipment, chainsaws, ect. as it just pick up any other oil based resin out of anything (including wax). Then wash with a shampoo & wax. Mineral oils/spirits might also work, but I've got no idea what those would do to the paint.
 

AzScorpion

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Acetone works the best. Wax the area after using and you're good to go.

 


Motorpsychology

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Time.

It will eventually wash off with rain, car washes (spray only, not brush) opt for the bug remover if it is offered.
 

Delirious

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I parked in the shade yesterday on site and when I got back my truck was full of tree gum/sap/glue/whatever you call it droplets, only realized this when I got in and saw the spots on the windscreen. I tried to remove with a wet rag to no avail (sticky AF).

Any suggestions on how to remove these without damaging the paint/clearcoat? Truck is standing in the sun today so these will most probably be backed hard by mid-day :(
Rubbing alcohol took Pine Sap off of my vehicle with no issues whatsoever. Of course I didn't have those giant globs like that guy in the video. I want to see somebody use that acetone on a black truck.
 
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Trigganometry

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Goof off works awesome. thing with pine sap is if you don't get it off it will destroy the clear coat. My last Ranger paid that price!
 

Tom_C

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To the comment on car washes... touch car washes are the devil.

Touchless, fine, if you must (which I do).
 

Dgc333

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Time.

It will eventually wash off with rain, car washes (spray only, not brush) opt for the bug remover if it is offered.
No, eventually it will turn into a rock hard blob that will be very difficult to get off.

WD-40 works very well if the sap is fresh. Peanut butter is another way to get fresh sap off.

If it is hardened then you will most likely need to mechanically remove it with a plastic scrapper.

Some one mentioned acetone. It will take it off but it will also disolve the paint. I would not recommend it, it's like aging with fire and you will eventually get burned.
 

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The best thing I've found to remove tree sap is rubbing alcohol. It takes wax off too, but does a good job removing sap.
 

AzScorpion

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No, eventually it will turn into a rock hard blob that will be very difficult to get off.

WD-40 works very well if the sap is fresh. Peanut butter is another way to get fresh sap off.

If it is hardened then you will most likely need to mechanically remove it with a plastic scrapper.

Some one mentioned acetone. It will take it off but it will also disolve the paint. I would not recommend it, it's like aging with fire and you will eventually get burned.

Acetone will not dissolve the paint unless you leave it on to long, I've been doing it for years. As long as you don't put it on to heavy and wash it then wax it right away it's fine. It is one of the harsher solvents to use but it does cut through it quicker but you have to wash it thoroughly and quick.
 

Dgc333

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Acetone will not dissolve the paint unless you leave it on to long, I've been doing it for years. As long as you don't put it on to heavy and wash it then wax it right away it's fine.
An how long is too long? Acetone is the second most aggressive solvent behind MEK. That's great that you have gotten away with it for years but the fact is it will disolve the paint and there are plenty of other solvents that will remove sap and won't disolve the paint. I am of the opinion you are playing with fire if you use acetone.
 
 



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