sap

How can i remove tree sap off the hood and top of my car? I've sap/tar remover bought from walmart, but it didn't work. What else could I try?

I don't think there is much you can do, except for washing it off. That stuff is really nasty! Having had to deal with sap myself, my only advice is to get a car cover. I have another idea, but it would be really time consuming: Wipe it off with a sponge and plain water, then use a quick detail spray wax & dry towel to buff it clean. That is what I do when I have to deal with sap. The more you keep up with it, the easier it is to maintain. However, if you let it go for more than a couple of days, it won't work--you'll have to wash.

My problem is that the sap has been on for about a year now, so i can't really wash it off.

My problem is that the sap has been on for about a year now, so i can't really wash it off.

OUCH!:banghead: Did you just purchase the vehicle or was it just sitting out in your yard?? I'm just curious about how a car went that long without being washed.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), a solvent, or turpentine, which is made from tree resins, in severe cases it can be used to break down the resin in tree sap, use as a last resort only and use sparingly and do not rub hard and give it some time to work or use detailer’s clay. Once you remove the sap deposits, the paint or clear may be cracked, which may entail some expensive refinishing. Factors as to the amount of time it takes to remove sap and what damage it has caused are dependent on temperature and time the sap has been on the paint surface. Be careful and take your time removing it, remember always let the products do the work for you.

Tree sap that is still soft can be removed by soaking with Isopropyl Alcohol (or Stoner’s Terminator) wet the area with the product and allows it to remain on the surface for 3-5 minutes, then wipe with soft dry towel. For tree sap that has hardened, carefully scrape the top of the spot off with a plastic razor blade to expose the softer sap inside.

Apply Zaino’s ZPC Fusion with a foam applicator and then remove residue or soak a towel with the solvent placing it over the sap and let soak for 10-minutes, repeat in order for the solvents to break down the sap, once it’s removed re-apply sealant / wax protection of your choice. If the paint has been etched the surface can be levelled with a suitable polish and then apply a paint protection
Insect honeydew (sometimes mistaken for tree resin(Sap) is excreted by aphids or scale insects that infest the leaves and branches Sticky residue should be removed as soon as possible as it could compromise the clear coat. Remove as per tree sap

Notes:
a) Use caution if you use WD-40 for sap removal, as it contains hydrocarbon solvents, which may compromise the integrity of the clear coat causing it to occlude (clouding or yellowing).
b) Avoid using a QD spray to flush residue, as they contain either carnauba wax or polymer sealants, which will seal the acid and not allow it to dissipate. Using an alkaline rinse of baking soda and water (to neutralize the acid) as soon as is practical is highly recommended, if the affected paintwork is not neutralized any remaining acid residue will be reactivated.
c) If the paint or glass surface has been etched the surface can be levelled with a suitable polish, then apply a paint protection.

gw84,

My mom owned the car (1995 Ford Contour GL) but had purchased a new car. It sat in our driveway close to the tree that produced the sap (which is going to be removed sortly!) It sat there for a couple months before I started driving it and now I am in the process of purchasing it!

luv2detail,

Thanks for the info, I'll see what I can do with it!