tree sap

[LazyGhost]

Got a friend that wants me to detail his truck thats been sitting up for about a year. The roof and hood have what looks to be caked on tree sap. Doesnt look like a clear coat failure to me. Anyways, how am i gonna get this truck clean?

[Johny B]

Look here Stoner Tarminator removes bug residue, tar, tree sap, gum and more from automotive surfaces! bug & tar remover, auto spot cleaner, car bug & tar

[oldmodman]

Some tree sap is almost impossible to dissolve with most detailing products.

As a solution that has worked every time I have tried it get some turpentine. Always test it on a hidden area to be absolutely sure that it will not harm your particular paint formula.

I soak (pretty wet but not dripping) a clean terry cloth towel with turpentine and lay it on the sappy area. Let it melt the sap, then turn the towel over and let the other side loosen it even more. Blot the sap residue up, don't rub since the sap probably has grit embedded in it. Once you have the sap dissolved get another clean towel and wet it with turpentine and gently wipe the area to get the last of it off. You will have to throughly wash the area after you have all the sap removed. I use Optimum Power Clean. Then it will be necessary to polish the paint finish to remove any damage that the sap and the wiping with the terry towel did to it. You could use an inexpensive MF towel too. Just remember to throw it out afterwards, since the sap residue will harden on the towel and it will scratch the hell out of anything you use it on.. Be sure to let all the turpentine evaporate before throwing the towel in the trash. There is a slight chance of spontaneous combustion.

[OMRebel]

This was discussed last week. See here: Old Tree Sap

[Old Tiger]

Brown Royal or Wurth Prep Solv, Brown Royal full strength will even remove artillery fungus.
Dont waste money on Megs Body Solvent, worst Megs product ever IME.

[tuscarora dave]

Just be aware that a lot of tree sap is pretty acidic in nature. Many, many times I've removed tree sap to reveal the fact that the sap had etched all the way through the clear, base coat and primer leaving rusty bare metal spots on the car's roof. I'd advise communicating this possibility to the customer before getting started.