I have used several products that profess to be able to remove sap but none of them have been effective.
2006-09-16 07:15:05 · 9 answers · asked by SpecialK1913 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have run a mechanic and body shop for 30+ years in Florida, ( http://econofix.com )and with all the pines around here I've removed my share of pine sap from cars!
There's no really easy way to do it. Any chemical that will easily dissolve the rosin will also soften or discolor the paint.
Get the vehicle in the shade. (Not a pine tree this time!) Although heat softens the rosin, it won't make it much easier to dissolve, and the heat will make the solvent evaporate too quickly
I normally CAREFULLY scrape as much off as I can with a razor blade. I have seen "plastic razor blades" at parts stores for use on plastic and painted surfaces. You might put some cellophane tape on either side of the drip to guide your blade and protect the surrounding surface.
After you've scraped all you can, remove any tape, etc. and wipe the area clean.
Get a soft rag, and soak it with your solvent of choice.
Bug and tar products work, but not easily. Turpentine is the pine tree's "natural solvent" and works well with pine rosin. Auto paint suppliers have a product called "prep solvent" which removes waxes and contamination from a surface before you paint it. That's what I normally use.
Don't rush it! wipe some, then take a break. This will allow the chemicals to soak in to the resin, while allowing them to evaporate off the paint.
Like I say, it's not an easy job! It can be done, though with little or no damage to the paint.
I don't think it will work with rosin, but for masking tape or duct tape marks on a finish E-Z Off oven cleaner works great! The old tape marks just wipe off. It won't hurt most painted surfaces, but testing it first is always a good idea..
Regardless of what solvent you use, try it on a test spot (like inside the trunk or under the hood) to make sure the paint won't be affected.
2006-09-16 07:55:05 · answer #1 · answered by econofix 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try some Acrysol, Tar and Grease Remover or even lighter fluid, but test it on a hidden small surface first.
2006-09-16 07:25:24 · answer #2 · answered by usedcarwise 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
whatever you do don't use a carwash scrubber, because the last user may have had sand on their car that stays on the brush and can scratch your paint, use the high pressure wand only, have you tried presoaking your car before washing
2006-09-16 07:25:20 · answer #3 · answered by zak_z 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WD 40 works great. Spray on. Rub off.
2006-09-16 07:29:00 · answer #4 · answered by united9198 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have always used Dawn dish soap and it's worked great.
2006-09-16 07:20:39 · answer #5 · answered by karla b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a simple high pressure wash worked for me ..... next time dont park under a tree
2006-09-16 07:24:18 · answer #6 · answered by recklessabandon1433 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to the carwash, and use the high pressure wand.
2006-09-16 07:18:54 · answer #7 · answered by dirtmerchant_12b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
scratch with your finger nail while running water over it, seriously it works, or at least it did with me. can i have 10 points?
2006-09-16 07:16:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whack the jerk with a dirty wet mop. He will leave.
2006-09-16 07:47:20 · answer #9 · answered by RANDLE W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋