what is the best way to remove tree sap and grime from an auto finish?

Answer 1

i use to detail cars so to take off tree sap carefully take rubbing alcohol and a q tip and very carefully go over the sap go to hard and it will scratch the paint. to get any type of tar or stuff out of the paint go get clay bar (i'm sure autozone or a store like that you can get it) and use car wash soap to help lube the clay across the paint and just rub what ever it is in your paint off. this should work for you.

Answer 2

Depends on the type of tree, to some extent: firs have a resinous sap, soluble in organic solvents (e.g. paint thinner) broad-leaf trees have a sugary component better dissolved in water/detergent. There are many brands of organic solvents specifically for car finishes; one works about as well as the next. Most organic solvents are FLAMMABLE, and a car provides lots of hot spots to ignite them, so use only small amounts and be careful. The solvents will also dissolve blacktop, which could then get on your car and clothes.
Best bet might be to use mild soap or detergent and water first and, after the finish is dry, a bit of solvent on the remaining dirt.
Be careful of the car finish, especially if it's been repainted; the original finish is fairly solvent resistant, but repair paint is often not.
After using solvent, wax the car.
Another option is to use car polish, which is a fine abrasive that removes dirt... and some surface paint. Even stronger abrasive is in rubbing compound. use with caution: you could remove paint down to the bare metal!

Answer 3

Tree sap would be frustrating finding on the kind of sap and how long its been on the paint. First, I attempt mineral spirits or something like WD40. different techniques are 3M adhesive remover, Goo long previous, Goof Off, or different comparable product. IF the sap droplets are very small and hardened, paint detailing clay will take it off. If the automobile is roofed in a great mist of sap, I wash it with a citrus-based purifier sprayed all around the automobile, then washed with automobile wash shampoo. a sort of suggestions could artwork for you, finding on the sap subject.

Answer 4

I use this bug and tar remover made by GM on my pontiac but I would assume it works on all types of cars. You can get it at any GM dealership and let me tell you it works wonders. It even gets off the really baked on bug/tar/tree sap that has been there for a while. good stuff and cheap too

Answer 5

a good washing should remove a lot of it the rest you have to be real careful with the tree sap will eat the clear coat off of a good pant job,i use a small amount of kerosene on them to try and soak it off,but if its been on it for a while it may bring the clear off with it,there's no way you will be able to stop that from happening,good luck on it,hope this helps.

Answer 6

GooBGone. I've used it numerous times on my car and it was perfect in removing everything from tree sap to bird doo doo and it doesn't harm your paint. You can find a big bottle for about $3 at any drug stores like Target, CVS, etc.

Answer 7

first cool down the finish. Then use rubbing alcohol gently with a terry cloth. When done wax over with carnuba wax. That should help with small amounts for larger problems use a drive through car wash with all the hot waxes possible

Answer 8

I use the bug and tar remover. Then I will wash and wax the area involved.

Answer 9

try white spirits like metho and then polish and wax to protect the paint.

Answer 10

with a DeWalt 19" belt sander. Oh, you said the "best" way...sorry.