tree sap problems
#1
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tree sap problems
so i just moved to a new area, and have been parking under a tree. the weather got really hot and tree sap started falling onto my car. i can't remove it with just water and soap so i've got a couple questions:
what can i use to remove it myself? and...
if i take it to a car wash/detail shop...will they be able to get all the tree sap off? how much will they charge?
thanks
what can i use to remove it myself? and...
if i take it to a car wash/detail shop...will they be able to get all the tree sap off? how much will they charge?
thanks
#2
Living In The Past
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^^Are you sure it's tree sap? Sometimes it's insect excreta- which can be hard to remove. Looks like millions of tiny dots all over the car.
Sap or bug poop, either way, warm wash water helps, sometimes a "pre-wash" will soften it up. In essence you have to lather, rinse, repeat.
Sap or bug poop, either way, warm wash water helps, sometimes a "pre-wash" will soften it up. In essence you have to lather, rinse, repeat.
#4
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Go to the Auto Parts store and buy some "Bug and Tar" remover. Turtle wax makes it. Just be sure to re-wax the affected area.
Personally I WOULD NOT use lacquer thinner on my car. Depending on the type of and flash point of, you could seriously damage your paint.
Mineral spirits would be a better choice over lacquer thinner.
Personally I WOULD NOT use lacquer thinner on my car. Depending on the type of and flash point of, you could seriously damage your paint.
Mineral spirits would be a better choice over lacquer thinner.
#6
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bug remover will help. after you use that, try taking a clay bar to the area and reapplying wax
#7
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OH, and before I forget: stop parking under trees.
#10
Man, don't resort to solvents yet, unless you want parts of your clearcoat to eat away.
I'd strongly suggest a "Clay bar" (meguires or mothers). Follow the instructions, do the whole car and your swirl marks will disappear too!
I'd strongly suggest a "Clay bar" (meguires or mothers). Follow the instructions, do the whole car and your swirl marks will disappear too!
#11
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I don't have an 8 but I'm always stuck parking under trees so I know how that can be. I've found that for light sap a wet rag works best, but when its really on there good that's when the clay bar comes in handy.
The best thing you can do after its cleaned, is to keep the car waxed. I'd go so far as to say put a couple coats on and wash the car whenever possible to remove the stuff. Also beware of the "helicopter" seeds. I have a nice spot on my hood where one managed to etch the clearcoat all around it. I have a nice outline of a helicopter seed with etching all around it on the middle of my hood and it drives me insane.
Oh and beware of bird crap...I have a few etched spots from that too...blasted birds...I'm gonna get them yet...
The best thing you can do after its cleaned, is to keep the car waxed. I'd go so far as to say put a couple coats on and wash the car whenever possible to remove the stuff. Also beware of the "helicopter" seeds. I have a nice spot on my hood where one managed to etch the clearcoat all around it. I have a nice outline of a helicopter seed with etching all around it on the middle of my hood and it drives me insane.
Oh and beware of bird crap...I have a few etched spots from that too...blasted birds...I'm gonna get them yet...
#12
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yeah those birds are lame as hell..there crap has a type of acid in it that eats the paint...so as soon as it happens wipe it off..or you might end up with a ligher spot...on your car..witch would suck.
:AA:
:AA:
#13
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Edit- Here it is.
Last edited by lone_wolf025; 09-16-2007 at 10:22 PM.
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<<<former auto detailer. depends on the severity of the sap. if it has not set then usually it will come off with some soap and water. (non-degreaser soap) if it has set and hardened you should use the laquer thinner. it will not strip it down past the clear coat or anything but on that same note i would not let it back in the sun. put it into a clean rag (this is assuming you have already washed the spot) and rub it gently until it starts to disappear. the bug and tar removers are the same thing just cut with something to make it less harsh. takes a hell of a lot longer to get off with those. after you take it off do a hand polish and then a quick wax. do not attempt to chip it off with your finger nail as it may have set into your paint and will pull it up with it, and do not use paint thinner.. that should go without saying but we all know people do not always follow directions clearly. (lessons learned from my military experiences) as for te bird poop as soon as you see it on your car get it off. the acids in bird poop will bake into your paint and stain your clear coat. nasty stuff. you can polish to make it better but after it has set your pretty much screwed.
#16
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#17
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C02 is for High School Kids. Break out the 12 guage and show them what's up.
#19
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These days its not much of an issue, but if I get it more than one night in a row I take the hose to the trees and scare them away. As much as I hate the damage it does, it doesn't matter much. The hood, and almost every panel on the car has scratches that have to be painted to be fixed. Not to mention the hood isn't color matched to the body, but you'd never know unless you looked at under some halogen lights.
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