I loaded something into the bed of my truck today and happened to get a glance at the top of the cab. The truck sits under a big tree and I guess it's tree sap, or I don't know what, but it's tree something- all these little spots. They're clear, like glue, have a rough texture to them, and the stuff is on there pretty solid.

No, I haven't tried washing them off. Perhaps it's that simple, but looking at this stuff and trying to remove it with a couple of fingers. I don't know if soapy water is going to do the trick. Any suggestions?

Could be aphid crap. Good wash should get most of them.

denatured alcohol is the wining strategy.

I have used chemical guy products with great success. I was looking for the exact stuff I've used when I came across this video they produced on this exact subject:



I have used a clay bar process with a light buffing compound and non-agressive polish pad on a compound buffer.

Unlike what they did in the video, I really like to use a foam cannon with a mud-busting foam or the cantelope foam first.

WD-40.

Spray and let is set for a few minutes, and use a microfiber cloth to work on the sap keeping it wet with WD-40. Then use another microfiber and more WD-40 and go over the area when all the sap is removed to get any residual sap.

After you are done, just wash the area with car wash soap.

I’ve also had luck with WD 40 and Goo Gone .

Easy to find about anywhere.

Be careful with things like wd-40. might remove more than whatever is on there. Goof off is another product. But read before using to insure it won't damage the clear coated

Advance Auto and other auto parts stores sell Stoner Tarminator Tar and Sap Remover

If necessary, follow up with clay bar w/ lubricating fluid (eg soapy water)

I second Tator's clay bar recommendations. Might as well do the whole roof and remove all contaminants if you're going to do more than one or two small spots, then re-wax after.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: marksman41,

I've had the same problem a few times and have found alcohol the best thing that works. That and a microfiber towel. Best to do it with a clean car so you don't add any scratches rubbing anything on the paint.

I then use a spray-on wax where I used the alcohol.

I've tried a few other ways and alcohol has been the best.

Also, hand sanitizer with alcohol works and stays in one spot better to really soak into the sap as long as it's not on the side of the car.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Be careful with things like wd-40. might remove more than whatever is on there. Goof off is another product. But read before using to insure it won't damage the clear coated

WD-40 will not damage paint or clear coat unless the paint is in bad shape and already compromised.

Goof-Off on the other hand is largely acetone and will damage paint very quickly.

elbow grease para. Na just kiddin. Deisel

WD-40 is banana oil, a lubrication rep explained to me. Hard to imagine that banana oil would damage paint.

Bug and tar remover (auto parts store should have it) and a microfiber cloth to start. That should do it, but if you have to get more aggressive then Goo gone (not Goof Off), WD-40, and rubbing alcohol, in that order.

80 Grit on an 8” Mud Hog…couldn’t resist!



NAPA sells Kleaneasy #6384 Qt. Made for car cleaning. Will not damage clear or color.

Just got it off our car today with rubbing alcohol, worked great. I tried WD and it did not work. The alcohol took it off immediately.

WD-40 works like a dream. Even the label suggests using it to remove road tar.

quote:

Originally posted by recoatlift:
80 Grit on an 8” Mud Hog…couldn’t resist!

Steel wool or a good Brillo pad should do the trick.

I have always used rubbing alcohol. If the sap is dried and crystallized, that’s a little different. First try with alcohol. A lot of the time it’ll come off.
Zymol makes a product called HD Cleanse that works well clean up the paint nicely after you remove the sap.

For the fine sap mist we have going on right now, just a good wash will get rid of it. When my pine trees really decide to shit on the cars, I hit it with Griots tar & sap remover, wash, and chase it with their spray wax.