removing tree sap?

randomlinh

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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linh.wordpress.com
My mom's car got tree sap on the hood, and it got semi-smeared when she took it to get washed (didn't see the tree sap until after the fact).

It's pretty much hardened on there, claying only went so far. I've googled a bit and came up with hitting it w/ a light rubbing compound (light scratch remover should work?), and then mineral spirits. That second part worries me a bit.. paint thinner? I've read it in a few places, but anyone else have any suggestions?

Of course hit it w/ wax after removal as well, but that's the easy part.

Thanks
Linh
 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
8,874
111
106
Use Turtle Wax Bug & Tar remover .. any good auto parts store has it.
 

Ammocan

Member
Jan 5, 2002
71
0
66
I used rubbing alcohol on the window and it dissolved the tree sap in seconds. No scrubbing at all. I didn't use it on the rest of the car but I did test a small paint area under the hood and the alcohol didn't do any damage so I'm pretty sure it would work well on the rest of the car.