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      08-22-2012, 12:31 PM   #1
JoM3z
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Cleaning tree sap ?

Couple of weeks ago I went to stay over at my sisters place and parked the car outside, underneath a tree. Woke the next morning and found tree sap all over the car, like someone sprayed it on. I didn't have time to get it washed and ended up staying on the car for a week. I figured 1 wash should remove it, but 2 washes later I can still see them when looking at the car in an angle. Any suggestion on how to remove these suckers?
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      08-22-2012, 12:33 PM   #2
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try some bug and sap remover and then a clay bar.
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      08-22-2012, 12:38 PM   #3
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      08-22-2012, 12:41 PM   #4
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lesson learned= remove immediately... If left too long it will literally destroy the paint.
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      08-22-2012, 12:49 PM   #5
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Claying may help remove what is left of the contaminants, but it has likely etched into the clear some, so you'll need to polish to fully remove the marks. Head on over to the detailing section for more tips/info.
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      08-22-2012, 12:58 PM   #6
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Thank you, this rather easy thing ended up being such a mess. Dooley noted, hopefully bug/sap remover and clay bar can remove these damn thing.
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      08-22-2012, 01:02 PM   #7
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If some of the contaminents, acids, etc, from the tree juice has penetrated/eroded the clear coat, you are shit out of luck. Best you can do is apply some rubbing compound and go at it with an orbital polisher. You can also try 1/3 vinegar mixed with 2/3 water.
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      08-22-2012, 01:25 PM   #8
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bug, sap remover and some patience will get it out.
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      08-22-2012, 01:47 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by talontid
lesson learned= remove immediately... If left too long it will literally destroy the paint.
+1

We used to have some company fleet parked under some trees and they do very serious damage to the paint in a long term.
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      08-23-2012, 03:39 AM   #10
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Once the clear coat has been etched you'll need an abrasive polish to remove it

“Removal of Tree Resin / Sap” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...ml#post1499766


I hope the information in this article is of some help to you. If you have any further questions please let me know
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      08-23-2012, 05:46 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaneristiDriver View Post
Clay bar.
+1

Similar thing happened to my car... good wash, then clay bar. Took me an entire Sunday morning, but its worth it.
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      08-23-2012, 11:43 AM   #12
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Thank you, this is helpful and a lot of work

Quote:
Originally Posted by TOGWT View Post
Once the clear coat has been etched you'll need an abrasive polish to remove it

“Removal of Tree Resin / Sap” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...ml#post1499766


I hope the information in this article is of some help to you. If you have any further questions please let me know
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      08-30-2012, 08:53 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoM3z
Couple of weeks ago I went to stay over at my sisters place and parked the car outside, underneath a tree. Woke the next morning and found tree sap all over the car, like someone sprayed it on. I didn't have time to get it washed and ended up staying on the car for a week. I figured 1 wash should remove it, but 2 washes later I can still see them when looking at the car in an angle. Any suggestion on how to remove these suckers?
oh man I went to read this cuz it happened to my 5 series and I wanted to see what works. lol i look up and it's yours.
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      08-30-2012, 10:04 PM   #14
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Yeah definitely a pain to remove and I would advise getting it remove ASAP!

Quote:
Originally Posted by CatchM3IfYouCan181 View Post
oh man I went to read this cuz it happened to my 5 series and I wanted to see what works. lol i look up and it's yours.
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      09-04-2012, 11:26 AM   #15
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I figured I'd update this thread...

After I had my car clay barred and compound waxed the sap is still there. They suggested I think about wet sanding the car, but not advisable. I think I'll eventually go this route, but wanted to know what you guys think or advise what I should do...
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      09-04-2012, 02:46 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoM3z View Post
Couple of weeks ago I went to stay over at my sisters place and parked the car outside, underneath a tree. Woke the next morning and found tree sap all over the car, like someone sprayed it on. I didn't have time to get it washed and ended up staying on the car for a week. I figured 1 wash should remove it, but 2 washes later I can still see them when looking at the car in an angle. Any suggestion on how to remove these suckers?
I doubt a clay bar would fix this. Is the adhesive element of the sap still there or is it just the etching? You can try a strong APC like this:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Heavy_Du...htm&Click=5104

If that doesn't work, a stronger adhesive cleaner like 3m Adhesive Remover should do it.
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      09-04-2012, 02:52 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eclipsisNA View Post
I doubt a clay bar would fix this. Is the adhesive element of the sap still there or is it just the etching? You can try a strong APC like this:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Heavy_Du...htm&Click=5104

If that doesn't work, a stronger adhesive cleaner like 3m Adhesive Remover should do it.
Is that safe to use on paint?
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      09-04-2012, 02:52 PM   #18
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The actual adhesive is gone and the only thing that are left are the etching. At this point I have tried clay, compound wax, regular wax, sap remover, etc. Do you think this cleaner can remove etching?

Quote:
Originally Posted by eclipsisNA View Post
I doubt a clay bar would fix this. Is the adhesive element of the sap still there or is it just the etching? You can try a strong APC like this:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Heavy_Du...htm&Click=5104

If that doesn't work, a stronger adhesive cleaner like 3m Adhesive Remover should do it.
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      09-04-2012, 02:55 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoM3z View Post
The actual adhesive is gone and the only thing that are left are the etching. At this point I have tried clay, compound wax, regular wax, sap remover, etc. Do you think this cleaner can remove etching?
What products did you use? A compound wax? Like an All in One? Don't use that, you want something stronger...

Did you do it by hand or by machine? Regular wax just covers up the damage, it doesn't remove it...
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      09-04-2012, 07:32 PM   #20
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I actually had it professionally done at a detailer. I'm sure they use some commercial brands...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Templar View Post
What products did you use? A compound wax? Like an All in One? Don't use that, you want something stronger...

Did you do it by hand or by machine? Regular wax just covers up the damage, it doesn't remove it...
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      09-04-2012, 07:45 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoM3z View Post
I actually had it professionally done at a detailer. I'm sure they use some commercial brands...
Unfortunately most detailers have no clue what they're doing and couldn't correct an etching even if they wanted to. Sometimes etching takes wet sanding to correct properly, and that takes time.

Would you want to try and learn how to fix it yourself or have someone else do it at this point? I can describe the products that would likely do the trick.
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      09-04-2012, 08:24 PM   #22
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I'm all about DIY and open to suggestions. I'd hate to wet sand it and forever damage the clear coat. At this point I'm willing to try anything that has a high probability of working LoL

Quote:
Originally Posted by eclipsisNA View Post
Unfortunately most detailers have no clue what they're doing and couldn't correct an etching even if they wanted to. Sometimes etching takes wet sanding to correct properly, and that takes time.

Would you want to try and learn how to fix it yourself or have someone else do it at this point? I can describe the products that would likely do the trick.
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