i have a car that has sat under a tree for years and years and has tree sap damage on the paint. is there any way that an expert detailer can fix this problem or should i be thinking about getting the car repainted?

 

Can you take a picture for us to see. Tree sap can harm the paint, but it depends on factors such as the car's age, sun exposure, possibly the type of tree, etc. If the sap was a light mist that has built up into a thick layer over the years, you may be able to clay it. Repainting would be a last resort, but we can diagnose anything without proper visual evaluation. Hope this gives you a little hope

 

Can you take some clear pictures of the car and post ? You have a few options. Rubbing alcohol 70% soak a terry towel, fold the towel into a forth and hold it against the finish, work the towel back and forth without taking it off the finish until you fill that the spot is flush with the paint then move on to the next spot. It is very important that you do not take the rage off the finish and keep it flat to the suface moving the towel back and forth slowly. If the alcohol is not strong enough then move to a prep solvent and if this dosen't do it and the car is clear coated then move to a medium strength reducer. Also very important if you use reducer never walk away from the car and leave the towel sitting on the paint. After its all said a done then you will need a detailer to polish it. It might just look good enough not to paint.

 

I would also recommend isopropyl alcohol dilluted 1 to 1. The only problem is that once you've wiped it all off, you may need to polish the paint.


John

 

I dont think its a matter of MAY need to, its a MUST. I have never been able to use ISO ALC on paint without having to polish it.

rubbing alcohol, clay, iso alcohol, wetsanding, wool pads and heat will break down sap as well, etc...you have a few options before repainting

 

I agree with all of the above posts (they are professionals, after all ). Clay should do the trick, along with the iso mix, but be prepared to have some work afterwards as far as some polishing goes.

 

What ever strength of alcohol is fine from 50% to 70% its just that 70% is the most common. You will want to soak the rag not spray it directly on the finish and never let your rag sit on the car and walk away. Diluting it will have no advantage its already a given that your going to have some polishing after the fact I am just trying to save you some time and money.

 

i had taken my car to a local detailer in my area who is supposedly very very good at detailing and was told by him that nothing could be done to save the paint on my car. i did'nt quite believe him when he told me this because he was upset at something else and kind of brushed me off when i had seeked his services. so i guess it's his loss and not mine.

you guys are the best. thanks for your responses.

 

Try and take a picture..it'll help us out a lot.

 

Tree sap can be tricky to deal with. The product i use that works the best is 3m adhesive cleaner. That might work but you need to wax it right after.

 

Hard to say without pictures but it is very possible that the paint can be saved.