Does anyone have any ideas for removing tree sap? I've tried cleaning with multiple different solutions and even 2 x $300+ paint corrections by a professional detailer. All the horizontal surfaces are still rough - like a fine mist of sap has covered the car.

Any ideas of how to safely remove this?

 

You can remove this with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber towel. It takes a little work until the sap starts to melt away, but eventually it will get removed. You will then most likely need to polish that area, or wax as needed. Best of luck.

 

Did you try clay?

 

I would try a solvent like 3M Adhesive Remover.

http://www.glisteningperfectionstore...dhesive/Detail

It will help to loosen the grip that the sap has on the surface. If the sap isn't loose or removable with the first application, spray the 3M on the affected areas, let it sit, and reapply a few times. After a few applications and some time left to cure on the surface it should be able to loosen the sap and help you remove it.

Use a MF towel and don't put a lot of pressure on the surface. At the minimum you will need to reapply some surface protection after you do this, the 3M Adhesive Remover will remove any wax or surface protection that you have on there. It is likely that you will need to re-polish the surface after this, it is tough to say what lasting impact that the sap has left on your clearcoat.

Hope that helps. Good Luck.

 

What I've done is soak a tissue with WD40 and let it sit on the spot for several hours, then rub gently with a tissue or microfiber until the spot is removed. It can take quite a while to remove the sap completely. Make sure that the surface is cool, in the shade and free of dirt and grit before starting. Keep at it and (trust me) you can remove 100% of the sap.

 

Modern paint today is durable in some cases but also fragile. Soaking it in the wd40 solvent for hours isn't something i'd recommend. The silicones in the product could penetrate and impregnate the clear coat going into the base coat. Your best bet is to apply a little product to a mf towel, dab the sap, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then begin wiping. It's better to work in stages and take down layers of the sap then it is to try and get the whole thing off in one pass.

 

This would be on my list too- if it was just that 'splatter/spray' of fine sap that you can get...

Experts: any comments?