Removing Tree Sap From Paintwork

wbm00 · **August 06, 2015, 23:35:57**

Just wondered what you folks are using to safely remove tree sap from paintwork?

The substance in question is translucent, sticky and thick. When it lands on glass, I have always removed it with nail polish remover which is mainly made from denatured alcohol & MEK. However, I am not going to put that stuff near paintwork without knowing it's definitely safe to do so.

It's strange but I've never really had issues with sap before so never needed to consider the best way to remove it... it's almost as if it is attracted to the i30

AlanHo · **Reply #1: August 07, 2015, 00:18:42**

This is what I use..

Halfords | Turtle Wax Intensive Tar & Sap Remover 500ml

But there are many other similar products

rustynutz · **Reply #2: August 07, 2015, 02:21:13**

Drag out the trusty can of WD40....that should do the job!

It's also good for removing bugs and tar...

CraigB · **Reply #3: August 07, 2015, 05:00:22**

A soft cloth with a touch of methylated spirits on it will do the trick.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #4: August 07, 2015, 09:04:02**

Eucalyptus oil is brilliant.

Eucalyptus oil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Please read this thread:

i30 "Euro" cursive emblem

Shambles · **Reply #5: August 07, 2015, 09:11:14**

Quote from: Doggie 1

Eucalyptus oil is brilliant.

Won't that attract mean, vicious Koala bears?

Doggie 1 · **Reply #6: August 07, 2015, 09:15:09**

Quote from: Shambles on August 07, 2015, 09:11:14

Quote from: Doggie 1
Eucalyptus oil is brilliant.

Won't that attract mean, vicious Koala bears?

Oh Shambles, don't you remember anything????
Koalas are marsupials, not bears.
I think you might be thinking of Drop Bears.

Shambles · **Reply #7: August 07, 2015, 09:39:59**

Quote from: Doggie 1

Koalas are marsupials, not bears.

No mate, it's here in black and white, from Wookiepedia

(click to show/hide)

Doggie 1 · **Reply #8: August 07, 2015, 09:41:04**

Trust me.
The Koala is NOT a bear.

AlanHo · **Reply #9: August 07, 2015, 10:54:02**

Are Koalas Bears? | Koalas to Humans: 'We Are Not Bears' | Animal Facts

Doggie 1 · **Reply #10: August 07, 2015, 10:55:53**

Alan, you are indeed correct.

AlanHo · **Reply #11: August 07, 2015, 10:57:18**

Despite all the above suggestions to remove sap - I still prefer to use a scientifically designed method produced by a reputable company who I can sue if it causes any damage.

wbm00 · **Reply #12: August 07, 2015, 15:03:03**

Thanks very much for the replies.

I actually used Autoglym's tar/sap remover but it didn't seem to do much. I'll get Alan's product when I can and see how that goes.

I heard about using an alcohol wipe/spirit/etc... but would only do it if someone else has done so on their own vehicle (with modern day European paint) without issues.

CraigB · **Reply #13: August 07, 2015, 15:36:49**

Methylated spirits gets used in auto paint shops all the time to clean everything from paint to rubber seals, it's only alcohol, test on the underside of your bonnet if you like.

OutOfFocus · **Reply #14: August 14, 2015, 15:08:50**

Tree sap is nasty stuff on modern paints.
I had it on my (previous) Kia Venga that was only 6 months old then.

After staying 3 weeks in France on a camping wiht lare pine-trees I had to have the roof repainted.
The sap from a pine-tree had dissolved the paint on 3 spots of about an inch.

CraigB · **Reply #15: August 14, 2015, 16:15:04**

Quote from: OutOfFocus on August 14, 2015, 15:08:50

Tree sap is nasty stuff on modern paints.
I had it on my (previous) Kia Venga that was only 6 months old then.

After staying 3 weeks in France on a camping wiht lare pine-trees I had to have the roof repainted.
The sap from a pine-tree had dissolved the paint on 3 spots of about an inch.

Pine trees are the worst, very acidic.

PhireSideZA · **Reply #16: August 14, 2015, 23:27:24**

Can't offer any advice but I have also seen how pine sap can mess up car paintwork pretty bad. Luckily they are few and far between over here, but with our notorious wind tree sap is the least of our worries

I wonder if heating up the gum after it has set will have an effect on it at all? Or maybe WD40, although that might be a rumour...

O/T: in the summer we used to walk about on the farm looking for acacia trees that had gum oozing out of it. We used to eat it all the time, it has a very sticky consistency and a tangy taste but would leave you with a bit of a stomach ache in large amounts

Phil №❶ · **Reply #17: August 14, 2015, 23:36:00**

You've been watching too much wildlife.

PhireSideZA · **Reply #18: August 14, 2015, 23:39:52**

Quote from: Phil №❶ on August 14, 2015, 23:36:00

You've been watching too much wildlife.

Nonsense! Only problem with that acacia sap is that you end up looking like my avatar for a few hours

Phil №❶ · **Reply #19: August 14, 2015, 23:41:08**

wbm00 · **Reply #20: August 15, 2015, 23:36:25**

Quote from: AlanHo on August 07, 2015, 00:18:42

This is what I use..

Halfords | Turtle Wax Intensive Tar & Sap Remover 500ml

But there are many other similar products

I tried it today and this product worked - many thanks Alan.

In case anyone's interested, I also tested an alcohol handrub (alcohol denat. being the primary ingredient) which also did a good job.

The treated areas were waxed afterwards to ensure continuity of protection.

rustynutz · **Reply #21: August 18, 2015, 02:42:34**

How To Remove Tree Sap From A Car - YouTube