i have tree sap all over my vechical you can feel it if you run your hand across it i was wondering what is the best way to remove this? also i have read a lot about claying a vechical how often should you do this? how do you do it? and where do you get the clay? what kind of clay is best? should you wax it after you clay?
thanks,
joe
Last edited by fordraceing_man; 08-01-2005 at 04:22 PM.
There are lots of tar/sap/bug removers out there, I like the ones that come in a foam because you can let it sit for a while and let it work, then wipe off. The clay bar is used to remove oxidation from the paint surface, if you run you hand over the paint after you wash it and it feels "rough" it would be a good idea to do it. You do have to wax after this.
I've found a product called "Citra-Solve" works great for tar, and my buddy says it works great on tree sap as well. It's actually the best product for tar I've found.
Butter works well for dissolving pitch. Just put a little on and rub it gently around. Once it's dissolved wash the area with a little soap and water. Works great for getting it off your hands as well.
Pine-Sol not sure about the paint but it takes tree sap off ASAP. We cut down a hugh pine tree and got fresh sap all over our hands and a chain. Some goofball said use Pine-Sol. I was going to use Acetone. Well, was I wrong. The Pine-Sol did an AWESOME job!
A swirl removewr is used after a heavy cut compuond. I would not reccomed using a polisher on tree sap. I would do as many of you have said. Use a sap / bug remover, then clay it, then a wax. I am a detailer, I was professionally trained and have a small side business. I would stick with things that are made for the purpose intended. I would worry about hurting the paint. Just find the products and follow directions. I thin Mothers even hass a forum on that type of thing
i work at a detail shop adn if you clay the car which in your case is not needed just use some degresser or a plastic scrapper adn back to the clay part. you have to get special clay and while you clay it keep it wet with soapy water adn the clay will scratch the hel;l outta the paint so i would advise polishing it
Depending on how big the 'blob' is...I've used a small amount of gasoline on a soft cloth, or lighter fluid...seems to work. I've also used Mineral Spirits too. http://www.kleanstrip.com/ Just make sure not to rub too hard and let the area dry, wipe clean with a soft cloth and wax. Just my 2 cents.
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If you live in the right region, just wait for cold weather. Once the sap is chilled to freezing, it chips or flakes off with a soft plastic putty tool. The smear that's left is easier to finish up with one of the above methods.
Or go the other way, and park it in the sun to soften it enough to pluck off, like old bubble gum from the bottom of a school desk. If that doesn't sound appealing, maybe some shade and an ice cube on aluminum foil placed over the pitch would simulate winter for ya!
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If that doesn't sound appealing, maybe some shade and an ice cube on aluminum foil placed over the pitch would simulate winter for ya! 
