Hey guys, so I left my S parked at my folks place for about a week while I was away on business. My dad parked it under an old tree in the backyard. When I got back it was quite dirty. It rained the next few days and after most of the dirt washed away I noticed 2 smudges. One on the hood and the other on the trunk. I figured it was tree sap from the smell and the fact that the tree easily oozes it with just the lightest scratch. I tried to wipe them off with water, mild soap and microfiber cloth and it would not come off. I used my nails and it was extremely hard and would not budge. I eventually took off a bit but I was scared to scratch the paint. So my question is, if there is something out there like a compound that I could buy to take this damn tree sap off? Thanks I will try to post pics later.

 

If clay doesn't work - and I doubt that it will - use some adhesive remover. Goof-Off, Goo-Gone, something along those lines. WD-40 might also work if it hasn't been on there a long time, so I'd probably start there.

 

now you are gonna think that i have really lost it... so here goes:

smooth peanut butter will usually soften up sap so you can remove it. its oils do not like sap.
have also used mayonnaise many years ago for the same problem.

slather it on, let is sit a few minutes and slowly wipe it down. repeat over and over (as long as you are seeing results)-

then report back

 

I don't think you're crazy at all. Well, not for this, anyway.

Permatex hand cleaner also might work. The stuff I'm referring to is in a white plastic tub with blue labeling on it. Non-abrasive, no pumice in it, and about the consistency of mayonnaise. It's great for quick [autocross] cone mark removal, and might be good for sap too. Never tried it, but I bet it'd work.

 

Bingo: krshultz nailed it. Go-Jo, Gunk, whatever brand of mechanics waterless cleaner. And as he said, say "No" to Pumice.

You can't own a car without waterless hand cleaner for the hands. It removes latex paint from the hands. It's a definite "must have."

Just use it on the paint. It will definitely remove wax, but anything that is going to remove sap will remove wax.

 

My friends Miata had 3 year old tree sap spotting. His fathers nails, my compound and clay didn't work. The area around this spot was destroyed from finger nails to credit cards and even hazy from my attempt when I used super strong compound.


Want to know what worked?

Spray quick detailer liberally, let it soak. Do it again. And again, dont let it dry. 20 minutes later it was just soft enough for me to get it off with my nail, then polish it out.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I will try WD-40 tomorrow. Ill try the peanutbutter and mayo too. The spots are about the size of a quarter they aren't that big but they totally look bad.

 

welcome- post up before and after pics if you can...

you prob know, but this process will remove all wax so you will need to wash and rewax - which is an opportunity to get some pics to post up... then pm me with the link so i can badge you as one of us!!

 

WD-40 has always worked for me
Spray and let it soak and repeat a couple times.
It'll take a while since it has to start at the outer edges and works in/under slowly.
Eventually it'll soften and start breaking off if you pick at it with your nail carefully.

 

just mix the wd-40, peanut butter and the mayo together. there's your tree sap destroyer right there.... i needa patent that combo