Removing Large Amounts of Tree Sap

[AndrewH]

I have a 04 Chevy Colorado, and some time in the past I apparently parked under a tree that dripped small dots of dark amber colored sap all over the horizontal panels of my truck's body. The hood feels like reading brail.

I've attempted to 'pick' the tiny dots off the truck, figuring a good buff afterwards would take care of the small remains, but that is proving very difficult and almost entirly ineffective.

I don't want to razorblade the hood and roof like I did the windshield, too risky for factory clear coat. What can I do? This stuff is stuck on here nice and good. From the wording in the paperwork, it almost looks like its covered under warranty, but that would be ridiculous to have some 2nd rate dealership shop do some noticable repairs just to remove some badly adhered tree sap.

And when I do get it all off, how can I keep it from getting so stuck on there in the future? I live in arkansas and sap dripping trees are everywhere. I hadn't owned the truck long enough to wax it when this happened.

Any tips, recommendations or previous experience with this problem, I greatly appreciate your replies! thanks, Andrew

[Mike B]

I'm sure I have the same tree next door! This is a yearly exercise for me and in the past I used a clay bar with success. It took awhile but it all came off.

As my truck is 12 years old I began looking for an easier route. I'm sure some will shake their heads but, after washing the truck, I've had great results applying acetone to a clean soft cloth and then rubbing the surface. I never apply the acetone directly to the paint but only onto the cloth. The sap comes off immediately. I follow up with another wash then wax. For 12 years old it looks like new.

[Len]

I'm sure I have the same tree next door! This is a yearly exercise for me and in the past I used a clay bar with success. It took awhile but it all came off.

As my truck is 12 years old I began looking for an easier route. I'm sure some will shake their heads but, after washing the truck, I've had great results applying acetone to a clean soft cloth and then rubbing the surface. I never apply the acetone directly to the paint but only onto the cloth. The sap comes off immediately. I follow up with another wash then wax. For 12 years old it looks like new.

If you use acetone just be sure to wipe it off quickly or you could damage the paint.

[Mike B]

Good advice Len. I apply it to my cloth and it evaporates almost immediately...Never directly onto the clear coat. No problem so far.

[skynard]

we use PPG 103 or rubbing alcahol to take off tree sap

[AndrewH]

I'll have to get a claybar and see what it does. Acetone, kinda risky I would think, but if you just dowse the rag and hose the surtface down (even though the acetone has evaporated by that time) you might be able to get away with it.

If the claybar isnt for me, I'll try alchohol next.

thanks guys.