Tree Sap!
 

Theres tree sap on my hood, and it apparently dried...


Any ideas how to remove it without damaging my paint?

Have you tried to wash it out with water and soap? If that wont work then you may want to try a power washer,just my two cents.

Oh the dreaded tree sap! I've had nighmares about that. Let us know what works best for you. I've used bug and tar remover before and it came right off. Of course, you have to re-seal and re-wax after using that stuff though... it's a solvent.

Maybe try Simple Green. Or, Wurth (www.wurthusa.com) citrus degreaser cut with 5 parts distilled water to one part Wurth.

After living under pine trees for years, I used a degreasing dish soap like Dawn with something like one of those bug sponges (something that is a little stiffer than a wash mit). May have to wash a couple of times, but just be patient. It comes right off. Bug/tar remover will also work, but I would only try it if the Dawn doesn't work.

On a side note, I don't think tree sap can damage the paint per se. Anything left on too long will cause damage. Does anyone know if sap is acidic?

In general, tree sap is caustic (more basic than acidic, having a pH greater than 7.0) which is just as bad.

Ah, true enough. In any case, if you get it off your paint rather quickly you should be fine. Same as pird poo or bug splatter: It's bad to have sitting on your paint, but it's not like it's hydrochloric acid. Just be sure to wash it off within a few days.

Hi,

PrepSol and a soft cloth will work very well and won't harm the surface. I wouldn't trust Dawn or Simple Green because of whatever residue it may leave. Dawn is very alkaline (and works great as a Wax or Sealant remover, but never more than once a year) as I suspect is Simple Green. PrepSol is designed specifically for Paint, but has a million other uses as a general solvent as well...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Put It On Pancakes!!!!

Go to http://www.zainostore.com/ and call them for their advice. I've been using their products for years and think they are superior. My guess is they will tell you to wash the car with a mild mix of Dawn detergent and then apply Z2 with accelerator or Z5 depending on the color and condition of your paint. Of course you can just try to wash with car wash first to see if the sap comes off. It comes right off my cars but they've all been "Zaino'd" quite a few times. If it's on the convertible top check out this product.
http://www.properautocare.com/ravicotopcak.html