[ChihuahuaMomma]

Hi there,

I am wondering how I would remove dried tree sap on my car hood. The car is red, if that matters.

[WVHiflyer]

Sap from what kind of tree?

[ChihuahuaMomma]

LOL, I haven't the slightest clue!

[WVHiflyer]

Well... pine sap might be more tricky than maple. Wouldn't it?

If it's thick, you might try putting ice on it and then using a plastic scraper (like removing gum). You also might try nail polish remover (but apply w/Qtip and test on rocker panel or inside gas door first to test). For both these, you might want to keep a can of polishing compound handy <G> I'll think on it some more... been up too long <G>

[Clough]

There is quite a bit of information on the following site concerning the removal of tree sap from an auto. I would have copied and pasted the information and given credit here, however, there is quite a bit of content and I wanted to stay within the confines of the rules of this site.

BMW World - How to Remove Tree Sap

[ChihuahuaMomma]

AH, too much work... think I'll just buy a new car :P

[Clough]

Well, at least we know that the removal is possible to be done safely! :)

[ChihuahuaMomma]

It's an older car, so I don't care that much... I'll try the nail polish remover..

[Clough]

Here is the first thing that I would suggest that you try, Momma. Single-edged razor blades for removing the bulk of the sap and then relatively benign products such as Goof-off or Oops! Spelling might not be correct for them. I have used them to clean the rosin off a violin with no harm done to the varnished finish. However, the reaction on a painted finish might be different. Stringed instrument rosin for the bows is basically the
Hardened sap from coniferous trees.

The next thing that I would try is paint thinner. However, if you find that you need something that is a more potent solvent, then I would try Xylol, Toluene or even Turpentine because they would not be as harsh on the finish. The next step after that would be to use lacquer thinner or acetone. Acetone is the main ingredient in most finger nail polish removers.

You can use a soft cloth or high quality paper towel for the application of any of the above products. Please be sure to wear protective gloves, goggles and a long-sleeved shirt would be a good idea too, in case of a spill and subsequent splashes and have adequate
Ventilation. If you don't where protection for your skin, like gloves and long-sleeved shirt, then you take the risk of defat the tissue of your skin and possibly getting sick, because like alcohol in a drink going right through your tongue into the bloodstream, some of those chemicals will go right through your skin and also into your bloodstream.

Probably any of the above products will work for the removal of the sap. But, we don't know what kind of sap it is nor how hard it has dried. So, one of them might be a better choice than the others.

To obtain the liquids that are mentioned above, you might not even need to purchase them. Someone, like me, who is into house painting and furniture refinishing, most likely will have all of them! You probably could just borrow samples of them to try out.

I know that what I have written above might seem a little bit of an over-kill as far as an answer, but I wanted show you the many possibilities that there might be for the removal of the tree sap. It's also written, not only for you, but for others who might want an answer to the same sort of problem.

I have written the above not only for you but for others who might want an answer to the same problem.

[WVHiflyer]

I was going to suggest Goof-Off but I was afraid it would damage the paint. That is one of its uses? Or is it just for acrylic?

[Clough]

From my experience, Goof-off and Oops! Work best on water-based spills that are really fresh. Like, no more than a few days old. I haven't tried them on oil or lacquer-based types of drips or spills. They are both spirit-based solvents though. I have seen where Goof-off has been specifically advertised for being for latex paints and Oops! Has been advertised as an all-purpose spot, drip and minor spill remover.

[kitch428]

Invisible glass. Sold at walmart. Worked for me. Great job on windows too

Edit: mentioning this product made me go out and use it. I put up a sunscreen, the reflective type, on my windshield everyday, to shield from the hot NC sunshine. It emits a film all over my glass and makes it harder to see in the AM sun.
Today with 4 paper towels in hand, and 5 minutes work, the glass is "invisible". Truly a great product!

[Clough]

I haven't heard of "Invisible Glass". Will have to check it out... Thanks for pointing it out!

[rebel_cowboy]

According to what kind of sap it is, Coca-Cola will bring a lot of it off but if you want to use a good chemical then use Mean-Green that is if the sap is not too thick

[ChihuahuaMomma]

according to what kinda sap it is, Coca-Cola will bring alot of it off but if you wanna use a good chemical then use Mean-Green

Um, have you ever put coke on car paint? It eats it away.