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iTrader: (11)

My G-Ma's RX 400H was up in Pinetop AZ and pine tree sap is now all over her car. You can feel it on the windows, paint, and roof. Somebody mentioned that kerosene would clean the sap off her car. Would that work or would that mess the paintwork up? eyezach would know.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

User 41924

Try using a clay bar. As I recall, it worked great on sap. Let us know if you try.

You would also have the advantage of helping your paint. Either way, you'll want to apply a new coat of sealer or wax.

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iTrader: (11)

So I only have one small chunk of car clay. Is one chunk enough?

User 41924

It depends on how dirty the paint is, but it could be enough. Just don't drop it!

Try it first. If it works like I think it will, it might be worth buying some new clay. If you already had some, I'll bet you'll use it, anyway.

Don't forget the lube!

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iTrader: (11)

The car hasn't been cleaned for a couple months or so so it's a little dirty. I just clean it before the claying.
Thanks for the info BTW.

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

Lol thanks for the mention. I used that on sap on my windows and it didn't touch it. I eventually soaked it in APC for 10 min so it broke down somewhat then clayed the rest of it off. If you have a plastic razor, then you could try that but you might scratch the paint so do it at your own risk if you do

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iTrader: (11)

Sorry I searched it and nothing came up: what is APC? And you are saying you used kerosene on the windows and that took care of it?
Thanks...

Guitarman

I've posted this a few times in the past; Pine sap is used to make shellac. What thinner do you use to thin shellac?

Denatured alcohol.

Melts it away easily on soft sap, works well on hardened sap too, but takes longer. Rub gently and with a soft cotton towel, be patient, works everytime.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

Wow, never heard that before...as long it won't damage the paint I'll do it! Denatured alcohol is just regular alcohol, correct?
Thanks to everybody for the tips!

Guitarman

Won't harm paint at all, it WILL remove wax but just about anything else you try will also.

Denatured is not the same as rubbing alcohol, rubbing alcohol will work but will take longer.

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iTrader: (11)

Thank's for the advice man, I have lot's of denatured alcohol in the garage. Will do this. I will tell you how hard it was and if it works. (not that it won't)

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iTrader: (11)

So my G-Ma took it into her own hands and talked to a body/paint senior shop that new their stuff. She asked them what would be best to clean off the sap, and the owner spat on his finger and rubbed it on the sap. It came easily came off. The owner said that a hot water cleaning would rid the sap off the car, so that's what my G-Ma did. She brought it to the dealer and told them to wash it till the sap came off. They did, it took 2 washes. So no scratches, no nothing. When you have pine sap on your car, try washing it first with HOT water. Thanks for the tips all.