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How can I removed tree sap???

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Old Dec 27, 2016 | 01:08 PM
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jsnlwrnc87's Avatar
jsnlwrnc87
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Default How can I removed tree sap???

Last week I turned on my wipers and washers to remove some dirt from the windshield. Unfortunately there was tree sap or something on my windshield or wiper and now theres a sap smear on the drivers side of the windshield. How can i effectively remove that from the glass....and paint? LoL
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Old Dec 27, 2016 | 01:14 PM
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I've found that Meguiars cleaner wax does wonders.

I used the clay bar for the first time ever a while back, and it took the tops off of these little dots (not sure what) on my wife's car. But, it left the remainder. After the car got soaked by rain for a day, I used Meguiars to remove the rest. Really not sure what it is, but tiny dots. My wife thinks they are somehow from birds.
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Old Dec 27, 2016 | 02:53 PM
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Rubbing Alcohol usually works pretty well with some elbow grease for newly discovered sap. On your Painted areas be sure to use a soft cloth like an old t-shirt and rub lightly so you don't scratch it. I would also recommend re-applying some wax to any Painted areas (and even your windshield sans Rain-X).
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Old Dec 27, 2016 | 03:21 PM
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Mineral Spirits is what Detailer use. Let it sit and then microfiber it off.

you can also use an over the counter bug and tar remover from 3M, Mothers, Meguiar's etc.

after the sap is removed polish and wax the paint.
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Old Dec 30, 2016 | 01:59 PM
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On the glass, use a flat razor blade. Will take it down to the glass no problem. Then follow up with some good cleaner.
On the paint, the claybar method might work best. Whatever you use, make sure you get some polish and wax back on it to protect the paint.
Tiny clear dots on the car, at least is Texas, is sap from some of the local trees. Usually it washes off with just water and a soft rag. I avoid those trees.
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Old Dec 30, 2016 | 02:13 PM
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They sell cans of sap/tar remover at Walmart that is safe on paint. Forgot the brand, comes in a green aerosol can.
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Old Jan 1, 2017 | 12:43 AM
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WD-40 and it's safe on paint.
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Old Jan 1, 2017 | 11:34 AM
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Like Legender I use a razor blade on the glass. The mass available bug-tar removers work well for the sap I've encountered from pine trees. We'd taken the Corolla in for a detail and the wash guy used some chemical on the lower fender quarter to clean brake residue that had become mixed with some sticky road grime. Whatever he used left some uber clean spots that don't match the rest of the paint. Looks like it "bleached" the clear coat in some ways. Go with the mildest cleaner then work up as necessary.
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Old Jan 3, 2017 | 07:25 PM
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I would stick with using a bug-tar remover as well, spray it on and use some seran wrap and cover it. That way it can sit there for a few minutes without evaporating. As it softens, you should be able to pick at it with a soft blade tool, like something you use to pry interior trim off with so you don't scratch the paint. Once you get most of it off, I would use a clay bar, then some polishing compound. Then some wax to protect the paint.
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