Tree Sap, super hard to get off

[mikester328]

Hey all,
I have a problem that could be permanent but I want to do what I can. I have many many splats of I think tree sap that I won't come off even if I scrub as hard as I can. I bought some bug cleaner or whatever you call it and used it; I got the first layer of the stain but can't seem to get all of it. My car is black and whatever gets on there, takes a short amount of time for it to get caked on there and stain for good. I need something strong, but I don't want to take off the clear coat either. Any ideas?

[Silver4evr]

You might try to clay bar it. Like the stuff here.

Take a look at this link. It provides many options for removing tree sap.

[mikester328]

Great solutions on that second link there, thanks dude

[ClarenceT]

I had the same thing; after 4 washes, a huge pine sap splotch remained on my sunroof. Since I didn't have any bug&tar I shined it on. Like 2 days ago I clay-bared my whole car, and as a pleasant surprise I found that it took all the tar right off

Decent stuff, overal considering it comes with enough wax for one application it's worth the $15 bucks especially if you have a lot of stuck on bugs, bird shit, tar, etc.

EDIT: in the link above the clay-bar is 29 bucks; at nearly every local Kragen, Pep Boys, etc the Mothers Cali Gold Claybar is $14.99, comes with spray and wax (I didn't see wax in the link)

[BMWJNKY]

This problem is easily avoided by regular waxing of your car. If you wax your car just once a month (or if you're like me twice a week) the tree sap, bugs, road tar, gum, and other stuff that sticks to paint will wash right off. Regular maintnance of your car inside and out will make a huge difference over time. I had to park my 320i due to a bad headgasket. It sat for almost 6 months, at the time I parked it I had 5 layers of wax on it. After I got the headgasket replaced I gave it a washing and you wouldn't even guess that it sat outside for 6 months.

[mikester328]

Hmm, good thoughts.. so exactly I guess waxing is just to make your car look shiny and to protect the paint from the sun and stains?

[BMWJNKY]

Originally posted by mikester318@Aug 11 2004, 11:49 AM
Hmm, good thoughts.. so exactly I guess waxing is just to make your car look shiny and to protect the paint from the sun and stains?

Yes, waxing your car does more than make it look good

[RetroSpek]

you should clay bar your car before every wax to get the most out of your paint. wax wont fully protect your car from bird shiat and tree sap. Also, dirt, dust, and everything else from the road gets embedded into the paint and makes your paint feel rough.

Clay barring once a month or so would be ideal.

[mikester328]

Cool, any reputable place you guys get your clay bars? I'm not too sure what this clay bar stuff is but I'm going to research that, thanks

[d3ity]

vinegar.

it works.

[white 330ci]

you can buy clay bars at most auto stores

[mikester328]

ok, thought so, thanks

[BMWJNKY]

I like to use the mothers clay bar. The meguires one tends to have little pices fall off while you clay bar.