Sap on Car

GrandmaBig6 · 09-27-2011, 04:45 PM

I got sap on my car during our annual vacation to the Lakes Region this year.

Do you have any suggestions on how to get it off?

The car looks like it has the chicken pox on it. I've tried WD40 and GooGone, but neither have worked.

Thanks for the help,
Mary

MarkinNH · 09-27-2011, 05:23 PM

Use Dry Gas, you will be amazed at how easy the sap / pitch cleans off. It will also remove any wax in the area that you apply it so plan on rewaxing those areas or even better, wax the entire car, a fresh coat of wax never hurts.

Two dobys · 09-27-2011, 06:07 PM

Rubbing alcohol also removes sap. Use a clean rag and keep turning it over. Try not to rub old sap on paint surface. When finished removong sap, wax the affected panels.

Newbiesaukee · 09-27-2011, 06:23 PM

Strangely enough, one of the "Fantastic" type of cleaner works very well.

old coot · 09-27-2011, 06:36 PM

DL Hand Cleaner, which is sold in most auto parts stores, is a gentle lanolin enriched cream in a non-aeorsol can that will gently dissolve and emulsify the sap and pitch as you gently massage it on with your hand to the sappy area.
Then you may float the residue away with a garden hose.
As long as you don't buy the type with pumice which is abrasive and which will scratch your paint you'll be pleased and amazed, as your hands and car will be left delightfully clean.

Pineedles · 09-27-2011, 07:05 PM

I drive my cars to the end of life. The pitch holds the car together for the last 1-2 years. I don't remove it. Lincoln Continental 2001 230K miles and still going strong, albeit I had to drive with the windows down this summer. AC crapped out in January. If I didn't need AC in my 1964 1/2 Mustang, I don't need it in my ride now, right?

CateP · 09-27-2011, 07:50 PM

I was told by an auto detailer to use "Bug and Tar" remover for cars. I wouldn't use anything like Goo Gone or WD40. You may take the shiny finish off your car with that stuff.

DRH · 09-27-2011, 09:32 PM

After trying all kinds of solvents for removing pine sap, the one that works best for me is denatured alcohol, which is readily available at any hardware store. It removes the sap quickly without causing any damage to the car's finish.

TOAD · 09-28-2011, 04:02 AM

Alcohol of any type denatured, rubbing etc will get rid of the sap. Just wax area after it is removed.

Jetman · 09-28-2011, 04:34 AM

Alcohol works well as mentioned however after you soften it with one rag, you need to wipe the residue off with another clean rag otherwise it just softens and spreads the sap out.

However I just finished using Purell Hand Sanitizer to take off about 50 marks on a black finish. This worked even better. Just a small drop on the sap, wait a few seconds and rub it with your finger, then a clean rag. Works great.

Peter · 09-28-2011, 04:54 AM

I second denatured alcohol. Works like a charm.

tis · 09-28-2011, 06:20 AM

A little off topic but, does anyone have any ideas how to get pitch off a screen door? We got lots during the hurricane and I am having an awful time getting it off.

Jeanzb1 · 09-28-2011, 06:54 AM

This has been a WICKED year for pine sap. Some years are worse than others.

robmac · 09-28-2011, 07:05 AM

Same thing on any surface denatured alchohol.

MarkinNH · 09-28-2011, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRH

After trying all kinds of solvents for removing pine sap, the one that works best for me is denatured alcohol, which is readily available at any hardware store. It removes the sap quickly without causing any damage to the car's finish.

ANY product that will remove pine sap from a vehicles painted surface is going to do damage to the surface that it touches. You may not damage the clear coat and actual paint but you WILL remove any wax.
I am no auto body man nor am I a chemical engineer but I do know that the clear coat protects the paint and a good coat of quality wax protects the clear coat. which is why it is important to keep a good wax finish on your vehicle's.

AC2717 · 09-28-2011, 07:48 AM

Gasoline is one of the best remover's out there, for pine sap on almost anything
but on a car you will have to reapply wax, as it will leave the clear coat exposed to the elements

ITD · 09-28-2011, 08:33 AM

Just tell him to sit somewhere else.

NN2NH · 09-28-2011, 09:14 AM

I've lurked here for years and am FINALLY registered! How to get sap off a car? The same way you get chewing gum out of children's hair - peanut butter!
The simple, safe solution!

LIforrelaxin · 09-28-2011, 09:50 AM

The key to getting pine sap off of a vehicle is not to let it sit too long, and then use a little elbow grease.... I am amazed at the suggestions here though, and while I am sure they all work, the potential damage to the finish of the car isn't worth the risk... A good auto-wash soap will have all the ingredients already in it... That is the real key... Make sure you use a soap, designed to wash cars... Turtle wax used to make on that worked remarkably well...

GrandmaBig6 · 09-28-2011, 10:20 AM

I'll try some of these over the weekend. Has anyone heard about using mayonnaise? A family member told me about that one. Once I get the sap off I'll definitely have wax in hand to put the wax on. Don't want to damage the paint.

Thanks again.
Mary

dpg · 09-28-2011, 10:39 AM

AC crapped out in January. If I didn't need AC in my 1964 1/2 Mustang, I don't need it in my ride now, right?

How do you know it crapped out in January, were you using it then?

Pineedles · 09-28-2011, 10:52 AM

Hmmm, now how would I know? Anyone?

John A. Birdsall · 09-28-2011, 11:03 AM

Aloe works pretty good. for windows only, use steel wool and go be gone
I would not use this on painted areas though. When I was told about the steel wool on glass I was nervous that it would scratch or damage the glass, It did not.

AC2717 · 09-28-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Hmmm, now how would I know? Anyone?

I am going with you are a snow bird and needed it down south

MarkinNH · 09-28-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

The key to getting pine sap off of a vehicle is not to let it sit too long

By the time most realize it's on there it can be quite dry

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

I am amazed at the suggestions here though, and while I am sure they all work, the potential damage to the finish of the car isn't worth the risk...

I have used "dry gas" Many times on Many different vehicles. Never harmed the "finish" on any of them. The wax Yes, finish No ! The alcohol based cleaners will evaporate quite rapidly and a little common sense goes a long way when using Any cleaning solution on a painted finish.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

A good auto-wash soap will have all the ingredients already in it... That is the real key... Make sure you use a soap, designed to wash cars... Turtle wax used to make on that worked remarkably well...

I have tried and used alot of different brand auto soaps over the years, never found one that was worth a damn on pine sap.

Pineedles · 09-28-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2717

I am going with you are a snow bird and needed it down south

WE HAVE A WINNER! Not a real snowbird, but I drove down to Orlando to visit a customer.

Good catch though DPG.

gtxrider · 09-28-2011, 12:36 PM

I use this product. Removes tar, sap....

dpg · 09-30-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pineedles

WE HAVE A WINNER! Not a real snowbird, but I drove down to Orlando to visit a customer.

Good catch though DPG.

ah-ha gotcha...

AC2717 · 09-30-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pineedles

WE HAVE A WINNER! Not a real snowbird, but I drove down to Orlando to visit a customer.

Good catch though DPG.

What do I win?? Wish I won something

chipj29 · 09-30-2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NN2NH

I've lurked here for years and am FINALLY registered! How to get sap off a car? The same way you get chewing gum out of children's hair - peanut butter!
The simple, safe solution!

Many years ago I was camping in Lake Tahoe and got a big wad of pine sap in my hair. Tried washing it about 30 times with no luck. Someone suggested peanut butter, and it came out pretty easily. Don't know if it would work on a car, but why not give it a try? It's not a chemical that would strip the cars finish.

SIKSUKR · 09-30-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipj29

Someone suggested peanut butter, and it came out pretty easily. It's not a chemical that would strip the cars finish.

If that really works then I would assume its peanut oil that works as the solvent. One could try a little peanut oil and see.

NoBozo · 09-30-2011, 03:41 PM

Taken from another post awhile ago:

I have used everything. Turpentine WORKS best. Turpentine is made from pine sap so turpentine will disolve pine sap. It will not harm the paint.

NB

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turpentine

Loony Singer · 09-30-2011, 04:00 PM

acetone not only takes care of pine sap, but road tar, too.

NoBozo · 09-30-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loony Singer

acetone not only takes care of pine sap, but road tar, too.

Acetone is one of most aggressive solvents you can use for ANYTHING. It has it's uses (cleaning glass) but this is NOT one of them. If you have used this solvent for this purpose and got away with it..God bless you.

In case anyone wants to recommend Lacquer Thinner ..this is even MORE desolvent than Acetone. Don't LIKE your paint..............?? USE Lacquer Thinner. You will take it down to bare metal. Have fun. NB

Pineedles · 09-30-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2717

What do I win?? Wish I won something

You and dpg won a thanks from me. If that's not enough, then you have won a ticket in a drawing for a docking space at my dock during the fireworks in Centre Harbor on July 4th, 2012. Prime space! Like being across from the Bruins bench at ice level during a Stanley Cup playoff game. How's that?

tummyman · 09-30-2011, 09:48 PM

Butter works extremely well. Also works well if you get it on your hands, etc.

MarkinNH · 10-01-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoBozo

Acetone is one of most aggressive solvents you can use for ANYTHING. It has it's uses (cleaning glass) but this is NOT one of them. If you have used this solvent for this purpose and got away with it..God bless you.

In case anyone wants to recommend Lacquer Thinner ..this is even MORE desolvent than Acetone. Don't LIKE your paint..............?? USE Lacquer Thinner. You will take it down to bare metal. Have fun. NB

You got that right, if a person is looking to eat right through the clear coat and into the paint on their vehicle, start rubbing one of those 2 products on to the surface.

Rattlesnake Guy · 10-01-2011, 03:26 PM

The products we make have to resist atack by soaking in about 30 chemicals. We have found over the years that the only two chemicals we have to screen potential formulations in are Acetone and Bleach. If it passes testing in those two, everything else is less destructive. Keep the Acetone away from things you like. It also strips the oils out of your skin.

BTW, nail polish remover is mostly Acetone.

GrandmaBig6 · 10-02-2011, 08:28 PM

Tried the rubbing alcohol on the sap and it removed the polka dot spots off my wine colored car. Used my finger and it made the sap turn into a milky white spot and wiped the spots w/a clean rag. Put Turtle Wax Polish on it right away and the car looks great. Thanks for all the suggestions! Knew I came to the right place!

Mary

songkrai · 10-03-2011, 05:46 AM

DEET.

Any body insect repellent with deet. Repel or Cutter. Spary or liquid. Easist and fastest I have found.
Always use a soft sponge or cotton rag.
Try it. You'll be surprised at how quickly and completely it works.

And always wash and wax after.

09-27-2011, 04:45 PM	#1
GrandmaBig6 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 103 Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Sap on Car I got sap on my car during our annual vacation to the Lakes Region this year. Do you have any suggestions on how to get it off? The car looks like it has the chicken pox on it. I've tried WD40 and GooGone, but neither have worked. Thanks for the help, Mary

09-27-2011, 06:23 PM	#4
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,353 Thanks: 946 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	Strangely enough, one of the "Fantastic" type of cleaner works very well. __________________ "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

09-27-2011, 07:05 PM	#6
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,542 Thanks: 1,071 Thanked 667 Times in 366 Posts	SAP, the next bondo I drive my cars to the end of life. The pitch holds the car together for the last 1-2 years. I don't remove it. Lincoln Continental 2001 230K miles and still going strong, albeit I had to drive with the windows down this summer. AC crapped out in January. If I didn't need AC in my 1964 1/2 Mustang, I don't need it in my ride now, right?

09-27-2011, 09:32 PM	#8
DRH Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Meredith, NH Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,201 Thanked 675 Times in 178 Posts	After trying all kinds of solvents for removing pine sap, the one that works best for me is denatured alcohol, which is readily available at any hardware store. It removes the sap quickly without causing any damage to the car's finish. __________________ DRH

09-28-2011, 04:02 AM	#9
TOAD Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Soon to be Moultonboro Posts: 258 Thanks: 1 Thanked 81 Times in 34 Posts	Alcohol of any type denatured, rubbing etc will get rid of the sap. Just wax area after it is removed. __________________ "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.....Unknown....but attributed to George Washington

09-27-2011, 05:23 PM	#2
MarkinNH Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 392 Thanks: 177 Thanked 146 Times in 76 Posts	Use Dry Gas, you will be amazed at how easy the sap / pitch cleans off. It will also remove any wax in the area that you apply it so plan on rewaxing those areas or even better, wax the entire car, a fresh coat of wax never hurts.

The Following User Says Thank You to MarkinNH For This Useful Post:
GrandmaBig6 (09-27-2011)

09-27-2011, 06:07 PM	#3
Two dobys Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 22 Thanks: 53 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Rubbing alcohol also removes sap. Use a clean rag and keep turning it over. Try not to rub old sap on paint surface. When finished removong sap, wax the affected panels.

The Following User Says Thank You to Two dobys For This Useful Post:
GrandmaBig6 (09-27-2011)

The Following User Says Thank You to Newbiesaukee For This Useful Post:
GrandmaBig6 (09-27-2011)

09-27-2011, 06:36 PM	#5
old coot Deceased Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 97 Thanks: 51 Thanked 13 Times in 8 Posts	DL Hand Cleaner, which is sold in most auto parts stores, is a gentle lanolin enriched cream in a non-aeorsol can that will gently dissolve and emulsify the sap and pitch as you gently massage it on with your hand to the sappy area. Then you may float the residue away with a garden hose. As long as you don't buy the type with pumice which is abrasive and which will scratch your paint you'll be pleased and amazed, as your hands and car will be left delightfully clean.

The Following User Says Thank You to Pineedles For This Useful Post:
GrandmaBig6 (09-27-2011)

09-27-2011, 07:50 PM	#7
CateP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 868 Thanks: 584 Thanked 540 Times in 210 Posts	I was told by an auto detailer to use "Bug and Tar" remover for cars. I wouldn't use anything like Goo Gone or WD40. You may take the shiny finish off your car with that stuff.

The Following User Says Thank You to CateP For This Useful Post:
GrandmaBig6 (09-27-2011)

09-28-2011, 04:34 AM	#10
Jetman Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Alcohol works well as mentioned however after you soften it with one rag, you need to wipe the residue off with another clean rag otherwise it just softens and spreads the sap out. However I just finished using Purell Hand Sanitizer to take off about 50 marks on a black finish. This worked even better. Just a small drop on the sap, wait a few seconds and rub it with your finger, then a clean rag. Works great.

09-28-2011, 04:54 AM	#11
Peter Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Windham, NH Posts: 69 Thanks: 8 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	I second denatured alcohol. Works like a charm.

09-28-2011, 06:20 AM	#12
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,702 Thanks: 751 Thanked 1,454 Times in 1,011 Posts	A little off topic but, does anyone have any ideas how to get pitch off a screen door? We got lots during the hurricane and I am having an awful time getting it off.

09-28-2011, 06:54 AM	#13
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 552 Thanks: 628 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	This has been a WICKED year for pine sap. Some years are worse than others.

09-28-2011, 07:05 AM	#14
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	Same thing on any surface denatured alchohol.

09-28-2011, 07:48 AM	#16
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,573 Thanks: 753 Thanked 354 Times in 266 Posts	Gasoline is one of the best remover's out there, for pine sap on almost anything but on a car you will have to reapply wax, as it will leave the clear coat exposed to the elements __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

09-28-2011, 08:33 AM	#17
ITD Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 2,925 Thanks: 476 Thanked 691 Times in 387 Posts	Just tell him to sit somewhere else.

09-28-2011, 09:14 AM	#18
NN2NH Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I've lurked here for years and am FINALLY registered! How to get sap off a car? The same way you get chewing gum out of children's hair - peanut butter! The simple, safe solution!

The Following User Says Thank You to NN2NH For This Useful Post:
chipj29 (09-30-2011)

09-28-2011, 09:50 AM	#19
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,870 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 892 Times in 524 Posts	The key to getting pine sap off of a vehicle is not to let it sit too long, and then use a little elbow grease.... I am amazed at the suggestions here though, and while I am sure they all work, the potential damage to the finish of the car isn't worth the risk... A good auto-wash soap will have all the ingredients already in it... That is the real key... Make sure you use a soap, designed to wash cars... Turtle wax used to make on that worked remarkably well... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

09-28-2011, 10:20 AM	#20
GrandmaBig6 Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 103 Thanks: 10 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks for the suggestions I'll try some of these over the weekend. Has anyone heard about using mayonnaise? A family member told me about that one. Once I get the sap off I'll definitely have wax in hand to put the wax on. Don't want to damage the paint. Thanks again. Mary

09-28-2011, 10:39 AM	#21
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,591 Thanks: 150 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	AC crapped out in January. If I didn't need AC in my 1964 1/2 Mustang, I don't need it in my ride now, right? How do you know it crapped out in January, were you using it then?

09-28-2011, 10:52 AM	#22
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,542 Thanks: 1,071 Thanked 667 Times in 366 Posts	Hmmm, now how would I know? Anyone?

09-28-2011, 11:03 AM	#23
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	sap Aloe works pretty good. for windows only, use steel wool and go be gone I would not use this on painted areas though. When I was told about the steel wool on glass I was nervous that it would scratch or damage the glass, It did not.

09-28-2011, 12:36 PM	#27
gtxrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Piscataway, NJ Posts: 1,030 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 24 Posts	try this Liquid Luster I use this product. Removes tar, sap.... Attached Images

The Following User Says Thank You to dpg For This Useful Post:
Pineedles (09-30-2011)

The Following User Says Thank You to AC2717 For This Useful Post:
Pineedles (09-30-2011)

09-30-2011, 03:41 PM	#32
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Taken from another post awhile ago: I have used everything. Turpentine WORKS best. Turpentine is made from pine sap so turpentine will disolve pine sap. It will not harm the paint. NB http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turpentine

09-30-2011, 04:00 PM	#33
Loony Singer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 109 Thanks: 30 Thanked 16 Times in 11 Posts	acetone acetone not only takes care of pine sap, but road tar, too.

09-30-2011, 09:48 PM	#36
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 832 Thanks: 256 Thanked 672 Times in 243 Posts	Butter works extremely well. Also works well if you get it on your hands, etc.

10-01-2011, 03:26 PM	#38
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	The products we make have to resist atack by soaking in about 30 chemicals. We have found over the years that the only two chemicals we have to screen potential formulations in are Acetone and Bleach. If it passes testing in those two, everything else is less destructive. Keep the Acetone away from things you like. It also strips the oils out of your skin. BTW, nail polish remover is mostly Acetone.