Parking your car under a tree during early spring can bear a lot of risks to your car paint as tree saps may fall off and make the stain that is very hard to scrub off. It is problematic for most car owners, so today, we are going to talk about how to remove tree sap from your car paint.
Although a small tree sap might not seem like something too problematic, if it dries, you are definitely in for some issues. Moreover, if your car is directly exposed to the sun, things can go from bad to worse quickly. We did a bit of research and found some useful methods to help you remove tree sap from your car effectively, and we would like to share this info with you. So, if you want to find out more, read on.
Why You Should Remove Tree Sap Right Away
Tree sap is right up there with bug residue and bird droppings when it comes to stains on your car paint. When you notice such stains, you should react immediately since they can disfigure the paint job on your car and damage your windshield wipers.
Removing tree saps as soon as possible is very important since they will slowly eat through the paint, and the situation will get increasingly worse as the day warms up. The higher the heat is, the higher the rate at which sap sticks.
Methods You Can Use to Remove Tree Sap From Car Paint
Tree sap stains are very persistent, meaning that you will require some specific methods to remove them. Luckily, there are more than a few solutions, and we are going to share them with you in the section below. So, let us start without any delay.
1. Hand Wash With Automotive Shampoo
One of the first and easiest methods for tree sap removal is washing your car with car wash shampoo. Sometimes, the pressure washer can provide you with enough to combat this type of stain, and it is both easily accessible and affordable.
If this method does not work, it means the stain probably dried out too much, and you will have to resort to more aggressive techniques. Car wash shampoo is an excellent lubricant for cleaning the paintwork on your car, so you can opt for some heavy-duty types as well since they are slightly of a pH-neutral formula that provides additional cleaning power.
Another thing that is important to note about car wash shampoos is that they can strip off any existing car wax you may have applied to the car’s surface previously.
2. Alcohol-Based Solution
For sticky stains such as the ones from tree saps, alcohol-based solutions such as diluted Isopropyl Alcohol can do wonders. This solution works by breaking down the tree sap so that when wiping with a clean microfiber, it may come right off easily.
If this method fails and does not clean the stain, then you may need to use a clay bar. It is important to note that it is essential to let this solution sit on the paintwork for some time in the sun, especially across strong dilutions, as it can damage the clear coat.
It will mainly depend on how you concentrate IPA solution, as it can come in different strengths, but to be safe, dilute it with water.
3. Use a Clay Bar
Keeping your car paint in good shape is essential, and one of the most effective ways to do so is by using a clay bar. It is a block of specialized clay that is made for automotive use. This bar is used for rubbing all over the surface of your car, and it removes any dirt or residue that might have gotten trapped on the paint.
When you use this method, it is crucial to get enough lubrication between the surface of the paint and the clay bar. This is important since the clay bar will not move properly without the appropriate amount of lubrication, and you want to avoid the chances of marring the paintwork at all costs.
4. Use a Polish
If you have difficulties using the methods we just listed, then you will require a polish. The polishing compound comes with abrasives in the formula, and sometimes, all you need is to use a bit of elbow grease to get rid of stubborn stains such as the ones from the tree saps.
Using this method will likely be sufficient, and you will be able to use it on your own, but it is recommended to use someone who is skilled in the use of a machine polisher. This is important since the last thing you want to happen is to create additional dents on the paintwork of your car.
For example, if you want to use the wet-sanding technique, it is likely that you will need to finish off with a machine polish. Sandpaper can be very aggressive and can create micro dents and marks in this process, and these blemishes will require a correction by machine.
5. Use WD40
WD40 is an excellent solution for removing persistent stains on your car’s paintwork. You will need to shake the can several times, then spray this solution on the affected area. Afterward, let it do its work for roughly five minutes with a cling film of a large paper towel covering stained areas.
After you allow this solution to do its magic, wipe away the residue and WD40 from the surface of the car, and it should be spotlessly clean.
6. Use Commercial Cleaner
The commercial cleaner is also a great cleaning product for the removal of tree sap stains. If you opt for this method, make sure to follow the instructions for the product step by step to avoid any type of inconvenience.
The general rule is to apply the cleaner on the cloth, place it on the affected area for about a minute, then gently scrub until you notice that the stain is removed. Afterward, you will need to rinse the affected areas or wipe them off with a damp cloth.
Final Words
As you can see, there are plenty of effective methods for tree sap removal, but the key is to approach each of them cautiously to avoid any type of damage to the paint. Scrubbing paintwork or windshields should be done in a gentle manner, and if you do everything by the book, you will get rid of these stains in no time.