Auto body repair & detailing: Tree Sap Removal, road grime, tree sap


Question
Hello

I have Tree Sap on my Vehicle, its really hard to get off. I have tried Gummout Bug and Sap remover with no success. Anything out there that I can use that will not dammage the finish?

The Vehicle in Question is a 2004 Ford Ranger

Any suggestions?

Thank you for your time  

Answer
Try lacquer thinner inside the door jam first to see if it OK to use on your truck...as your truck's original paint is a two part catalyzed system--not lacquer, so it should be OK.

If this cuts your paint, go to a real Auto Body store—the store where body shops buy from.

Tell the guy at the Auto Body store that you're looking for a couple of clean-up solvents--one volatile enough to cut primer over spray, road grime, and tar; the other, just moderate--barely volatile, just enough to wipe down your freshly primed work area just prior to painting.

Try these, but be careful.  The strong type works twice as good as the best bug and tar remover, but won't cut your original paint.  I say be careful, because it can discolor things like flat black bumpers, trim, etc...

The moderate one is more like your bug and tar remover, but with a longer dry time.  Its really used to wipe down an entire car, including freshly sprayed primer, just prior to painting.  Its good for removing grime, and it may be enough to cut through your sap; if not, go to the stronger solvent.