Need some advice here. I keep a frest coat of Zymol on my 04 TSX. But I have some pits on the trunk which I think is tree sap (not sure). What do you guys recommend to try to remove this stuff if it is sap? No luck with non abrasive stuff like Mother's carnuba, Zymol, or McGuire's Swirl Remover.

Also, mild scrathes in the clear coat from trying to get this crap off. I probably sealed the stuff in with a few coats of wax. Real shiny, but still there. Suggestions ? Thanks.

 

Non-abrasive stuff is not intended to remove anything. If anything, it'd sealed the contiminates in. On the other hand, the swirl remover is abrasive.

Have you tried claying it? I see you're using Mother's and Meguiars, both those brand sell a clay kit for not too much. Try it out and see how it is.

 

Hey, thanks for the clay advice. Is it safe to use ?

 

Yes its definitly safe to use if done correctly and really pretty easy too. Here is a link that can provide much more info.

http://articles.autopia.org/index.ph...2&id=31&c=root

Besides clay, the other thing you could try is a chemical cleaner like Meguiars Medallion Paint Cleaner. However it is really only good for minor contaminants.

 

I'm confused.. you say you think it's sap but you have "pits" ..

Pits indicate "dimples" or depressions .. sap would be a raised area (and if not sealed in) should be somewhat sticky or gummy. (You should be able to press a thumbnail into it and leave a depression)

If it is sap, a good sap and tar remover will take care of it. I have a 7 year old can of something (3M??) that I just used last week and worked great.

If it is a "pit" then you have something else going on there...

 

Tree Resin (Sap):
(Appears like a dark brown/ red coloured surface mark) some of the most common resinous tree sap types are: White Pine, Maple, Oak, Popular, and Blue Spruce, none of which are water soluble, the acidic content of the sap will etch the paint surface, causing a concave surface.

These can be removed by using detailer's clay to remove any hardened surface deposits and then using either Isopropyl alcohol (ISP) or if that doesn’t remove it use a machine polish, Iz einzett TM Metallic Polish or Iz einzett TM Paint Polish and a cutting (LC Orange or Yellow) foam pad (speed # 4) to level the surface, reapply surface protection once spots have been removed (to remove sap etching from glass see Water Spots)

Factors as to the amount of time it takes to remove sap and what damage it has caused are dependent on temperature and time the sap has been on the paint surface. Be careful and take your time removing it, remember always let the products do the work for you.

Tree sap that is still soft can be removed by soaking with Isopropyl Alcohol (or Stoner’s Terminator) wet the area with the product and allows it to remain on the surface for 3-5 minutes, then wipe with soft dry towel. For tree sap that has hardened, carefully scrape the top of the spot off with a plastic razor blade to expose the softer sap inside.

Soak a towel with the solvent placing it over the sap and let soak for 10-minutes, repeat in order for the solvents to break down the sap, once it’s removed re-apply sealant / wax protection of your choice.
Some saps will lift and crack the paint, this damage will require refinishing. Turpentine is made from tree resins, in severe cases it can be used to break down the resin in tree sap, use as a last resort only and use sparingly and do not rub hard and give it some time to work.
JonM