Hello,

I'm just wondering if Tree Sap carries by wind from a tree? I've been noticing tree sap on my car, and the only time it sits out is at work. I park a good 10-15 feet away from a tree, but I make sure that there are no branches hanging over my car. Anyway, I've been noticing some tree sap, so I'm wondering if that's where it's coming from. I was always under the impression that you had to be pretty much parked directly under a tree in order to have it drip onto your car.

Lastly, will tree sap hurt the paint finish? I wash my car reguarly, and it does come off, but I didn't know if this was destroying my paint finish.

Thanks!

 

I would imagine it could if it was windy? I occasionally get very small specks of sap on my vehicles, naturally after washing, when Im nowhere near trees!

Mineral spirits is an oil-based solvent oftentimes used as paint thinner and commonly found in many homes. This household item is also effectively used for removing tree sap from cars. Soak into a towel and wipe onto the affected area. Repeat as needed until the tree sap is gone and wash as usual.
Another great pine tree sap remover is WD-40. Its mild solvent properties easily break down sap. The lubricant is safe on most types of paint. Spray it on and rinse it off with vinegar and water solution. Wash as usual.

 

In my experience if its the type that washes off it usually doesn't harm anything as long as its washed off in a day or 2 .. at most a week. Regular wash to some people is every 2 weeks and I wouldn't chance that.

If it does wash off then you don't need to go the solvent route etc.

Some saps can actually check the clear and others, tho removable with solvents or terpentine, can permanently stain the clear coat.

 

Good tips Patrick, I've used both before with success. Two other options I've used are using the same technique as the mineral spirits with isopropyl alcohol. Stoner Tarminator also works great at removing sap and can sometimes be found locally.

I try to always follow up with some clay to ensure all of the sap is removed from the paint, then assess your paint to see if the sap etched or stained your paint and polish if needed.

Between those options you shouldn't have any problem removing sap on your paint.

 

I have found this especially true if the sap is left unnoticed or unattended. Once its dries on the paint (at least Pine Sap) your screwed...............
George, I failed to mention IPA.................thanks for catching that and further care with adding the clay and polish. Good extra points on that one!