Forum Discussion

tarnold's avatar
tarnold
Explorer
May 25, 2018

Sap remover

Recently parked under either ash or elm trees? And they dumped a ton of little green super sticky things all over my roof(fiberglass). Each one had to be picked off, would not blow off going down the road, really sappy stuck. Stopped by the place that repainted my unit and they gave me a bottle of sea foam bug cleaner and it sort of works if you rub hard enough. While replacing the tv antenna yesterday, used some acetone to clean old caulk and hit a few of the sticky spots. Cleaned off spots very easy. BUT I’m concerned about using the acetone on a fairly new really nice full body paint job. Comments or suggestions?
Seeking Advice
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 25, 2018
    Acetone shouldn’t hurt cured enamel auto paint or clear coat but I’d go a little less harsh like lacquer thinner or 3M adhesive remover.
    Don’t get it in trim or decals
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    May 25, 2018
    Acetone is too strong, always start mild and work toward stronger.

    Denatured alcohol
    Mineral Spirits
    Lacquer thinner
    Etc.

    I would be very reluctant to use anything stronger than alcohol or mineral spirits in your case.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    May 25, 2018
    Hand sanitizer, it contains alcohol and doesn't evaporate too fast.
  • Boon_Docker's avatar
    Boon_Docker
    Explorer III
    May 25, 2018
    Use turpentine on a rag, will not harm the surface and works real quick.
  • maddog348's avatar
    maddog348
    Explorer
    May 25, 2018
    Use the little Purell Packets to get the tree sap out of dogs feet when we go to the mountains. Also good to get the sap offa the back of my jeans.

    JM2¢ ~~ YMMV
  • s1214's avatar
    s1214
    Explorer
    May 25, 2018
    I have pine pitch. I use a little canola cooking oil and a rag for the bodywork. Bon Ami cleanser and a rag for the glass. Really stubborn stains get a shot of WD40.
  • KCFDCapt's avatar
    KCFDCapt
    Explorer
    May 25, 2018
    Rubbing alcohol is the solvent of choice for organic messes. Tree sap is organic.

    Hand sanitizer is alcohol based and will do the job.

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