I've been using rubbing alcohol to remove tree (pine) sap from my truck. It does a very good job and doesn't appear to be harming the paint. I've tried using a commercial bug/tar/tree sap removal product but it worked very poorly on sap. My question: will rubbing alcohol cause any long term problems with the paint? I asked a guy who used to own a body shop and he said it would be OK to use on these newer acrylic paints but I'd like to get more opinions. Thanks...

 

Yes it should be fine but I would re-wax the spot when you are done. I personally use Ronsonol Lighter fluid for tar and sap removal. For bug removal I use used dryer sheets (bounce) and it just wisks them away with very little effort. Rinse the area with fresh water.

Hub

 

You should be able to wash tree sap off with water. That is all I use.

 

warm soapy water, followed by Clay Magic or any other clay bar.

been there, done sap.

garrett

 

I don't know where the OP lives but a drop of tree sap sitting in the 103 degree heat today will be rock hard in a matter of hours and no amount of water will remove it.

As far as clay bars go, have you tried to use a clay bar in 103 degree heat?

Hub

 

wd-40!!! works like a champ.

 

i 2nd the wd-40!

 

Yeah, it's no biggie. Just wait till evening and cool the surface off with some cool water.

Obviously, doing clay work in the direct sun on a hot day isn't the brightest thing to do.

garrett

 

another vote for wd-40

 

3&M emblem and adhesive remover, x2 on tree sap and 103 out

 

hahaha man ..... i have a blk ctd and i have the worst sap problem my trees drip more sap in a day then anything soo last weekend i spend the day cleaning ,i teied eveything then i read the off deep woods, you just have to be carefull when u spray it on ,as soon as u spray it on wipe it all around w/ your hand,dont let the areosol sit on paint haha i did in one spot ,and it left splatter marks ,that are not fun to get out but hell the crap great on sap

 

If I have that much trouble with tree sap, get me the chainsaw. Been there and had firewood to boot.

 

I use3M rubbing compound.

 

bingo! we have a winner!

 

Thanks for the replies, fellas. I never thought of WD-40. Are you sure that won't hurt the paint in any way? I just need reassurance...thanks