Tree sap - lots of it!

[Grapevine226]

We've been away in our campervan to France for a few weeks and it had the usual road filth etc on it. Yesterday was the day I was going to clean it off. However, it looks like there is A LOT of tree sap on the vehicle which is almost impossible to get off with usual car shampoo.

I can pick an individual spot off, but clearly that's not a practical solution when the entire roof, bonnet, boot etc is covered.

I'm not a detailer (and don't have any of the equipment) but thought I would pop into this section for advice. I've been told about WD40, alcohol etc, but that seems to be more appropriate for small spots, not the entire bodywork. Not having any specialist equipment, I'm wondering whether this is a case of going to a professional to sort? Unless anyone has any advice?

Edited by Grapevine226 on Sunday 1st September 08:10

Edited by Grapevine226 on Sunday 1st September 08:11

Edited by Grapevine226 on Sunday 1st September 08:11

Edited by Grapevine226 on Sunday 1st September 08:12

Edited by Grapevine226 on Sunday 1st September 08:12

Edited by Grapevine226 on Sunday 1st September 08:21

[fourstardan]

Tree sap is a resin, get it off as soon as possible.

Do you have pictures? It might need an All Purpose Cleaner thats a bit harsher to break it down.

[Grapevine226]

fourstardan said:

Tree sap is a resin, get it off as soon as possible.

Do you have pictures? It might need an All Purpose Cleaner thats a bit harsher to break it down.

Sorry, was having difficulty loadng images but they should be there now.

[Car bon]

As above - get it off ASAP.

If it won't come off with soap and water, then I'd try Isoprene in a spray bottle & rub. with a cloth.

Clearly a good overall wash once completed.

[Grapevine226]

Car bon said:

As above - get it off ASAP.

If it won't come off with soap and water, then I'd try Isoprene in a spray bottle & rub. with a cloth.

Clearly a good overall wash once completed.

We've actually got some of this in the house - but it's 99%. Is that ok or does it need diluting?

[Car bon]

Grapevine226 said:

We've actually got some of this in the house - but it's 99%. Is that ok or does it need diluting?

I'd probably start 50% - but I'm not a pro...... has worked for me in the past though and was advised to use it by a pro detailer.

[lancslad58]

Alcohol based soap, used to "borrow" some of the liquid soap from the loos at work.Got rid of most of the fresh deposits from pine trees.

[Belle427]

Tar and glue remover, the autoglym stuff from halfords is pretty good.

[Weso]

Car bon said:

Grapevine226 said:

We've actually got some of this in the house - but it's 99%. Is that ok or does it need diluting?

I'd probably start 50% - but I'm not a pro...... has worked for me in the past though and was advised to use it by a pro detailer.

99% will be fine. It's what we use to remove the glue from when we've been pulling dents out with hot glue tabs.

[itcaptainslow]

A detailing clay should remove it.

[Glosphil]

Years ago when my 2000 Honda Accord had resin on the bonnet & roof after parking under trees at a French hotel it was easily removed with my clay bar. At the same time removed other contamination on the paint. Following a polish it was better than before.