Removing Pine Sap off a finish

[Wiscon_Mark]

Maybe this could go in The Tool Box, but it's not technically a tool, but a product that I'm looking for.

I'm restoring a van that has been sitting under a very sappy pine tree for a couple of years, and it has globs on it.

I'm just wonder what does/doesn't work, and what your experience was with removal and what it did to your finish after?

Thanks in advance...

[joaks]

I usually use isopropanol for sap. I think a lot of the commercial products are mostly alcohol or a similar solvent. This works okay but still takes some work. It will take off your wax.
If it is a hard sap you might be able to take it off with a credit card (I did not have luck with this) or even a razor blade (I'm afraid to try!).
I did try detailing clay also. Works for fine on very small (pinhead) droplets but either did nothing or gave a little smear on larger globs.
Something like Megs #9 or similar abrasive might work also, but I would try a solvent or something else first as an abrasive will remove a little of the paint or clearcoat.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yeah, once I get it off, I'm planning on using some #105 and then #205 to polish.

I ended up getting some Armor-All bug & tar remover to try it out (it wasn't real expensive, so we'll see) and maybe I can use it for bugs on the bumper too.

[mattmatty]

I know this comes a bit late but it may provide valuable info for others. I have found that 3M makes an adhesive remover (03618) that works absolute wonders. It can be found at any walmart in the automotive section. I used it to literally wipe away pine sap and bug splatter on my mazda with fantastic reults. It also removes sticker and decal residue and can aid in debadging or removing trim. Do use caution near your plastic headlights, overspray can cause hazing but can be used to wipe away bugs and remove spray on tinting if applied to a cloth first.

http://3mcollision.com/3m-adhesive-remover-03618.html

[Wiscon_Mark]

Good tip, thank you.

I found that isoprophyl alcohol works much better than the bug & tar sprays they sell at auto shops. Much cheaper, too.