How to remove tree wax?


GTJack

GTJack

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Oct 1, 2006
1,731
Saddlebrooke, MO
Parked my GT at a friends a while back and did not notice his oak trees had left tiny (pin head size) spots on the car. I travel on business, and the next time I went to drive the car, weeks later, I noticed the spotting. Colorless, but if you look close you can see it in the reflection. I tried a mild soap, then a heavier soap and it did nothing.

Has anyone out there had a similar experience and what do you recommend to clean it with? My concern is that it may have actually bonded chemically with the clearcoat and I may have to buff it out.
 
I have used a product by Turtle Wax call Bug and Tar and Tree Sap Remover. This product should do the trick. I have used it on every car I have owned for the past 25 years and have never had any problems. I would recommend using it only in the spots needed and then rewax the car. Good Luck.
 
Yeah that turtle wax stuff is great! BTW another thing I do twice a year to my Mustang is clean it with Mothers Clay Bar System. If you pass your hand across the car after you wash it ,and feel little tiny bumps you need to use a clay bar to remove them. I notice them in the fall, I even have a car cover, but driving in the fall (especially) you pick up sap mist and other pollutants. :cheers ~ Rob
 
.

tree sap can get real ugly.

clear tree sap, in the sun for a few hours, will turn to a dark brown/black spot, very difficult to remove.

In some and many cases, the Turtle stuff won't touch it.

The only answer is a nearly 100% alcohol sap remover. But you need to be careful. On dark cars, agressive scrubbing/removal can do more damage than good. It will harm/scratch the paint surface, but in some cases, that is the ONLY way to remove it.

If the TW solves the problem, great. If not, let me know, I'll get the name of the company and product, and repost.
 
The Turtle Wax should get it done. My explorer was driven over hot tar and after a couple years of the tar on the body, the turtle wax got it off. The trick is to let it sit for a couple minutes and then rub with pressure with a soft cloth. If its on there good, it may take a few tries but eventually even the hardest and oldest stuff comes off.

--Bill
 
You can always use a rubbing compound, or some type of cutting polish. 3M makes different polishes with different cutting properties. They have a number system. It's almost like color sanding, and your paint will look great, obviously if you use it right. It is not for the novice.

Keep your car waxed, and you will have an extra layer of protection.
 
If you don't have a can or two of 3M adhesive remover in your garage, you certainly will after you use it once. It is EXCELLENT at tree sap, adhesive glue, road tar, etc. My local Wal-Mart carries the dang stuff. Trust me, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
 
Agree with the 3M adhesive remover, and the claybar. Also last year I started using Menzerna polishes from Germany and they are awesome. They have quite a system for optimizing the factory-given finish on your car. I've found after using one of their polishes (different amounts of abraisives for different qualities of finish and problems) if I put a coat of Pinnacle Sovreign wax on it's just better than anything I've (or anyone else who's seen it) has ever experienced. Here's a link:

http://www.properautocare.com/menpolandpad.html
 
A bug and tar remover should do it. Alternatively try the Zymol HD Cleanse.

Whatever you use - try on a small area that's not too noticeable first. Also use sparingly and gently.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom