18 replies to this topic

[c_long20]

When I bought this car a couple years ago it had been parked under a pine tree. Just now getting around to trying to clean the sap off the roof.


Kind of crappy picture, but you get the idea. I have found about 100 different things in my searching. Just wondered if anyone has run into this and what I need to use.

[Keaton85]

Ive used rubbing alcohol but gasoline works great! although it will eat your paint and clear coat if you don't clean it and treat the paint RIGHT after! You need to really wash it with say dishsoap in order to get the residue off and then retreat the paint with wax.

Do this at your own risk as it risky! I do it in direct sunlight as well to evaporate the fuel quicker.

Also do it ASAP as the sap distroys the clear coat.

[Kevin.]

Goof off. You can also use a heat hun and your fingernails or a bone tool

[Swag Swag]

A1C Beiber, on 30 December 2011 - 09:40 PM, said:

Goof off.

Are you F-ing high? It's terrible for your paint

[Keaton85]

questjah, on 30 December 2011 - 09:59 PM, said:

Are you F-ing high? It's terrible for your paint

Anything that takes sap off is going to be bad for your paint!

[Swag Swag]

please delete, on 30 December 2011 - 10:01 PM, said:

Anything that takes sap off is going to be bad for your paint!

Agreed, but I don't let goof off get near my car. Hard on your paint and taking your paint straight off are two different things

[GltGreco]

used gasoline once, worked well, and like others have said make sure you rinse it off well so it doesn't have time to damage the paint too much.

[Serge]

First try something mild like Dawn or other dish soap. That will usually help loosen it. A bit of heat may help loosen it up more.

If that fails, 3M Adhesive and Wax Remover. Perfectly safe for cured paints. I've used it many times with absolutely no adverse affects on paint. The picture below is of the old stuff which worked better. The new stuff comes in a black can and smells like ass, and doesn't work that well.

Edited by Serge, 31 December 2011 - 01:19 AM.

[Hippicus Rebuildacus]

I have used the OXY power dish soaps... make it a good concentration and get a microfiber towel soak it in the solution & get a shit ton of foam & essentially lay it down spread out flat & let it soak. was off... be sure to at least throw some quick detailer on it as the OXY power of shit can remove some waxes

After this usually works but I have found a pretty good idea aside from that... Vinegar / water 50/50 mix WARM water or HOT water... put in spray bottle & spray the roof in your case. let it soak in & wash... same thing with hitting it with quick detailer at least

[c_long20]

I'm not particularly worried about the paint, it looks like ass anyway. Emerald green was not Volvo's best color. I just want it off as it makes the car look even worse.
I tried the oxy dish soap, we had some here at the house! Works really well and doesn't seem to leave any kind of residue. Gonna finish it up, wash, and quick wax it tomorrow. I'll try and post up the pictures sat or sun. Thanks for the advice.

[scumcity14]

You could try naptha too (aka Zippo lighter fluid).

[loseR99]

lacquer thinner on a rag. Just don't get to aggressive.

[tca217]

WD-40 and a soft rag or towel. Spray a bit on, let it sit a while, (3 to 5 mins.) and take rag with WD-40 sprayed onto it and gently rub. Takes off decal and badge residue also and will NOT harm the paint......................................TIM

[nvr70]

I agree with tca. I use WD 40 all the time in the studio to get the sticky stuff off bottles, glass and everything else. And use paper towels as it has a better "bite" to get that stuff off.

[bpray9223]

Apply baby oil to sap in the sunlight, and then use a mild soap to remove.

[pcguru000]

Is it like baked on from the sun? I had some on my car and it just washed off with some soapy water... even after baking in the sun for a few days...

[survolvo]

Floss. Has to be dry though.

[c_long20]

Floss? Like dental floss? Maybe Im missing something there.

WD40 and lacquer thinner seem to work the best. I still have the spots there, I guess sap took the clear with it. Meguires quick wax helped. She really needs some paint.
Sorry but no pictures, camera is dead.

Thanks for all the advice.