re: tar and sap removal

[halfdane]

we have a 2014 access with full paint. suggestions on products for removing tree sap and tar without damaging paint or gel coat?

[MrMarog]

If it still sticky you can use mineral spirits or charcoal lighter fluid. Neither will harm modern day finishes.

If it is hard I use a single edge razor blade and carefully slice it off, then use the above solvents to finish the removal.

I ran a collision shop for 25 years and found these two techniques to be the easiest , safest and quickest. The razor blade takes a little care, but is really easier and safer than it sounds.

[Oldchinahand]

Back in Tucson for a couple of weeks to warm up from that severe 74 degree weather up in the Flagstaff area. While there, parked under the pines. Both Winnie and dinghy came home covered in sap.

Ditto MrMarog, mineral spirits are the answer. I prefer to use the (relatively) new non flammable mineral spirits. Looks like milk. Don't like it as a paint thinner, but prefer it for cleaning. Brushes, tar streaks, etc.

Did the Winnie and dinghy yesterday (full day). The spirits left a shine, even though I assume it took off the wax. Will wax by n by.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

[Wetstuff]

HD, Ditch the solvents, the pre-packaged pancake batter, 30% breast milk, etc. at the car store. Rather, go to Walmart or Walgreens and buy a bottle of 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. Find the nastiest, oldest, crusty bit of ambered tree sap and with a small, well-wetted rag rub like you are polishing an old coin. It's magic.

The trick, however, is that you have diluted the pitch or tar to its smallest parts, so you've ended up with a percentage spread on the surface. Throw that first rag (good reason to keep them very small) away and finish off with a new one. ...'functional magic.

Jim

[MovingMann]

Another store shelf product: WD-40 will remove residue of tar & sap & glue base. As stated, apply liberally & give a few seconds before rubbing off.

Also, when waxing; to prevent swirl marks, use corn starch with your buffering tool or clean wipe off cloth.

[rockymax]

I second the WD-40 recommendation. That product is amazing in the multiple uses available.

[luvlabs]

Pine sap - use denatured alcohol
Tar - use petroleum based solvent like paint thinner, lighter fluid, etc. Don't use lacquer thinner.