How to remove tree sap from black paint without damaging the paint
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 52
Likes: 5
From: Davenport, Iowa
2014 E Wagon, 1984 911, 2017 E wagon
How to remove tree sap from black paint without damaging the paint
I own a black E400 wagon. There is tree sap about the size and depth of a quarter on front fender.
I would appreciate ideas how and what to use to remove the tree sap without ruining the paint.
If you have successfully removed tree sap what product did you use?
Thank you for your ideas.
James Hood
I would appreciate ideas how and what to use to remove the tree sap without ruining the paint.
If you have successfully removed tree sap what product did you use?
Thank you for your ideas.
James Hood
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 68
From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
I own a black E400 wagon. There is tree sap about the size and depth of a quarter on front fender.
I would appreciate ideas how and what to use to remove the tree sap without ruining the paint.
If you have successfully removed tree sap what product did you use?
Thank you for your ideas.
James Hood
I would appreciate ideas how and what to use to remove the tree sap without ruining the paint.
If you have successfully removed tree sap what product did you use?
Thank you for your ideas.
James Hood
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
I own a black E400 wagon. There is tree sap about the size and depth of a quarter on front fender.
I would appreciate ideas how and what to use to remove the tree sap without ruining the paint.
If you have successfully removed tree sap what product did you use?
Thank you for your ideas.
James Hood
I would appreciate ideas how and what to use to remove the tree sap without ruining the paint.
If you have successfully removed tree sap what product did you use?
Thank you for your ideas.
James Hood
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 308
Likes: 76
2024 E350
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 52
Likes: 5
From: Davenport, Iowa
2014 E Wagon, 1984 911, 2017 E wagon
Special thank you to c4004matic and jumpman 726
Before posting this thread, I tried a bug and tar remover on the tree sap 2 times. It did not remove the sap.
I used a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol and it immediately removed the sap. There was no paint damage..
Interestly the rubbing alcohol was less than $2, while the bug and tar remover was over $10.
Thank you c4004matic and jumpman726 for the excellent advise.
I used a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol and it immediately removed the sap. There was no paint damage..
Interestly the rubbing alcohol was less than $2, while the bug and tar remover was over $10.
Thank you c4004matic and jumpman726 for the excellent advise.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 77
From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
Before posting this thread, I tried a bug and tar remover on the tree sap 2 times. It did not remove the sap.
I used a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol and it immediately removed the sap. There was no paint damage..
Interestly the rubbing alcohol was less than $2, while the bug and tar remover was over $10.
Thank you c4004matic and jumpman726 for the excellent advise.
I used a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol and it immediately removed the sap. There was no paint damage..
Interestly the rubbing alcohol was less than $2, while the bug and tar remover was over $10.
Thank you c4004matic and jumpman726 for the excellent advise.
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From: Behind the wheel
The best or nothing
I suggest taking it to a professional detailer, let them handle it and get a ceramic coating. It is well worth it, you’ll get a superb deep shine and several years of protection. If you don’t want to spend too much money, get at least a good wax, which should last from 3 to 12 months.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 52
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From: Davenport, Iowa
2014 E Wagon, 1984 911, 2017 E wagon
Procedure I used in removing tree sap:
1. Wash area
2. Dry area
3. Apply alcohol with Q tip
4. Wash area
5. Dry area
6. Apply Cleaner wax and buff with cloth
7. Apply wax and buff with cloth
1. Wash area
2. Dry area
3. Apply alcohol with Q tip
4. Wash area
5. Dry area
6. Apply Cleaner wax and buff with cloth
7. Apply wax and buff with cloth
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