jamesmhood

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

dbtk

I just use Meguiar's Car Cleaner Wax or if really bad I spot use Meguiar's Clear Coat Safe Rubbing Compound G18016.

c4004matic

A little rubbing alcohol and thats it. Use a cotton ball to dab it.

Long Islander

Use any brand of bug and tar remover, then paint cleaner, then wax. In the future, avoid parking under the same tree.

jumpman726

Yes, rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball definitely works. Let the alcohol soak the tree sap for a few seconds before you start rubbing it away.

jamesmhood

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.

Long Islander

It seems the alcohol was a better suggestion. I'll keep that in mind.

dbtk

HOwever, note that alcohol will strip off any protective wax or polish. You will need to reprotect the surfaces which you have applied alcohol.

Jan AMG

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.

jamesmhood

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

c4004matic

Precisely right