How to Get Tree Sap Off Car Paint

Remove tree sap from your car carefully to prevent scratching the paint.

When you park your car under a tree, you cannot avoid the sap that may fall onto it. The sun can make the sap harden, which makes it even more difficult to remove. In order to remove the sap from the car without damaging the paint, you need to follow to right precautions. Once you remove the tree sap from the car, rinse the area off and apply a car wax to restore the area to its natural appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Finger nail polish
• Cotton ball
• Mineral spirits
• Microfiber cloth
• Car wax

Instructions

1. Wipe the area around the tree sap with a moist cloth. This will remove the dirt and dust from the car to prevent rubbing any foreign particles into the paint.

2. Apply finger nail polish remover to a cotton ball. Gently rub the fingernail polish soaked cotton ball on the tree sap. Continue to apply the nail polish until you remove the tree sap. If the sap still appears, try another method.

3. Apply mineral spirits to a soft microfiber cloth. Gently rub the washcloth with the mineral spirits onto the tar.

4. Rinse the area with warm water. Apply wax to the tree sap area following the directions on the wax container.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a bristle brush or an abrasive sponge because this can scratch your car paint.

References

• Tint Dude: Removing Tree Sap Stains
• Quazen: Tree Sap: Get It Off Your Car and Keep Your Paint Intact

Resources

• USA Auto Parts: BMW World: How to Remove Tree Sap