How to Remove Beech Tree Sap Dots From Cars

Tree sap will cause damage to your car's paint.

Beech trees sap can prove difficult to remove from the painted surface of your car. Soap and water will not work. Nail polish remover can remove it, but should be used sparingly or it will cause more damage to your paint than the tree sap. Remove the sap as soon as you see it on your car because once the sun bakes it onto the surface it will become nearly impossible to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls
• Baking soda
• Water
• Bucket
• Non abrasive cloth or towel
• Car wax
• Chamois (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover.

2. Rub the cotton ball in a circular motion on the beech tree sap spots on your vehicle. Rub the sap until the bubble shapes are removed. Rinse off the nail polish remover thoroughly.

3. Mix 1 cup of baking soda and 3 cups of water in a bucket. The baking soda will remove the sap residue on your car.

4. Wash over the sap spots with the baking soda solution. Use a non-abrasive cloth or an old towel to wash the areas where you applied the nail polish remover. Ensure the residue and nail polish remover completely wash away. Allow the car to dry naturally, or wipe it down with a chamois.

5. Wax the car, especially the areas where you removed the sap. Car wax will help prevent sap from penetrating your car's paint job.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get tree sap on your hands, rub mayonnaise on them and rinse off with water.

• Wash the nail polish away immediately after removing the sap. Solvents may dull the paint work if left on the surface for long periods of time.

• Apply the nail polish remover outdoors or in a well vented garage. Solvent fumes can be harmful if inhaled.

References

• U.S.A. Autoparts: BMW World, How to Remove Tree Sap
• Gardening Know How: How to Remove Tree Sap
• Los Angeles Times: Tree Sap and Paint Jobs are Natural Enemies

Resources

• Channel 4: Cleaning Tips From Experts and Readers