Sticky gum like residue on bonnet of car !!!

[Please help]

Hello, I have recently bought a brand new car and have been parking it out of the way.

Unfortunately this means parking it near some bushes and trees which appear to be over hanging the bonnet of the car.

Today I noticed some sticky residue on the bonnet of the car. I can only assume its from the bushes/trees. It feels really 'tacky' to touch and was wondering what would be the easiest way of getting the stuff off without damaging the paint work.

Thanks all

[Steffan]

Please help said:

Hello, I have recently bought a brand new car and have been parking it out of the way.

Unfortunately this means parking it near some bushes and trees which appear to be over hanging the bonnet of the car.

Today I noticed some sticky residue on the bonnet of the car. I can only assume its from the bushes/trees. It feels really 'tacky' to touch and was wondering what would be the easiest way of getting the stuff off without damaging the paint work.

Thanks all

Unfortunately there is no easy answer. Soap and water with gentle regular washing is the best. But IME paints are affected by this particularly with lacquered paintwork. Lacquer peeling can occur and the paint may fade from the alkali in birds excrement on the paint. I wish you success but it is by no meas an easy problem to solve. Avoid the trees I
s the bet answer.

[paintman]

Could well be tree sap, although a little late in the year but we have had a long hot summer!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/384000...
bit more here:
https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20...
Lots more if you google it.

[Please help]

Thanks for the replies. I did have a quick look on Google last night and was a bit concerned that some of the suggestions might do some serious damage to the paintwork !!.

I did come across one solution which stated adding some bicarbonate soda in some warm water. Not sure if anyone has tried that ?.

Thanks

[DoubleSix]

Jesus! Bicarb!! Step away from the vehicle.

A bit of acetone should lift it away without the need for rubbing and abrasion. Just ensure you reseal/wax after....

[Please help]

Thanks. That's why I wanted to get some opinions before I started !!!.

[Johnthepotter]

I have a lime tree in my garden which constantly covers my car with sap. I find normal car shampoo and plenty of water
removes it quite easily. I did have paint work sealant applied when the car was new however (now 4 months old) - this probably helps!

Remove the tree I hear you say ? I have thought about it but it adds too much to the garden!!