Removing and protecting against tree sap.
Discussion
New house is surrounded by trees, which is lovely but has draw backs!
Fresh sap that is still soft I am having good results from wd40, quick spray and a bit of a rub, rinse with normal car shampoo.
However if it's been left a week and gone hard it is absolutely not shifting, even on the glass where your able to be a bit more firm with the scrubbing!
The internet appears to suggest turpentine (not turps substitute) as being good, and presumably safe on paint? Are there any other car/paint specific options or recommendations?
Then I presume it's worth getting a bit more serious about some wax to protect against reoccurrence? So far I've just used a big standard petrol station spec wash and wax. Don't have time for fill spec detailing, but do like a clean car.
Daniel
Fresh sap that is still soft I am having good results from wd40, quick spray and a bit of a rub, rinse with normal car shampoo.
However if it's been left a week and gone hard it is absolutely not shifting, even on the glass where your able to be a bit more firm with the scrubbing!
The internet appears to suggest turpentine (not turps substitute) as being good, and presumably safe on paint? Are there any other car/paint specific options or recommendations?
Then I presume it's worth getting a bit more serious about some wax to protect against reoccurrence? So far I've just used a big standard petrol station spec wash and wax. Don't have time for fill spec detailing, but do like a clean car.
Daniel
dhutch said:
Anyone?
We had the problem with a tree in our garden. I cut down the tree.Our cars are cleaned regularly and I still avoid trees like the plague because at certain times of the year they get covered. I have been told that it's actually aphid poo, with the sap having passed through the aphid.
So said:
We had the problem with a tree in our garden. I cut down the tree.
Our cars are cleaned regularly and I still avoid trees like the plague because at certain times of the year they get covered. I have been told that it's actually aphid poo, with the sap having passed through the aphid.
I am fairly sure this is sap, clear and sticky, in blobs about the size of a pea.Our cars are cleaned regularly and I still avoid trees like the plague because at certain times of the year they get covered. I have been told that it's actually aphid poo, with the sap having passed through the aphid.
Normally I would avoid parking under a tree like you, but it isn't really an option in this instance, and at the moment the rate of occurrence is manageable as long as there is a solution to the odd times I don't get to it in time.
Daniel
dhutch said:
So said:
We had the problem with a tree in our garden. I cut down the tree.
Our cars are cleaned regularly and I still avoid trees like the plague because at certain times of the year they get covered. I have been told that it's actually aphid poo, with the sap having passed through the aphid.
I am fairly sure this is sap, clear and sticky, in blobs about the size of a pea.Our cars are cleaned regularly and I still avoid trees like the plague because at certain times of the year they get covered. I have been told that it's actually aphid poo, with the sap having passed through the aphid.
Normally I would avoid parking under a tree like you, but it isn't really an option in this instance, and at the moment the rate of occurrence is manageable as long as there is a solution to the odd times I don't get to it in time.
Daniel
We have two protected lime trees at the front of our house that hang over the cars. This time of year is a nightmare.
I left my car under it for a few days and couldnt open the door or windows, they were sealed shut.
Sap from the limes looks a bit like clear overspray, lots of dots.
Because they are protected, we have to get planning to have them cut back. This process takes 6 weeks.
Both the Limes have just been pollarded and reduced in height by 50%.
Interestingly, we had them pollarded two years ago and I am amazed at how quickly they grow back.
The cost is an eye watering £600 from a local tree surgeon.
I left my car under it for a few days and couldnt open the door or windows, they were sealed shut.
Sap from the limes looks a bit like clear overspray, lots of dots.
Because they are protected, we have to get planning to have them cut back. This process takes 6 weeks.
Both the Limes have just been pollarded and reduced in height by 50%.
Interestingly, we had them pollarded two years ago and I am amazed at how quickly they grow back.
The cost is an eye watering £600 from a local tree surgeon.
dhutch said:
So said:
The stuff I am referring to is much smaller. It's like a rough coating on the paint, and almost invisible.
Yes, I know what you mean now, and have seen it, but that's not what I have. Thanks.In terms of protection... my car goes in the garage every night now
The OH's... I just clean it regularly, I make sure it's well polished, waxed, sealed etc which definitely helps in removing anything that falls on it but that's about it Edited by doogle83 on Wednesday 15th August 08:34
Hot water helps remove it as does a clay bar. Make sure the car paint is well sealed with something like Gtechniq (thay have a range of sealants)
Limes are the worst trees to park under, in Cheltenham I will walk half a mile to my destination to avoid parking under one of the many limes.
Limes are the worst trees to park under, in Cheltenham I will walk half a mile to my destination to avoid parking under one of the many limes.
andyb28 said:
We have two protected lime trees at the front of our house that hang over the cars. This time of year is a nightmare.
I left my car under it for a few days and couldnt open the door or windows, they were sealed shut.
Sap from the limes looks a bit like clear overspray, lots of dots.
Because they are protected, we have to get planning to have them cut back. This process takes 6 weeks.
Both the Limes have just been pollarded and reduced in height by 50%.
Interestingly, we had them pollarded two years ago and I am amazed at how quickly they grow back.
The cost is an eye watering £600 from a local tree surgeon.
I'm amazed you haven't discovered 'car covers' or just parked it elsewhere.I left my car under it for a few days and couldnt open the door or windows, they were sealed shut.
Sap from the limes looks a bit like clear overspray, lots of dots.
Because they are protected, we have to get planning to have them cut back. This process takes 6 weeks.
Both the Limes have just been pollarded and reduced in height by 50%.
Interestingly, we had them pollarded two years ago and I am amazed at how quickly they grow back.
The cost is an eye watering £600 from a local tree surgeon.
doogle83 said:
Interesting, that's what we've experienced under the oak tree in our new place... I just presumed it was normal sap. Our tree is under a TPO as well so we can't easily change it but have planning going through at the moment which will take it away from the driveway for a couple of years at least.
In terms of protection... my car goes in the garage every night now The OH's... I just clean it regularly, I make sure it's well polished, waxed, sealed etc regularly which definitely helps in removing anything that falls on it but that's about it
Fair enough. In terms of protection... my car goes in the garage every night now
The OH's... I just clean it regularly, I make sure it's well polished, waxed, sealed etc regularly which definitely helps in removing anything that falls on it but that's about it The garage contains the car without a roof, tools, workbench etc so no can do there. Short of building a carport, which might become an option!
I will look at waxes and polishes.
blueg33 said:
Hot water helps remove it as does a clay bar. Make sure the car paint is well sealed with something like Gtechniq (thay have a range of sealants)
Not used clay yet, I understand there is a short learning curve to that. Will try getting it warm with some good hot water and look at the gtechniq sealants. How easy and or forgiving are they to apply?
As said, always been a one bucket with a slosh of zipwax wash and wax from the petrol station sort of guy, but while I don't have much time at all if some sealant/wax is a help I'll have a look.
Daniel
dhutch said:
Not used clay yet, I understand there is a short learning curve to that.
Will try getting it warm with some good hot water and look at the gtechniq sealants. How easy and or forgiving are they to apply?
As said, always been a one bucket with a slosh of zipwax wash and wax from the petrol station sort of guy, but while I don't have much time at all if some sealant/wax is a help I'll have a look.
Daniel
Having used claybar for the first time recently I can assure you there is no learning curve. Clean car, spray bottle of soapy water, flatten clay out into a usable pattie and get busy. DON'T DROP IT is the best advice, it's falling off a log easy.Will try getting it warm with some good hot water and look at the gtechniq sealants. How easy and or forgiving are they to apply?
As said, always been a one bucket with a slosh of zipwax wash and wax from the petrol station sort of guy, but while I don't have much time at all if some sealant/wax is a help I'll have a look.
Daniel
Gtech; different kettle of fish. You have to be pretty handy and confident with a very well lit garage/workshop to get that right, see Youtube for guidance.
dhutch said:
doogle83 said:
Interesting, that's what we've experienced under the oak tree in our new place... I just presumed it was normal sap. Our tree is under a TPO as well so we can't easily change it but have planning going through at the moment which will take it away from the driveway for a couple of years at least.
In terms of protection... my car goes in the garage every night now The OH's... I just clean it regularly, I make sure it's well polished, waxed, sealed etc regularly which definitely helps in removing anything that falls on it but that's about it
Fair enough. In terms of protection... my car goes in the garage every night now
The OH's... I just clean it regularly, I make sure it's well polished, waxed, sealed etc regularly which definitely helps in removing anything that falls on it but that's about it The garage contains the car without a roof, tools, workbench etc so no can do there. Short of building a carport, which might become an option!
I will look at waxes and polishes.
blueg33 said:
Hot water helps remove it as does a clay bar. Make sure the car paint is well sealed with something like Gtechniq (thay have a range of sealants)
Not used clay yet, I understand there is a short learning curve to that. Will try getting it warm with some good hot water and look at the gtechniq sealants. How easy and or forgiving are they to apply?
As said, always been a one bucket with a slosh of zipwax wash and wax from the petrol station sort of guy, but while I don't have much time at all if some sealant/wax is a help I'll have a look.
Daniel
Review of first time use of clay is good.
Turning it on its head, what sort of cost are you looking at to have a protective sealant applied? How long does it last?
The car is a X-reg BMW 330ci, so its not new or expensive, and in fact had both sides resprayed to an only average quality a year ago. However its in good condition for the age, Imola Red, and looks smart when clean. So if the coating will help protect it against sap and make removing it easier then its certainly something I would look into.
Else if it is safe for use on paint (will test in a small area) perhaps I will also try some turpentine.
Daniel
Turning it on its head, what sort of cost are you looking at to have a protective sealant applied? How long does it last?
The car is a X-reg BMW 330ci, so its not new or expensive, and in fact had both sides resprayed to an only average quality a year ago. However its in good condition for the age, Imola Red, and looks smart when clean. So if the coating will help protect it against sap and make removing it easier then its certainly something I would look into.
Else if it is safe for use on paint (will test in a small area) perhaps I will also try some turpentine.
Daniel
dhutch said:
Review of first time use of clay is good.
Turning it on its head, what sort of cost are you looking at to have a protective sealant applied? How long does it last?
The car is a X-reg BMW 330ci, so its not new or expensive, and in fact had both sides resprayed to an only average quality a year ago. However its in good condition for the age, Imola Red, and looks smart when clean. So if the coating will help protect it against sap and make removing it easier then its certainly something I would look into.
Else if it is safe for use on paint (will test in a small area) perhaps I will also try some turpentine.
Daniel
See recent thread down there somewhere.Turning it on its head, what sort of cost are you looking at to have a protective sealant applied? How long does it last?
The car is a X-reg BMW 330ci, so its not new or expensive, and in fact had both sides resprayed to an only average quality a year ago. However its in good condition for the age, Imola Red, and looks smart when clean. So if the coating will help protect it against sap and make removing it easier then its certainly something I would look into.
Else if it is safe for use on paint (will test in a small area) perhaps I will also try some turpentine.
Daniel
This is the one I had in mind: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The other tree sap one is good for a laugh too
The other tree sap one is good for a laugh too
227bhp said:
This is the one I had in mind: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Ah right. I am about 6 hours drive from Kent, but asking on one of the other threads have found out a ceramic coating is £1000+ so therefore right out.Gassing Station | Bodywork & Detailing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff