How to remove tree sap and resin from your car’s bodywork?

How to deal with sap and resin marks on your car?

If you notice tree sap or resin on your vehicle, it is important to act quickly. Resin can harden quickly after coming in contact with the air and then sets firmly and permanently. That is why you need to act as soon as possible, as you would with bird droppings or crushed insects. You can even remove recently fallen resin using a simple cleaning cloth, assuming it has not yet dried.

Tip: always keep a cleaning cloth in your car to cover any situation. Avoid parking under trees when possible as well, especially coniferous ones.

What equipment do you need to remove sap and resin from a vehicle?

If the resin stains have dried and are firmly adhered to your car, there is no reason to panic. With a little effort and the right equipment, you can get rid of the toughest stains. To do this, make sure you have:

• an anti-resin stain remover;
• a microfibre cleaning cloth;
• a bucket of water for rinsing.

Good to know: choose a stain remover in spray form for simplicity. Spray it on a small area to check its effectiveness. Preferably, select a stain remover that you can use on glass surfaces to remove stains from the windscreen.

How do I clean my car’s exterior?

To restore your car paint to a perfect shine, follow these steps:

• Wash your car and check that the surface to be treated is clean and dry;
• Proceed by spraying the stain remover zone by zone to ensure you get every trace of the sap or resin;
• Leave the product for a few seconds to let it work;
• Wipe with a microfiber cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.

Tip: for more effective cleaning, consider parking your car under the sun or pouring very hot water on the resin stains: under the effect of heat, it will soften and becomes easier to remove.

Are home-made solutions effective against resin traces?

To remove persistent resin stains from your bodywork, you can use certain household products: hand sanitiser, baking soda, isopropyl alcohol, mineral spirits, etc. You can also use white spirit, provided certain precautions are taken. In particular, be sure to blot well to avoid leaving rings on the bodywork. The method you’ll need to follow will depend on the products you plan to use. For example, if you use mineral oil, apply it on a soft cloth and gently rub it until the sap breaks down.

What should you avoid when removing sap from the body of your car?

If you do not take sufficient care when cleaning your vehicle’s bodywork, you’re running the risk of scratching and irreversibly damaging it. In particular, be sure not to use corrosive or highly detergent products like acetone, as they can damage your paintwork. Do not attempt to remove resin stains by scratching them off with your fingernails or a scraper.

Although stubborn, you can remove sap or resin stains with simple and effective solutions. By acting quickly and using gentle methods, you can avoid scratching and damaging your car’s bodywork while restoring your car to its former glory!