How do I remove tree sap from a convertible top?
Tree sap can be a hard problem to deal with, or it can be easy, depending on the type of tree sap and how long it has been on the car. Fresh tree sap can be soft like honey and easily wash off, but if it has been on there a while it may set hard like a resin. While strong solvents can usually remove tree sap, they aren't good for your soft top hood.
Therefore, we would recommend starting off with the most gentle methods of cleaning and working your way up the scale.
Start with warm soapy water. Use a purpose made car shampoo for hoods. Apply the soap and leave it ten minutes to soak, and then try wiping it off with a cloth soaked in hot water (not boiling). If the sap is still soft, this is likely to work.
If this isn't having the desired effect, we would suggest a product such as a tar and glue remover or a bug remover -- follow the instructions. These are stronger soaps with more bite, which may dissolve tree sap without damaging your hood. However, they are still mild; they work slowly and might take a few attempts, but you will get there in the end, and they are safe to use on your hood.
If you can find one, citrus based cleaners are often good for cleaning resins and oils. These may be sold as a biodegradable degreaser.
If this doesn't seem to be working, the next stage is to move onto solvents. There is some risk to this, although we have used strong solvents to remove roof dye with no problem. If you feel you need to use a solvent, we would recommend using something mild like alcohol, but it may be better to persevere with bug and tar removers.
While paint thinner and acetone can be used to remove tree sap from painted surfaces, we would advise against using these on cabriolet hoods. Remember that they are synthetic polymers and can be damaged by solvents.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 22/04/2024 16:19