I have about 1800 miles and parked near a couple of trees on a couple of very windy nights and next day there were a bunch of spots where something dropped from the trees (it wasn't at all like normal sap - it looked more like dried mud)

after washing the car, where there were tree droppings before, now there are smooth "spots" that will not wash off.

I have put one coat of wax on since I got the car - what products do you use to remove these tree sap or other spots? I purchased a bunch of "mothers california gold" car cleaning, waxing system - including the "clay bar" that's supposed to remove these kinds of things.

has anyone encountered this? know of this product "mothers california gold wax system....." and are there better ones?

thanks!

 

I would say to try and go for the clay bar. I had the same thing happen to my '00 Trans-am back in 2000, but I sold it and didn't worry about it. I have had success with a clay bar removing paint overspray on my old S2000, so I would so give it a try. Just be careful not to get drop the clay bar on the ground or get anything in it because it will scracth your paint if that happens.

 

Ohh and I did use the mother's clay bar, but any should do. Make sure you use soapy water or the included spray when you use the clay bar.

 

Two things you should try for removing tree sap. One is baby oil, this will soften the sap and emulsify it to make is easy to remove.

Another product that works very well with large surface contamination and gunk is 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover #08984. This stuff is usually available at better hardware stores, and you can also get it online at Griots Garage.

After the sap is removed, it is best to smooth out the paint surface with Meguires Swirl Remover 2.0. This is very fine polish/filler that will level out any paint irregularities that the sap created in the paint.

Lastly is paint protection to keep the sap from sticking to the surface next time around.

For that, I recommend a product that is from the aviation industry and is available online called "Rejex". It is used instead of wax and is a polymer coating that is applied as a cream. It is allowed to dry, wiped off, and then let cure for 8 hours out of the sun and in temperatures less than 85F.

Rejex is great in that the surface that it cures to is extremely slippery, and stuff does not stick to it. I put it on the windshield and rims as well. It keeps bugs from sticking to the car when they hit it, and helps keep brake dust to a minimum on the rims.

The big plus is that it makes the car more slippery, and can help gas mileage. On boats and airplanes it can add 5-10 kts of top end. One coating will last 3-6 months depending on how adverse the conditions it is used in.

Order it from here

 

I totally agree with Gary on the issue of preventing three sap from sticking to the vehicle's surface. Personally, I prefer a good sealant that lasts at least several months per coat. Aviation sealants are the best but I have also found that some specialty (premium) auto sealants can give a wet look that many car owners appreciate. Here's the one I swear by:

http://www.autogeek.net/wodeglco.html

This one works very well, especially for folks who live in colder climates and have no chance to wax their vehicles after many months of road salt abuse.

Cheers;

MSantos

 

I am a convert to the Meguirs NXT system. I use a mix of Mother's and Meguirs products. Mother's clay bar seems to be the best that I've tried to date. Make sure to start off with as clean as a surface as possible, and then use lots of spray when applying the clay to your paint.

If you are going to use a sealant system like NXT, it's not a bad idea to clay your entire car first. Then wash, then dry (microfiber), then apply NXT.

Goes on pretty easy and the results are incredible.

Mother's has Reflextions, but I wanted to try something new. There is also Zaino which has a good cult following.

On a new car, try avoiding using any cleaner wax system!

 

Hey thanks, Gary. I just put in an order for Rejex.

Do you now use this in lieu of wax?

 

thanks for this tip!!!

and all the other good info everyone!

 

Yes, I have not put any wax on any of my cars for over 4 years now, and am totally satisfied. Rejex is a very good system for protecting the car's finish, making it slipperier, and keeping the bugs from sticking on it.