Best way to remove tree sap

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

McBroom

U.S.Marine Veteran Retired 88-2000
Military
Joined
May 25, 2017
Posts
5,860
Reaction score
7,396
Location
Denison Tx
Ram Year
2018
Engine
Hemi 6.4L
NO smart ass remarks Please!
Whats the best way to remove tree sap from my truck and keep it from sticking again?
I know i have to wash and clay bar this truck then use a ceramic wax coat.
But how can I keep it from sticking again?
My truck lives outside. No garage or carport to keep it in.


Black 20 Ram
 

Mike R

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2019
Posts
44
Reaction score
24
Location
Charles Town WV
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 Hemi
As far as removal, use isopropyl alcohol. Doesn’t harm finish. Depending on type of sap, may require buffing but is what detailed used on my car after an incident with sitting under a cedar tree.
 

bluebeast1562

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Dec 1, 2019
Posts
265
Reaction score
163
Location
37042
Ram Year
2020
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Not sure about a product to keep if from sticking but Goo-gone works well to remove tree sap, adhesive, and other sticky stuff.
 

Travelin Ram

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2020
Posts
1,840
Reaction score
2,984
Location
Somewhere in NA. Probably. We travel a lot.
Ram Year
2022
Engine
6.4
Are we talking pine sap? That’s what’s bothered me most is pine resin. I’ve had success with about any solvent, paint thinner, alcohol, brake cleaner, WD40. Goo Gone too, it’s slower and more gentle I suppose. I use a soft cotton cloth fragment to avoid scratching the paint.

In my experience any good wax or sealer will inhibit sticking -for a while- but is there something good enough you can just wipe off resin with a dry rag and walk away? Or leave it and wash it off? I’ll be interested to hear if there’s something that good.
 

KeepRight

ExFalconFxr
Joined
Jun 18, 2018
Posts
328
Reaction score
190
Location
US
Ram Year
2015
Engine
EcoDiesel
NO smart ass remarks Please!
Whats the best way to remove tree sap from my truck and keep it from sticking again?
I know i have to wash and clay bar this truck then use a ceramic wax coat.
But how can I keep it from sticking again?
My truck lives outside. No garage or carport to keep it in.


Black 20 Ram
I agree with the suggestions you've gotten. If there is a chance in continued sap - why not but a cover.

While I enjoy cleaning, waxing my truck. I'd rather do that because I want to not because I have to. I'd say a quality truck cover is worth the time frustration, and avoiding possible paint damage.
 

BWL

Embrace the skeptisism
Joined
Oct 14, 2017
Posts
8,547
Reaction score
8,473
Location
BC Canada
Ram Year
2017
Engine
hemi 5.7
I get sap stuck to mine too even with sealant and wax on it. It is easier to remove, but still takes a clay bar and elbow grease vs just a wash mit and car wash. @Graygoose nailed it. Good car cover is another option, but not practical as it requires more effort to cover and uncover frequently on a daily driver vs a quick pass with a clay bar every wash.There's products out there, but they usually have to sit briefly or still require rubbing so I just stick to clay.
 

Stunt Steve

Junior Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2020
Posts
10
Reaction score
1
Location
British Columbia
Ram Year
2012 Sport
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Thanks for the suggestions on this thread. I’ve got sap all over the front of my truck and detailers are quoting too much.
 

WhiteExpress

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2011
Posts
18,185
Reaction score
3,275
Location
Midland, TX
Ram Year
2004
Engine
5.7 Hemi
I've always used HOT water and dawn dish soap, I've never had anything that it wouldn't take off.

It should never require "effort". Let the heat/soap do the work. If you're pushing down, you're increasing your chance of scratching your clear.

Also, you might try a cleaner wax. I've used Mother's products with much success as well.
 

Pull Ya

U.S. MARINE VETERAN
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Jan 16, 2012
Posts
15,788
Reaction score
23,068
Location
Cedar Creek, Tx
Ram Year
2015
Engine
5.7 Hemi
Warning--if you use Dawn dish soap it will also strip all the wax and polish you have on the truck, leaving the paint "naked"(no protection).
Jay
 
Top