Gardening with Gary




Gardening Advice from an Expert

Tree Sap Removal
There are many different types of tree sap that may deposit on a vehicle. Some of the most common types are: White Pine, Maple, Oak, Popular, and Blue Spruce.

Deciding factors as to the amount of time it takes to remove sap and what damage it has caused is dependent on temperature and time the sap has been on the vehicle.

Most tree saps that are still soft can be removed by soaking the spot with ValuGard N-122 New Car Prep. Wet the area with the product and allow it to remain on the surface for 3-5 minutes, then wipe with soft dry towel.

For sap that has hardened it will take some extra effort. First try to scrape the top of the spot off with a plastic razor blade to expose the softer sap inside. Soak a towel with the New Car Prep and place it on the sap spot and allow to dwell for 10 minutes, keeping it wet with the product. You may have to repeat this two or more times in order for the solvents to break down the sap.

When the sap has been removed check the area carefully with a 30x microscope to see if the sap damaged the paint. Some saps will lift and crack paint on the vehicle. This damages the paint system and will require refinishing.

Be careful and take your time, remember - let the products do the work for you.

NOTE: Some Saps can be removed with ValuGard Omni All Purpose G-112-GS mixed 10 to 1 with water and allowed to soak for 3 to 5 minutes.

In severe cases Turpentine may be used to break down the resin in tree sap. However, you must be very careful, use as a last resort only and use sparingly and DO NOT rub hard. Remember Turpentine is made from tree sap, give it some time to work.

http://www.autoint.com/O.E.M.%20T.S.B.'S.htm

Also take a look at:

http://www.google.com/custom?site=search&hl=en&safe=off&cof=L%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.e-cookbooks.net%2Findex_01_01.jpg%3B&q=tree+sap+removal&btnG=Google+Search

Ken writes~ Hi. You referenced a product called ValuGard N-122 New Car Prep. for removing tree sap from cars. Could you advise me as to where I might find this product?

Check the first website and I have included some others where you may be able to locate similar products for sale:

http://www.autoint.com

www.bmwworld.com/repairs/detailing/tree_sap.htm

www.premiumautocare.com/howtoretrsab.html

www.ehow.com/tips_10395.html

www.baneclene.com/prof-spot-sap.html