Tree Sap on paintwork

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ryantrooper
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Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by ryantrooper »

Hi All,

Just recently moved into a new place so the van has a new parking spot, (off road parking a plus!) however, it's now under a tree and is getting covered in sap.

I'm aware of the negatives of covering and really dont want to go down that route but just wondered what other peoples suggestions were? Planning on getting it washed monthly at this stage (£14 a go at the local valet) but a bit unsure of the long term paint damage by the sap (if any)

Thanks
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R0B
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by R0B »

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/ho ... from-a-car" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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kevtherev
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by kevtherev »

Use the best wax for the job
It will create a barrier
Carnuba wax is the best thing to apply.
I use Auto Glym Hi Def.
There are many others but this has the highest concentration and has won many competitions for durability.
Use only twice a year.
Wash the paint regulary with shampoo
And apply a little silicone wax to top it up
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itchyfeet
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by itchyfeet »

van cover :rofl

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ryantrooper
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by ryantrooper »

kevtherev wrote:Use the best wax for the job
It will create a barrier
Carnuba wax is the best thing to apply.
I use Auto Glym Hi Def.
There are many others but this has the highest concentration and has won many competitions for durability.
Use only twice a year.
Wash the paint regulary with shampoo
And apply a little silicone wax to top it up

Thank's for the tips, I'll give it a go.
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Titus A Duxass
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by Titus A Duxass »

I'll second what Kev said.

Autoglym HD is damn good if a bit expensive.

Used twice a year a tin will last a long time.
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Dubworth
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by Dubworth »

A claybar should pull off sap and other contaminants like lime in bird droppings etc. The bilt Hamber medium one is a good should for around £12. Once you've done this, as suggested above, a good polish is a good idea, these two steps will prep the paint and give the wax the best conditions to cure properly on the paint. I then use Collinite 476S...it's a detergent proof wax and very long lasting for about £20. One you've done this, maintenance washing with good a ph neutral car shampoo should help increase the waxes life, some can be a bit too strong and will strip the protection.
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Dubworth
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by Dubworth »

It's worth adding, that if you want longer lasting protection than wax, have a look into synthetic sealants, as some of these can last a matter of years, especially those that leave a ceramic coatings, similar to what is offered at dealerships on new vehicles (although unless you are confident with detailing I would get that done professionally, as correct prep is essential).
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300CE
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by 300CE »

+1 for Bilt Hamber clay bar - a clay bar will remove contaminants that washing and polishing won’t and it only requires water as a lubricant. I recently did the wife’s car and the contaminants on the bonnet alone despite it being regularly cleaned, were quite astonishing.

General rule is to wash/clay/wash/wax. I also go the polishing route after claying and have a dual action polisher or you can do this by hand. Remember polish is abrasive and removes a very very fine layer of paint so you should always use a sealant or wax afterwards.

I’ll post up some pics of the clay bar and results after machine polishing a bit later.

After claying a bonnet only:

Image

Clayed, polished and waxed bus:

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ryantrooper
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by ryantrooper »

300CE wrote:+1 for Bilt Hamber clay bar - a clay bar will remove contaminants that washing and polishing won’t and it only requires water as a lubricant. I recently did the wife’s car and the contaminants on the bonnet alone despite it being regularly cleaned, were quite astonishing.

General rule is to wash/clay/wash/wax. I also go the polishing route after claying and have a dual action polisher or you can do this by hand. Remember polish is abrasive and removes a very very fine layer of paint so you should always use a sealant or wax afterwards.

I’ll post up some pics of the clay bar and results after machine polishing a bit later.

After claying a bonnet only:



Clayed, polished and waxed bus:


That bodywork looks lovely! Thanks for all the tips
1991 Autosleeper Trooper

300CE
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Re: Tree Sap on paintwork

Post by 300CE »

Cheers! :ok

Just holler if you need any additional tips on keeping your bus in tip top condition (products etc).
'86 DG, Weber Carb

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