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-   -   Paint on car has something like tree spit (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=357882)

Don S 05-29-2026 06:43 PM

Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

I think I must have parked under a tree and got spit on by the tree. It is not sticky like I have had before , but very fine to the feel. I have tried water and soap, windex , various polishes , alcohol ,( not the drinking type ) . The paint is in really good condition , Ditzler enamel painted nearly 50 years ago , so I don’t want to be too aggressive . Any ideas ?

Thanks. Don S

Y-Blockhead 05-29-2026 06:51 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don S (Post 2453549)
I think I must have parked under a tree and got spit on by the tree. It is not sticky like I have had before , but very fine to the feel. I have tried water and soap, windex , various polishes , alcohol ,( not the drinking type ) . The paint is in really good condition , Ditzler enamel painted nearly 50 years ago , so I don’t want to be too aggressive . Any ideas ?

Thanks. Don S

I have used Chemical Guys Tree Sap Remover for Car with good results.

CT Jack 05-29-2026 08:20 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Regular paint thinner works great on removing tar. I would try it on a small area to if it works. It should not affect the paint just use soap and water afterwards.

Don S 05-29-2026 08:48 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Thanks guys , I will give you an update tomorrow .
Don S

Don S 05-29-2026 10:42 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Had some solvent in the shop,it works. I have a lot of work ahead of me , thanks for your suggestions.

Don S

old31 05-30-2026 08:53 AM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Instead of a solvent, wouldn't a clay bar be less agressive?

Don S 05-30-2026 11:03 AM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Old31, I have no experience with a clay bar ,and or how it would be used . I am 89 ,familiar with older products ,like varsol, solvent and, and white gas .

Don S

Herb Concord Ca 05-30-2026 12:11 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

89, glad to hear you are still driving your Model A!!

springerpete 05-30-2026 12:18 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

You said you tried alcohol, was it ethanol ? That is the only one I know that works. Bill

old31 05-30-2026 12:55 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Don, 89, good for you.

You do not have to use their spray. Any spray wax or glaze works well with a clay bar. I happen to use Meguiar's bars.

Because I have not seen your paint, I am not saying that the clay bar is better, just something to consider as it might be less abrasive on old paints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3CL04f2NAc

ModelA29 05-30-2026 01:43 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Turpentine is a highly effective solvent for tree sap because it is derived from pine resin. To use it, apply a small amount to a soft cloth, hold it against the sap to soften it, and gently wipe until dissolved. Always wash the area thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

rotorwrench 05-30-2026 02:09 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Sometimes, plain mineral spirits work. It depends on the type of sap. Sap was and still is used for making some forms of paint. They are referred to as paint gums. Even boiled linseed gets hard as a rock and it comes from flax seed. It takes some of them a long time to dry but if it sets out in the hot sun it speeds up the process.

[email protected] 05-30-2026 04:15 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Try hand sanitizer. It is the only thing I found to remove pine pitch. Isopropyl alcohol won't touch it. Hand sanitizer contains ethyl alcohol or ethanol. Also tried paint thinner and wd 40. Ethanol works on pine pitch.

Synchro909 05-30-2026 07:47 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

Pure gum turpentine is made from the sap of pine trees, hence the refreshing smell. I have never found a sap it will not remove and we have some trees you guys don't know.

chap52 05-31-2026 08:14 AM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

WD40. Keep enjoying and sharing your hobby. Chap

Don S 05-31-2026 02:15 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

An update on my paint issue, spent most of yesterday cleaning the paint with solvent. Not an easy project. Several steps ,cleaning the paint with warm water ,drying, then applying the solvent ,leave it on for a few minutes,the wash it off with soap and water,rinsing with clean water,wiping the area dry with a microfibre cloth. I completed this process on my car yesterday and today applied Adam’s detailer polish for a nice finish .
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and support .
Don S

old31 05-31-2026 04:15 PM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

yahoo!

Fullraceflathead 06-01-2026 09:30 AM

Re: Paint on car has something like tree spit
 

I'm glad to see it worked out for you and now you have a sharp looking model A!!!


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