Sap removal

[kulwen]

Does anyone have suggestions for a product to removed tree sap from a paint job? Heck, I am not even sure it is sap.

At work I am required to park under a tree. When I go out to the bike not only do I have pollen on the bike there are LITTLE bumps on the bike. They are so small you don’t see them, but you can feel them. After some time you can begin to see them when there are a bunch there. Last year I replaced my windshield on my truck because it made seeing difficult when driving in the direction of the sun.

Ideas?

 

[TheAxeman]

WD-40???

Seems to work well on getting the sticker gunk off it might work on the sap.

 

[kulwen]

WD-40???Seems to work well on getting the sticker gunk off it might work on the sap.

I will give that a try when I get back to Reno. I am up in Oregon right now, without a bike.

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

Haven't dealt with tree sap, but recently crossed a freshly tarred lane in a construction zone and covered my chin fairing and underside of the bike with tar.

Had good success removing the tar with "RainX Bug and Tar Pre-Wash Gel"! Found it at AutoZone or Kragens, can't remember which.

Comes in spray bottle. Just spray it on and allow it to soak into the sap. Use a soft toothbrush if needed. Wipe it off and repeat as required. Then wash the bike to remove any residue.

May want to consider a bike cover for parking under that tree!

 

[kulwen]

May want to consider a bike cover for parking under that tree!

I have been looking for a cover that I can put on while the pipes are hot. I have not had much luck so far.

I have used the same stuff you called out, but no luck removing the stuff. However, I have not used a tooth brush. I will try that also.

Thank you,

 

[jeremybhm]

The best method I've seen is to get a pocket knife, and sweep it across the sap without touching the paint. That will usually peel it up. Just be careful...

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

Denatured alcohol, goof off and sometimes even regular paint thinner, no acetone laquer thinner etc, too strong and will hurt all surfaces they touch, wiped on from a rag. Of course it just depends exactly what is on the bike surfaces. Do not saturate the surface. Then polish with your polish of choice.

 

[Silent]

Best way to get the sap off the bike is to ask him to step off.

Just kidding

I've had good success with just soaking the area with Tide and water. Goo Gone and WD-40 are also a good option. I'd never touch my bike with any acetone or lacquer thinner tho, that tends to destroy the paint. You may want to consider a Geza cover Clicky or parking in the sun. The sun's gonna do less damage to your paint that that tree will.

 

[Charlie Hoss]

Most glop that gets on your paint is either water soluble or oil soluble which is removable with paint thinner, gasoline, baby oil, WD40, etc.

Sap is neither. Definitely use denatured alcohol. Been using it on cars and bikes for years with no damage to paint. Then rewax.

 

[NightShine]

I have been looking for a cover that I can put on while the pipes are hot.

John T,

You really don't need a full size motorcycle cover to get a lot of protection for your bike, especially when on the road. I use a Nelson-Riggs UV2000 (XL size) cover. It's light in weight, easy to put on, take off, and stuff back into its small carrying pouch.

Yes it does have a caution to wait 10-15 minutes before putting it over hot pipes, but it has an elastic hem so it's simple enough to just not stretch it all the way down and just leave it slightly above the pipes if they're hot. I ride with the saddle bags on all of the time and with a larger fairing, and it's a great fit and a convenient solution.

Cheers!

 

[Blue Laser]

Does anyone have suggestions for a product to removed tree sap from a paint job? Heck, I am not even sure it is sap.
At work I am required to park under a tree. When I go out to the bike not only do I have pollen on the bike there are LITTLE bumps on the bike. They are so small you don’t see them, but you can feel them.

Ideas?

John T...
Just had the same issue with my cage. I park under a tree as well, so I took it in to have it waxed

(I really don't have the time nor the inclination to do it myself). After it got waxed, I had

the guy doing the detailing come up and ask if he could try some clay on it, so I said "sure". He

came back about five minutes later and wanted me to feel the area he just cleaned with "paint

cleaning clay". Smooth as a baby's butt, so I told him to do the whole car. Thing is, it's kind of like

having to use oil or hydraulic fluid as a "vehicle" to get parts to move, as you have to use some kind

of "slimy" stuff, which allows the clay to be used without scratching the heck out of your paint.

My whole car was very, very smooth when I got it back. The only drawback is that you thave to re-wax

the vehicle, as the clay takes the wax off, but, MAN, what a difference!!

HTH-

Jim

 

[kulwen]

Just had the same issue with my cage. I park under a tree as well, so I took it in to have it waxed(I really don't have the time nor the inclination to do it myself). After it got waxed, I had

the guy doing the detailing come up and ask if he could try some clay on it, so I said "sure". He

came back about five minutes later and wanted me to feel the area he just cleaned with "paint

cleaning clay". Smooth as a baby's butt, so I told him to do the whole car. Thing is, it's kind of like

having to use oil or hydraulic fluid as a "vehicle" to get parts to move, as you have to use some kind

of "slimy" stuff, which allows the clay to be used without scratching the heck out of your paint.

My whole car was very, very smooth when I got it back. The only drawback is that you thave to re-wax

the vehicle, as the clay takes the wax off, but, MAN, what a difference!!

HTH-

Jim

Great idea, I will give that a try.

 

[Fairlaner]

hey John try some brake fluid, but you have to leave it on over night for the best results.

Richard

 

[ianr]

Downunder in Oz we use Eucalyptus Oil to soften any sticky stuff, including bird droppings, sap, bitumen etc, on paint. It comes in a small bottle from supermarkets and pharmacies (it's also good for skin complaints). If you can't get it try something we used to use many years ago - butter. Rub it on and leave it for a while.

 

[flapsup]

Meguiar's Paint Cleaner. Step 1 of their 3 step process. The cleaner gets bugs, tree sap, road tar, etc. Use moderately, rub gently, rewax.