haanz

Hey, I have a silly question. I am planning on doing some detailing tomorrow to get rid of the tree sap that is on my car (kinda looks like oil marks.) I've been doing some searches, and most people swear by Dawn. What's special about Dawn? Can I use another dish soap?

Another question. If it gets to the point that I need to use the clay bar, do I have to clay the entire car? Is is better or worse to do only the damaged portions.

Thanks!

bhobson333

Dawn removes wax. That's the only reason for it, to get down to the clear-coat. Will other dish-soaps do the same? Probably. The guys who know the most about it, though, recommend Dawn.

Claybar is not a desperation move, it is a whole-car surface preparation. Claybar is not (or is only very mildly) abrasive. You shouldn't rely on it to remove stubborn tree sap.

Go to Pep Boys and buy a bug scrub pad - basically a sponge wrapped in nylon net. Wash thoroughly with Dawn. Any remaining tree sap, attack it with the bug pad. If you have any stubborn spots, I suggest WD-40 and cotton rag followed by soap and water. When you're done, make sure you apply a good coat of (Zaino) the finishing product or wax (Zaino) of your choice (Zaino).

haanz

bhobson333, thanks for the information. The problem is that you can't feel the spots, but you can most certainly see them. They are all over! I have about 6 coats of Meguiars polish, so I am hoping that it trapped the excess sap. I will try the Dawn, and if that doesn't work I will try the bug pad. I hope I get this stuff off soon