Removing Pine Sap

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

October 24, 2002

Q. My 50-year-old Northern Pine tree spews sap on my car. I can't find anyone who knows how to remove the sap from my car's paint. I've tried just about everything, including WD-40 and kerosene, but nothing works. I can't park anywhere else, and my only resort is to cover the car. But since I use it several times each day, that would be impractical.

-M.S. of L.I.

A. I guess this qualifies as home improvement because this remedy for sap removal can work on other surfaces, as well as your car's paint. So, try mineral spirits or denatured alcohol to cut the dried sap. Work in the shade, and wipe some onto the surface. Let it stand for a while, and then try to wipe it away with a clean rag.

If this doesn't work, try softening the sap first with a mild polishing compound. The compound resembles wax and is sold in auto parts stores; however, it is an abrasive and can scratch your paint if not used correctly. Gently - and I mean really gently - apply the compound to your car's surface as if you were waxing. Apply as little pressure as possible. (You might want to first use a little in an obscure area, like inside a door, to get the hang of wiping on the polishing compound.)

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Let the compound dry, and then buff the car -- again, gently -- by hand. Next, apply the mineral spirits with a clean rag. Wait and then wipe away. This two-step procedure should soften the sap. But it's a lot of work, especially if you're parking in this spot all the time. Are you sure you can't find another spot?