Tree sap on paint removal

BMW41049 · 10-03-2021, 02:23 PM

I looked at my 2021 X6 M50i in my garage last night and found some spots I had not seen before. Looks like in the last couple of days some tree sap fell on my hood. Most spots are smaller than a dime in size but one is about the size of a quarter. The car has Cilajet applied and I used some of their products to take the stuff off, but it has left a shadow that feels a little raised when I rub it. Its hard to see but I know they are there. Its not bird poop and I'm pretty certain is tree sap falling straight down on to the car. Does anyone have any ideas how to remove this without damaging the paint and clear coat. I tried taking a photo but it doesn't show clearly. Thanks.

Markr · 10-03-2021, 02:50 PM

If it is not baked in, you might find that some insect and tree sap remover works ok, but don’t know if that will affect your Cilajet application. Also, try a well lubed clay bar.

If it has baked in, similar effect to bird poop, the clearcoat will have softened around it and hardened leaving that shape. In that scenario I have used a product called Autoglym Reflow - a plastic bag with a water activated chemical pad that gets hot, melts the clearcoat and when it cools, it sets smooth again. I have used it on bird poop with great success, but again not sure what that will do to your Cilajet.

Hope that helps.

BMW41049 · 10-03-2021, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markr

If it is not baked in, you might find that some insect and tree sap remover works ok, but don’t know if that will affect your Cilajet application. Also, try a well lubed clay bar.

If it has baked in, similar effect to bird poop, the clearcoat will have softened around it and hardened leaving that shape. In that scenario I have used a product called Autoglym Reflow - a plastic bag with a water activated chemical pad that gets hot, melts the clearcoat and when it cools, it sets smooth again. I have used it on bird poop with great success, but again not sure what that will do to your Cilajet.

Hope that helps.

I appreciate the suggestion and will work on it. I also plan on calling Cilajet in the morning and see what they recommend. Bummer.

BMWCCA1 · 10-03-2021, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markr

I have used a product called Autoglym Reflow - a plastic bag with a water activated chemical pad that gets hot, melts the clearcoat and when it cools, it sets smooth again. I have used it on bird poop with great success.

Sounds like a great idea but I can't seem to find anyone in the USA who sells Reflow. Has anyone else found a source?

Markr · 10-04-2021, 03:31 AM

Do you have any Autoglym products in the US? Until recently it was a professional only product in the UK, only available on their professional website or via non-retail distributors. I am not a professional, but was able to order on their pro website. It is now available in smaller retail packs in Halfords in the UK, so mass market, but I can imagine it is difficult to ship in case it gets wet!! There may be an equivalent product in the US.

MrSmartyPants · 10-04-2021, 08:47 AM

Try Isopropyl Alcohol. Put a little on a towel and gently dab/wipe the sap. It will dissolve it. Once the sap is gone do a quick wipe with a quick detailer.

If that doesn't work some polish would probably do the trick.

overcoil · 10-04-2021, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markr

Do you have any Autoglym products in the US? Until recently it was a professional only product in the UK, only available on their professional website or via non-retail distributors. I am not a professional, but was able to order on their pro website. It is now available in smaller retail packs in Halfords in the UK, so mass market, but I can imagine it is difficult to ship in case it gets wet!! There may be an equivalent product in the US.

we have had Autoglym in the U.S. at least for 30 years.

BMW41049 · 10-04-2021, 02:59 PM

I was able to get all the sap off but its left a shadow where the sap was. I just called Cilajet and they tell me the sap ate through the Cilajet coating and to take the car back to the BMW Dealership that applied the coating and they will fix it under warranty. I called BMW and I have an appointment for later in the week. Thank you all for the suggestions.

c1pher · 10-04-2021, 03:16 PM

I use carnuba wax. Much less abrasive and breaks down the sap without using harsher chemicals. I also use Meguiars Cleaner Wax if it's more stubborn.

BMW41049 · 10-04-2021, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c1pher

I use carnuba wax. Much less abrasive and breaks down the sap without using harsher chemicals. I also use Meguiars Cleaner Wax if it's more stubborn.

Noted, thank you very much.

gary_william · 10-04-2021, 08:56 PM

Hand sanitizer. Works like a charm.

nebrilon · 10-06-2021, 01:42 AM

CarPro Tar remover. Spray and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before wiping.

BMW41049 · 10-06-2021, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebrilon

CarPro Tar remover. Spray and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before wiping.

I took the car to the dealer this morning and they got rid of the shadow the tree sap had left, they reapplied the Cilajet on the hood and the car looks good as new. Thanks for your suggestions

10-03-2021, 02:23 PM	#1
BMW41049 Enlisted Member 53 Rep 39 Posts Drives: BMW X6 M50i 2021 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Tree sap on paint removal I looked at my 2021 X6 M50i in my garage last night and found some spots I had not seen before. Looks like in the last couple of days some tree sap fell on my hood. Most spots are smaller than a dime in size but one is about the size of a quarter. The car has Cilajet applied and I used some of their products to take the stuff off, but it has left a shadow that feels a little raised when I rub it. Its hard to see but I know they are there. Its not bird poop and I'm pretty certain is tree sap falling straight down on to the car. Does anyone have any ideas how to remove this without damaging the paint and clear coat. I tried taking a photo but it doesn't show clearly. Thanks.
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10-03-2021, 02:50 PM	#2
Markr First Lieutenant 644 Rep 357 Posts Drives: BMW 740d Xdrive M Sport Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Wiltshire, UK iTrader: (0)	If it is not baked in, you might find that some insect and tree sap remover works ok, but don’t know if that will affect your Cilajet application. Also, try a well lubed clay bar. If it has baked in, similar effect to bird poop, the clearcoat will have softened around it and hardened leaving that shape. In that scenario I have used a product called Autoglym Reflow - a plastic bag with a water activated chemical pad that gets hot, melts the clearcoat and when it cools, it sets smooth again. I have used it on bird poop with great success, but again not sure what that will do to your Cilajet. Hope that helps. __________________ Current: 2018 BMW G11 740d MSport XDrive Past: 2015 Audi 3.0tdi A8L, 2012 Audi 3.0tdi A8L, 2009 Audi 3.0tdi A8, 2005 Jaguar 4.2V8 XJL, 2000 Jaguar 4.0V8 XJL + many others
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10-04-2021, 03:31 AM	#5
Markr First Lieutenant 644 Rep 357 Posts Drives: BMW 740d Xdrive M Sport Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Wiltshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Do you have any Autoglym products in the US? Until recently it was a professional only product in the UK, only available on their professional website or via non-retail distributors. I am not a professional, but was able to order on their pro website. It is now available in smaller retail packs in Halfords in the UK, so mass market, but I can imagine it is difficult to ship in case it gets wet!! There may be an equivalent product in the US. __________________ Current: 2018 BMW G11 740d MSport XDrive Past: 2015 Audi 3.0tdi A8L, 2012 Audi 3.0tdi A8L, 2009 Audi 3.0tdi A8, 2005 Jaguar 4.2V8 XJL, 2000 Jaguar 4.0V8 XJL + many others
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10-04-2021, 08:47 AM	#6
MrSmartyPants Lieutenant 357 Rep 500 Posts Drives: F80 M3 - 6MT_MW on SO Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Try Isopropyl Alcohol. Put a little on a towel and gently dab/wipe the sap. It will dissolve it. Once the sap is gone do a quick wipe with a quick detailer. If that doesn't work some polish would probably do the trick. __________________ Insta @m3_emmy
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10-04-2021, 02:59 PM	#8
BMW41049 Enlisted Member 53 Rep 39 Posts Drives: BMW X6 M50i 2021 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I was able to get all the sap off but its left a shadow where the sap was. I just called Cilajet and they tell me the sap ate through the Cilajet coating and to take the car back to the BMW Dealership that applied the coating and they will fix it under warranty. I called BMW and I have an appointment for later in the week. Thank you all for the suggestions.
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10-04-2021, 03:16 PM	#9
c1pher Primo Generalissimo 5020 Rep 4,186 Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: DC area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 Ford Bronco Ra ... [10.00] 2018 Porsche 911 GTS [10.00] 2023 BMW M2 [9.25] 2022 Ford F-250 Tremor [8.50]	I use carnuba wax. Much less abrasive and breaks down the sap without using harsher chemicals. I also use Meguiars Cleaner Wax if it's more stubborn.
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10-04-2021, 08:56 PM	#11
gary_william Private First Class 329 Rep 169 Posts Drives: 2013 128i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (0)	Hand sanitizer. Works like a charm.
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10-06-2021, 01:42 AM	#12
nebrilon Enlisted Member 8 Rep 37 Posts Drives: E82 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: AL iTrader: (0)	CarPro Tar remover. Spray and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before wiping.
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