After parking my 12-year-old silver XK convertible near some trees for a couple of days, I found it was covered in a fine mist of tree sap. This was hard enough to clean off the windows using glass cleaner, so I have not yet started cleaning the paintwork.

However I understand that tree sap, being organic, is essentially water soluble and therefore (after a period out in today's rain!) should be treatable by a good lathering and a period of soak (1/2 hour?) followed by a thorough conventional washing. Can others confirm this please? If left un-cleaned, would this sap damage the paintwork? Please feel free to refer me to a dedicated thread in some other section somewhere, if appropriate!

I will start a different thread about treating the canvas roof.

 

You need to remove the tree sap before it hardens like epoxy. The following applies to both the top and the bodywork.

Bug and Tar remover products are available at your local auto parts store or home improvement center. Read the label to confirm that it is suitable for use on fabric. If it is, test it first on a small area to make sure that it works to your satisfaction. Follow the directions on how to use it and be sure to rinse the top and bodywork thoroughly when done and re-wax if necessary.

You may also need a can of elbow grease.

 

Bucket of hot water with a car schampoo works for me!:-)

 

It did stain my clear film after only 8h. Paint could be different

 

I find clay barring the vehicle removed sap and overspray