Can someone tell me what this is on the paint?

S

slavick07

New member
Hey guys,


 


Anyone out there can tell me what this could possible be on my paint?


Its mainly on the roof of the vehicle, and has set clear. Running your fingers over, you can feel a slight raise if any depending on the thickness. The only thing I can think of is that it might be tree sap or resin.


Had to put my hand in the reflection so you can see it a bit better on the black paint. Bug/tar remover, rubbing alcohol, wd40 doesn't get it out.


Wondering if it will wetsand/compound out?


Thanks guys.





 
Is it maybe etching that feels as though it's raised but really isn't?


 


 


Tree sap that has sat for a very long time can turn clear in appearance (and would be raised up) and needs to be soaked with 70+% IPA for a while in order to be softened up and removed completely.
 
I hate to say this, BUT, if it's tree sap you could try scraping it off with your finger nail. If it comes off or flakes off, you know it's probably baked-on tree sap. I say use your finger nail because it probably will scratch your paint, but it won't gouge it if you would have used a pen knife blade or a single-edge metal safety razor blade, neither of which is recommended. They do make plastic razor blades, if you'd tried your finger nail first to see if it will scape off, which can really save your finger nails. Scraping seems to be an extreme method for removal, but it does work on some things, like tree sap or baked-on bug spatter. You just need a more judicious and careful approach to its application. along with the right tool, like plastic razor blades.


 


The only SAFE chemical that seems to soften tree sap is 3M adhesive remover that has been moistened on a rag and allowed to dwell (sit & soak) on sap for about 15 minutes. Some use turpentine, but it might be a little too "chemical" (IE, incompatible with)  on some clearcoats, which I do not recommend.
 
slavick07- Welcome to Autopia!


 


I can't really hazard a guess as to what's going on with the paint, but if it were mine I'd 1) inspect with magnification and try to determine whether it's something *on* the paint or something happening to/with the paint itself, and 2) I'd do a chemical decontamination with ValuGard's ABC system and then reevaluate.


 


I'm a *HUGE* fan of 3M Adhesive Remover (also ValuGard's New Car Prep, another one to consider), but I'd do the ABC first. 
 
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