Published
Insects and tree sap on paint: how to remove them without scratches
Insects and tree sap come off best when you soften them first and remove them before they have time to harden. Do not scrape dried insect residue or hardened sap with a fingernail, a scraper or a rough sponge, because that leaves scratches in the paint.
Why they are tricky
Insects dry onto the paint as a hard layer, and if the residue is left on the surface for a long time, it can etch the clear coat. They build up most on the front of the car, the mirror housings and the windscreen, especially on longer drives out of town in summer.
Sap drips onto cars parked under trees. When fresh it is sticky, and over time it hardens. Sap does not dissolve in water, so a normal wash will not necessarily remove it.
Removing insects
Soften the residue before you remove it. A wet cloth laid over it for a while is often enough, and you can also use a cleaner made for removing insects, following the instructions on the pack. Once the residue has softened, rinse it off and wash the area.
The windscreen sponge at a petrol station is meant for glass. Its rough side scratches paint and plastic headlights, so do not use it on the front of the car.
The sooner the residue is removed, the more easily it comes off. After a long drive, wash the front of the car soon. Our article on washing after a long road trip covers whether you can bring the car in for a wash straight after the drive.
Removing sap
Fresh sap comes off more easily than old sap. There are products made for removing it. Test the product on an inconspicuous spot first, let it work, and wipe the sap off with a soft cloth. Old, hardened sap may need several treatments, but scraping will not speed things up.
If the surface still feels rough after the sap has been removed, the cause may be other particles stuck to the surface. We cover those in our article on rough paintwork.
Protection before summer
Wax or a coating will not stop insects hitting the car, but they come off a protected surface more easily. That is why it is worth applying protection in spring, before the insect and sap season begins. You will find the options in our article on wax or coating.
If you have the choice, park somewhere other than under trees. That cuts down on both sap and bird droppings.
Washing with us
All our washes are done by hand. Seasonal wash (€49–62) includes a solvent wash and a quick wax, and the door frames and mats are washed too. Premium wash (€39–52) includes a hand wash and a solvent wash of the paintwork.
If insect residue or sap has already set hard, we can remove it as extra work. Tougher marks are treated with machine polishing, for example, if needed. Tell us about the marks in the Message to the shop field when you book, or when you arrive.
A wash and quick wax in one go
Seasonal wash €49–62. Book online or call us.