Is it sap?

I have a couple spots on the paint that I am not sure if it is sap or paint scuffs? What can I use to figure it out without causing damage, rub it with googone or wd40?

 

Auto paint safe Bug & Tar remover.

 

Kinda hard to see

 

A dab of WD-40 should work fine.

 

If its tree sap...hand sanitizer will dissolve it without causing any damage. I've used it on customers cars countless times without an issue

 

Running your fingers across it should let you know if it’s raised (sap) or sunk (scratched). Simple clay bar will take care of sap and minor scratches for that matter.

 

Clay barring will not get rid of sap. It's designed to remove contaminants, but tree sap is another matter....especially if there's any thickness to it. Likewise, the clay process will do absolutely nothing for minor scratches. It has been known to produce micro-marring, depending on the quality of the clay lube and the aggressiveness of the clay.

 

Similar to the hand sanitizer, isopropyl alcohol mixed to no more than 50% strength with distilled water works miracles. I always have it premixed and in the truck while camping. Works great as a window cleaner, too. Just make sure you're using a clean microfiber.

 

Is there a clay bar you can recommend to me, an amateur like me?

 

I use a Nanoskin clay mitt. It’s reusable and faster than a traditional clay bar. I’ve used the clay mitt, then gone over the paint again with traditional clay to see if it picked anything up the mitt didn’t, but if it did it was minimal.

Nanoskin AUTOSCRUB Fine Grade Wash Mitt,Weft Knitted Microfiber [AS-016] Blue, 6" x 8.7"

$42 Nanoskin AUTOSCRUB Fine Grade Wash Mitt,Weft Knitted Microfiber [AS-016] Blue, 6" x 8.7"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DOS0LH2

 

The clay mitts and clay towels are very popular, but I'm old school. I like to see what's coming off the surface. I keep two brands in the cabinet.....3M Perfect It for the more contaminated surfaces....Griots Detailing Clay for the less contaminated ones. I've been using Griots Speed Shine as a clay lube for many years. Griots was what I started with...I recommend it for someone who has not used a clay bar before.

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks. Will try the rubbing alcohol mix. Can Terry towels be used with regular waxing and quick detailer or only microfiber?

 

If you are asking me, I'd encourage microfiber since you're touching your paint and they leave a ton less lint on windows than traditional towels, but do what you are comfortable with. Suggestion: let it work for a few seconds, feel free to hold a damp portion of the towel over it, too. You'll see it work miracles when you gently wipe it. Repeat as necessary.

 

I know this sounds absolutely crazy but diaper wipes will remove tree sap. When the kiddos were small we carried a Costco pack of them in the car and one day I grabbed one to wipe some sap off the car. I was astonished how well it worked!