Dick Ruddell

I have an '86 944 NA which was repainted 3 years ago with a two
stage - base/clearcoat PPG system.

First question: I have a couple of spots on the hood (diameter of
a cigarette) which appear to be tree sap (raised, clear) . What is
the best method of removal.

Second question: When painted, 4 coats of clear were used for
future color sanding purposes. Any problems associated with
color sanding at this time? Advise?

Marine Blue

I assume you're going to have a professional do the color sanding? If yes they should have a tool to measure the paint depth and determine if there are any thin spots.

To remove tree sap and any other surface contaminants you can use clay bar. Clay Magic, Mothers and Griots all offer a good product which you can combine with a Quick Detailer such as Meguiars, Mothers or Griots.

If you don't color sand you can always polish the paint to get it nice and smooth.

gmblack3

3M adhesive remover works very well on sap.

If the sap has been on the paint for a while, I would not recommend clay. As it pulls the top layer of sap off, the sap that is now on the claybar it will mar the surrounding finish. Ask me how I know......

Marine Blue

Is that due to embedded dirt on the top layer of the sap or just hardened sap?

I usually deal with sap immediately after finding it on my car and it readily comes off with a quick detailer.

Learn something new every day, thanks for the tip!

gmblack3

Its the hardened sap. This was on my wifes BMW and it did not get noticed right away.