Get Sticky, Stubborn Gunk Off Your Paint — Without Damaging the Finish
Ever notice little black dots on your lower panels or sticky smears on your hood or roof? That’s road tar and tree sap — two of the worst kinds of contaminants for your paint. They’re tough to remove, hard to avoid in San Diego traffic or parking lots, and if left alone, they can stain or eat into your clear coat.
At RoamShine, we offer safe, professional tar and sap removal that gets rid of these sticky messes without harming your paint, plastic trim, or glass. We bring everything to you — no shop visit needed.
Why It Matters
Tar and sap don’t just make your car look dirty — they’re chemically aggressive and can:
- Etch into your clear coat if baked by the sun
- Discolor or stain paint (especially white or silver cars)
- Make waxing or polishing useless if not removed first
- Permanently bond to paint if left for too long
Removing them properly takes the right tools and the right technique — not just elbow grease or household degreasers (which often cause more harm than good).
What’s Included in Our Service
We use detailer-grade products and paint-safe methods to gently remove contaminants without damaging your finish.
- Inspection of affected areas
- Pre-wash and lubricant prep
- Safe application of tar and sap removers
- Hand wiping and microfiber agitation (no hard scrubbing)
- Spot clay bar treatment if needed
- Panel-safe polish or sealant afterward
If the vehicle is ceramic-coated, we adjust products and process to protect the coating — and we can reboost ceramic protection after treatment if needed.
Common Problem Areas
- Lower doors, fenders, rocker panels (from road tar)
- Roof, hood, trunk (from tree sap or parking near landscaping)
- Wheel arches and splash zones
- Glass near trees or vents
We clean paint, trim, chrome, glass, and even wheels affected by sticky contamination.
Ideal For:
- Daily drivers exposed to highway construction or street repairs
- Cars parked under sap-dripping trees (pine, eucalyptus, etc.)
- Fleet vehicles or delivery vans
- Ceramic-coated or wrapped cars that need careful cleaning
- Prepping for polish, wax, or coating
If your car feels rough even after a wash, this service may be the fix.
Mobile Service Across San Diego
We come to you — whether you’re in La Jolla, North Park, Chula Vista, or El Cajon. We bring the right tools, gentle chemicals, microfiber towels, and water-safe disposal methods. No mess left behind.
FAQs – Tar & Sap Removal
Will this damage my paint or clear coat?
Not at all. We only use products formulated for professional detailing. No harsh solvents, no hard rubbing, and no damage to coatings or wraps.
What if the tar has been on there for months?
We can still remove it — though some discoloration or staining may require polishing or paint correction to fully restore the finish.
Can you remove sap from glass too?
Yes. We use different products for glass to safely remove hardened sap without scratching.
Will it affect my ceramic coating?
No — but we do recommend a ceramic refresh or topper after heavy chemical use to restore protection.
Pricing
| ServicePrice | |
| Spot Treatment (1–2 areas) | $40+ |
| Full Vehicle Tar & Sap Removal | $99–$150 |
| Add to Exterior or Full Detail | +$60 |
| Add Ceramic Sealant (Optional) | $50 |
Prices depend on contamination level, surface type, and vehicle size. We’ll inspect and quote on-site — no pressure.
TL;DR — Remove the Stuff That Won’t Wash Off
Tar and sap aren’t just dirty — they’re damaging. We safely remove the stickiest, most stubborn stuff from your paint and leave your car clean, smooth, and protected.
Book your Tar & Sap Removal with RoamShine — and let your paint breathe again.
