How to Remove Sap from a Vinyl Truck Tonneau Cover

How to remove tree sap from a vinyl tonneau cover. This can also be applied to other vinyl surfaces such as seats, other outdoor covers, vinyl roofs on cars, etc. Typically this can occur when a vehicle is parked under a tree, however there are no trees above my truck but there was a recent storm that blew some branches on the truck resulting in a bunch of sap being left behind. #detailing #cardetailing #carcare

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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-paper towel
-isopropyl alcohol
-vinyl condition
-soft clothes

Procedure:
By far the easiest method I have found is using isopropyl alcohol. It’s available in a couple of different versions, I have the strongest at 91%. The lesser strength stuff will work as well, it’ll just take slightly longer to soften up the sap. Depending on the quality of vinyl especially if it’s colored, it may be best to try this on a hidden area first ensuring you’re not damaging the color.

Apply the isopropyl alcohol to a paper towel, make sure it’s wet but not dripping, then rub the surface. Light to medium pressure is only needed, don’t get too aggressive where you’re stretching the material. You may be required to fold over the paper towel to a clean spot so you’re not smearing around the sap creating a larger mess. Even with the sap softened up, the residue can be spread around the area.

Once done, you can see that one spot of sap has been completely removed.

Continue this same method for the rest of the spots. Don’t dump the alcohol on the vinyl as it may dry out the material or bleach the coloring. Work at one spot at a time, apply more isopropyl alcohol as needed to the paper towel or flip it over to a clean spot as needed. You may need more paper towels as well if you’re running out of clean spots.

I would not recommend using a cloth as the sap residue will soak into the fabric. With a paper towel, it’s easy enough to throw away and replace. It’s important to remove this while it’s still fresh, so as soon as possible. When it hardens it becomes harder to remove and may even leave staining.

When done to prevent any bleaching which could potentially occur. Using a clean piece of paper towel with that isopropyl residue, go over a larger area to blend in the cleaning.

The isopropyl alcohol will evaporate very quickly so it won’t attack the surface as much as compared to a harsher solvent.

As a final step, the vinyl is now bare and has no protection. I would recommend using some form of conditioner, this will provide a layer of protection and soak into the material. Applications of products will vary, always be sure to read the product’s instructions.

Once done, now you can see we’re left with a clean sap free surface. Applying a condition more frequently also aids in preventing that sap from sticking to the surface well, almost like wax on the paint.

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