How do I remove water spots
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 244
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From: Katy
How do I remove water spots
I had to leave my car in the elements for a couple months, and I've got water spots.
I've clay bar'd, it's smoother but still have water spots. I've got a very very mild polish by 3M and compound foam pad. Hasn't really helped remove the spots.
I know they can etch the paint...
But anyone have any ideas on next steps? Should I try a scratch remover or something like that? It's coming up on Saturday so I'm probably limited to what I can get at Autozone or Pep Boys.
I've clay bar'd, it's smoother but still have water spots. I've got a very very mild polish by 3M and compound foam pad. Hasn't really helped remove the spots.
I know they can etch the paint...
But anyone have any ideas on next steps? Should I try a scratch remover or something like that? It's coming up on Saturday so I'm probably limited to what I can get at Autozone or Pep Boys.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
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From: Spring Tx
On the same subject, how do you remove water spots from the windows. I have no problem getting them off the finish with mothers cleaner wax, but I've tried everything under the sun and they are still there. They are almost invisable to the naked eye, but I do a lot of in car videos and they show up bigtime.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 763
Originally Posted by jmiller
I had to leave my car in the elements for a couple months, and I've got water spots.
I've clay bar'd, it's smoother but still have water spots. I've got a very very mild polish by 3M and compound foam pad. Hasn't really helped remove the spots.
I know they can etch the paint...
But anyone have any ideas on next steps? Should I try a scratch remover or something like that? It's coming up on Saturday so I'm probably limited to what I can get at Autozone or Pep Boys.
I've clay bar'd, it's smoother but still have water spots. I've got a very very mild polish by 3M and compound foam pad. Hasn't really helped remove the spots.
I know they can etch the paint...
But anyone have any ideas on next steps? Should I try a scratch remover or something like that? It's coming up on Saturday so I'm probably limited to what I can get at Autozone or Pep Boys.
you might want to try scratch-x first. this should be available at autozone, pepboys, etc.
i would start with mequires #83, their compounding foam pad, and a porter-cable polisher. if that doesn't work, i'd go up to maybe #85. without seeing your finish, it's hard to to give you suggestions -
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 763
Originally Posted by lost
On the same subject, how do you remove water spots from the windows. I have no problem getting them off the finish with mothers cleaner wax, but I've tried everything under the sun and they are still there. They are almost invisable to the naked eye, but I do a lot of in car videos and they show up bigtime.
go here www.properautocare.com or www.autopia.org both sites have good info...
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 470
Likes: 8
From: Northwest Washington
Originally Posted by lost
On the same subject, how do you remove water spots from the windows. I have no problem getting them off the finish with mothers cleaner wax, but I've tried everything under the sun and they are still there. They are almost invisable to the naked eye, but I do a lot of in car videos and they show up bigtime.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by lost
On the same subject, how do you remove water spots from the windows. I have no problem getting them off the finish with mothers cleaner wax, but I've tried everything under the sun and they are still there. They are almost invisable to the naked eye, but I do a lot of in car videos and they show up bigtime.
On the water marks on the paint issue:
when a bead of water sits on the upper surface ( hood top and trunk ) these beads act like a magnifying glass and etch into the clear coat. Also acid rain left to sit on a hood roof or trunk can get deep into the clear. Now that the damage is done, the only way to get them out is with wet sanding, done by someone who knows what they are doing. IN the future, good wax protection and a cover would have saved you all this grief.
You thought I was rude and insensitive for posting a large picture of my car.....
Good Luck
Bill aka (ET)
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Jun 4, 2005 at 05:07 PM.
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Intermediate
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No Nono I Use To Work At A Car Wash .. Go To Your Local Car Wash And Have Them Spray Acid On It,,, Just Ask Them That.. It Wont Hurt Your Car, They Spray It And Then Rinse With Water Fast,, They Mostly Use The Acid For Tires
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by c51998
No Nono I Use To Work At A Car Wash .. Go To Your Local Car Wash And Have Them Spray Acid On It,,, Just Ask Them That.. It Wont Hurt Your Car, They Spray It And Then Rinse With Water Fast,, They Mostly Use The Acid For Tires
A sure case of
the elevator doesn't go to the top floor.That's about as vague as saying " use a liquid on your windows.."
Vingar is an acid, so is sulfuric, so is muriatic, hydrochloric, so is hydrosulfuric... can I pick anyone?
THanks for the tip !
Team Owner
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From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Katy
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: Katy
Thanks for all of the help and ideas. Sorry to say I didn't try all of them. I tried a heavier polish from Meguiars. No improvement. I tried clay barring a couple different times. No improvement.
I believe my water spots are now a permanent part of my vette.
I tried. The paint is definitely smoother after my attempts to resolve. I now have 4 coats of zaino, and it looks much better. (at least until you get real close and notice my spots...)
I believe my water spots are now a permanent part of my vette.
I tried. The paint is definitely smoother after my attempts to resolve. I now have 4 coats of zaino, and it looks much better. (at least until you get real close and notice my spots...)
