Hi Everyone. I originally posted in the General section and someone advised me to post here....so here it goes. I feel really stupid asking this question. I just picked up my 97 C5 Vette and washed it for the first time. This is my first black car.....ever. Before I washed it, it was just a little dusty, but I wanted to get to know it. Now it looks pathetic. Water spots all over the place. What is the secret to washing a black car? Also, how can I get the water spots off? My neighbor gave me some Meguiars Mirror Glaze 47 Hard Water Spot Remover to try. But, before I put anything foreign on my beauty (not so much now though), I thought I would see if this product is ok to use. If anyone has any other ideas.....please HELP. By the way, I'm 52 and I should probably know this at my age. What a bummer. Thanks, Craig

 

I never washed in direct sunlight, usually early in the morning when the sun is just barely peeking over the horizon (I'm up before the roosters ). Washed sections at a time and rinsed using the sheeting action trick, then followed up with a towel dry and Zaino. I'm usually done washing/drying just as the sun starts to hit the car.
Use whatever you like to use, wax or protectorant wise, as long as something is on there to protect it. I'm just one of the Zaino nuts.

Wife unit says that using a vinegar/water mix might help in getting rid of your current water spots. Maybe claybar it? Have you tried to rewash? Sometimes that will work.

The Mequires products are usually good stuff and I wouldn't worry too much about using it, although I've never used their Glaze 47? Follow directions on the bottle if you do and try on a tiny inconspicuous spot first to see if it's an abrasive.

Black is a royal pain to keep up, will show every single defect/scratch on your surface, and you'll end up being paranoid about cleaniness, but it's well worth it.

And welcome to the dark side.

 

DON'T use the hard water spot remover on your car!!! That is made by Meguiars for boats. Boats have gel coats...cars have clear coats. It will wreck your finish.

 

Hey, thanks a lot guys. I didn't want to try that #47 before checking with the board first. And I'm sure glad I checked first. I just got my 97 yesterday and I would have been crying like a baby if I ruined the clearcoat. You guys are great.
I've bought some wax applicator pads and plan on trying Turtle Wax cleaner wax on a small section and see how that works. I actually bought some distilled water and put some on the Vette and wiped it off....but even though it helped, it didn't completely take the spots off.
Is a clay bar hard to use?...I've never heard of them before. I'm just kind of paranoid about the whole thing now. I've always used Turtle wax products on my cars before with good results. Thanks again

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=966756

go 3/4 down the page and look at my post (killrwheels). You will follow the same principles. Trust me , no one product will make you completely happy. Each step is a necessity, then upkeep is much easier.

 

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2132&highligh t=water+spots

Here is some good infor on removing water spots.

 

This should keep you busy for a while: (Remember, it's about the process, not a certain product)

The Perfect Shine

Washing and Drying

Water Spots and Swirl Marks

Wheels and Tires

 

Hmm.. Really nice of his neighbor to give him this stuff..
No wonder I've never heard of it.

 

Removing water spots:
Alkaline watermarks (water spots) are calcium and magnesium salts that deposit on the surface after the water has evaporated, the minute crystals bond to the surface and are not re-dissolvable in water. These fall into one of two categories a) surface or b) below surface (etched) water spots. (See also Windscreen Protective Barrier)

Removing water spots from glass- rainwater sometimes contains alkaline minerals that alight on the paint film surface and as the water evaporates leave white `water spots' on glass surfaces. Mineral deposits can be caused by water from a light summer shower, or a lawn sprinkler system that that dries on the glass surface leaving a calcium / sodium deposit.

a) These can usually be removed by using detailer's clay to remove any hardened surface deposits, and then using a solvent type cleaner (Klasse All-In-One) For stubborn spots polish them using method (b)

Methodology:
·Use detailing clay to remove any `hard' surface granules
·To dissolve the alkaline-based, surface/etched mineral water deposits try one or more of the following; a 5:1 solution of distilled water/distilled white vinegar, or distilled water/Isopropyl Alcohol (adjust ratio as required) or equal parts distilled water/distilled white vinegar/Isopropyl alcohol.
·Use a clean spray bottle and 100% cotton Microfiber cloth to apply the solution to the glass surface
·Wipe off any residue from glass and dry with a damp waffle weave towel
·If any `water spots' remain apply distilled white vinegar or Isopropyl alcohol un-diluted to 100% cotton Microfiber towel, using a medium/heavy pressure on glass surface.
·If this does not remove the `water spots' use Autoglym Car Glass PolishTM and #0000 or #000 steel wool, use straight-line motions only (circular motions cause swirl marks)

b) Removing etched (below surface) water spots from glass, these are caused by acid rain or industrial fallout causing a chemical reaction, if left for any length of time they will etch the paint film surface leaving a concave circular mark.
Methodology:
These can usually be removed using detailer's clay to remove any hardened surface deposits and then using Autoglym Car Glass PolishTM with #0000 synthetic steel wool or Iz Einzette Glas Polish, a random orbital buffer (speed # 4) and a cutting foam pad (LC orange or yellow) to level the surface.

Notes:
1.Do not use abrasive cleaner; glass polish or any grade synthetic steel wool on after market-tinted glass or you will probably scratch the surface.
2.For deeply etched water spots' in the glass surface, do not attempt to polish them out, consult an automotive glass vendor as glass used on later model cars is soft and thin (this may vary by manufacturer) due to weight / cost savings by vehicle manufactures and polishing could cause glass to crack.
3.Be cautious with polishes that contain abrasives like aluminium or cerium oxide as they have the potential to damage glass beyond repair.
4.Some windshields and mirrors have a tinted plastic coating or a blue tint that will scratch or be damaged, only polish or use synthetic wool on uncoated glass.

~Hope this helps~
JonM