Best way to remove water spots

[waveman]

After a two-three week hiatus (yeah, I know that's too long), I decided to wash my car this morning before it got too hot outside. I did my usual routine: water rinse, wash with Turtle ICE, and dry with microfiber cloths. When I was done, the perimeter of the roof and hood was covered with water spots, which I suspect were there before I started. So I tried Griot's waterless cleaner, with little or no effect. The spots are easy to see if you look straight down at them in the shade (see pic).

I've never had spots like this before, so I did some research. There's a ton of info on the 'net, with recommendations that range from applying vinegar to cleaning with a clay bar to Meguiar's paint cleaner.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[timc1475]

After a two-three week hiatus (yeah, I know that's too long), I decided to wash my car this morning before it got too hot outside. I did my usual routine: water rinse, wash with Turtle ICE, and dry with microfiber cloths. When I was done, the perimeter of the roof and hood was covered with water spots, which I suspect were there before I started. So I tried Griot's waterless cleaner, with little or no effect. The spots are easy to see if you look straight down at them in the shade (see pic).

I've never had spots like this before, so I did some research. There's a ton of info on the 'net, with recommendations that range from applying vinegar to cleaning with a clay bar to Meguiar's paint cleaner.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Either of the two mentioned will work fine. To help "release" water spots and other contaminants you may want to consider a permanent paint sealent.
I bought opticoat for the simple fact how long it lasts and I hate to wax. Link below check it out. PS: I still go over it with a gloss spray on occasion but overall maintence is much less than with other products I have tried.

http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html

 

[waveman]

Thanks for the tip. Opti-Coat looks like a viable alternative to wax, but from my reading, any imperfections (including water spots) are supposed to be removed prior to application. Basically, the surface has to be as close to perfect as it can be.

I did try vinegar and clay bar today, but the darn spots are still there! I think that I'm going to check with a car detailing place near where I work. Funny, I don't think that I was ever as fussy about any of my other cars.

 

[timc1475]

Thanks for the tip. Opti-Coat looks like a viable alternative to wax, but from my reading, any imperfections (including water spots) are supposed to be removed prior to application. Basically, the surface has to be as close to perfect as it can be.

I did try vinegar and clay bar today, but the darn spots are still there! I think that I'm going to check with a car detailing place near where I work. Funny, I don't think that I was ever as fussy about any of my other cars.

After reading the above it seems the "spots" have etched their way into your clear coat. Therefore the only way to remove them now is with a rotary buffer and polishing compound made to remove these little monsters. After it's all clear do try to seal the paint with something to make removal next time much easier on yourself.

 

[waveman]

I think you're right. Unfortunately, I don't own a buffer and I'm afraid of making things worse, so I'm going to see what the detailers say. I wonder where these things are coming from - I've washed my car at home many times, so unless my water's changed, they must have come from somewhere else.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

WASH the car?!?!?!? I certainly hope you mean BATHE the Genni ?!?!? LOL

 

[waveman]

Maybe if I'd bathed it I would't have the water spots.

 

[reggieburris]

Shouldn't be too complicated because your paint is in good shape. Water spots probably burned into the clear coat or into the paint. My suggestions are to do the Meguiars 5 step process. It's cheap and varied but time consuming.

1. a) Get a compounding solution such as Meguiars Ultimate compound. This is micro abrasive to slightly abraid the paint without affecting the finish, allowing you to remove the spots.

b) Get the Meguiars C-2100 Professional Detailing Clay along with detailing spray such as Final Inspection or any detailing product to create lubrication for the clay. This clay will smooth everything out and assist in removing spots without hurting the paint. Claying gives your finish that smooth feel.

(I compound first, then clay.)

2. Get a polish, Meguiars or Mother's. This will help get you that deep shine. Polish gives you the depth and protects the paint.

3. Wax it next. I used Meguairs Ultimate which is synthetic but easy to remove. This protects the polish. Additionally I follow up with a carnuba based wax - in my case, Gold Class. This give a wet shine to the longer lasting synthetic coat.

4. Maintain it with a detailer. I use Meguiars Final Inspection because it assist in removing things such as dew, bugs, or bird poop and gives a gleaming finish.

Remember you can do a myriad of things - but if you compound, clay, polish (initially), wax then detail to maintain, water spots will be reduced and will not permeate the paint.

You will not have to do all of the 5 steps again, just wax it and detail it. Add a polish only when you feel you lose the luster which will probably be rare. Sounds like much but it is worth it, especially for a car like the Genesis. For a better explanation, go to Meguiars or Mother's website. Good luck.

 

[waveman]

Shouldn't be too complicated because your paint is in good shape. Water spots probably burned into the clear coat or into the paint. My suggestions are to do the Meguiars 5 step process. It's cheap and varied but time consuming.

1. a) Get a compounding solution such as Meguiars Ultimate compound. This is micro abrasive to slightly abraid the paint without affecting the finish, allowing you to remove the spots.

b) Get the Meguiars C-2100 Professional Detailing Clay along with detailing spray such as Final Inspection or any detailing product to create lubrication for the clay. This clay will smooth everything out and assist in removing spots without hurting the paint. Claying gives your finish that smooth feel.

(I compound first, then clay.)

2. Get a polish, Meguiars or Mother's. This will help get you that deep shine. Polish gives you the depth and protects the paint.

3. Wax it next. I used Meguairs Ultimate which is synthetic but easy to remove. This protects the polish. Additionally I follow up with a carnuba based wax - in my case, Gold Class. This give a wet shine to the longer lasting synthetic coat.

4. Maintain it with a detailer. I use Meguiars Final Inspection because it assist in removing things such as dew, bugs, or bird poop and gives a gleaming finish.

Remember you can do a myriad of things - but if you compound, clay, polish (initially), wax then detail to maintain, water spots will be reduced and will not permeate the paint.

You will not have to do all of the 5 steps again, just wax it and detail it. Add a polish only when you feel you lose the luster which will probably be rare. Sounds like much but it is worth it, especially for a car like the Genesis. For a better explanation, go to Meguiars or Mother's website. Good luck.

Thanks much for your detailed description. I had already tried the clay to remove the water spots - it didn't work, but it showed me that clay isn't difficult to use and that it leaves the surface very smooth.

I ended up taking the car to a detailer, who was able to remove the spots from the paint and from the metal trim and grille, which were also affected. His opinion was than the spots resulted from acid rain or a commercial car wash, which I had used just once after a trip.

What do you use to clean/maintain glass? In some ways, streaks and spots on my windshield bother me more that dirt elsewhere on the car because they're so noticeable when I'm driving, especially facing the sun in the morning. I use Invisible Glass with newspaper, but it's a constant battle. I also need to find some better wiper blades - the stock wipers leave too many streaks.

 

[Rudderman98]

What do you use to clean/maintain glass? In some ways, streaks and spots on my windshield bother me more that dirt elsewhere on the car because they're so noticeable when I'm driving, especially facing the sun in the morning. I use Invisible Glass with newspaper, but it's a constant battle. I also need to find some better wiper blades - the stock wipers leave too many streaks.

I use a product called' Glass Scrub".

http://www.detailedimage.com/Glass-Science-M5/Glass-Scrub-P52/10-oz-S1/

It has a consistency of creme and MUST be used with the windows/windshield wet. What I do is spritz my glass with a spray bottle filled with plain water, add a dime size amount of cleaner to a soft sponge or in my case, an old towel cut into squares as rags, and rub with a circular overlapping motion as you go.

Once that is completed, re spritz the windows/windshield with water and wipe with a clean rag to remove the remaining cleaner off. Then final buff with a nice clean micro fiber cloth or terry cloth. If there are still spots remaining, redo the window again until the spots are gone. You will notice that your glass has better clarity and shine.

CAUTION! Your arm will get a workout using this product if your spots are numerous and heavy and have been on the glass for some time. If your spots are extremely hard to remove, You might want to consider a rotary buffer with a 3 inch pad and Griots Garage heavy duty glass polish or have a professional detailer do the job for you.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product...basic&keyword=glass&sortby=newArrivals&page=1

Use a glass sealer such as Rain X or Rain Clear

http://www.detailedimage.com/Glass-Science-M5/Rain-Clear-P51/5-oz-Bonus-S1/

to seal all glass and prevent future spotting. My Gennie's glass shines with the clarity of a diamond....well okay maybe a cubic zirconia. Nonetheless my glass has never looked better. These are the products I use and I am in no way affiliated with Detailed Image or Griots Garage.

Good Luck!

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[reggieburris]

Thanks much for your detailed description. I had already tried the clay to remove the water spots - it didn't work, but it showed me that clay isn't difficult to use and that it leaves the surface very smooth.

I ended up taking the car to a detailer, who was able to remove the spots from the paint and from the metal trim and grille, which were also affected. His opinion was than the spots resulted from acid rain or a commercial car wash, which I had used just once after a trip.

What do you use to clean/maintain glass? In some ways, streaks and spots on my windshield bother me more that dirt elsewhere on the car because they're so noticeable when I'm driving, especially facing the sun in the morning. I use Invisible Glass with newspaper, but it's a constant battle. I also need to find some better wiper blades - the stock wipers leave too many streaks.

Just plain Windex and a good microfiber cloth.

 

[upsbroke]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works well on waterspots on glass for me.

 

[stars9texashockey]

Kinda related topic----Has anyone had the black rubber molding at the lower outside edge of the windows spot? I always hand wash and dry the car at home and use a protectant of some kind on all of the rubber trim. Both sides of the car have it, but it's worse on the driver's.

 

[QuantumRift]

Vinegar is about the BEST thing to use for water spots.

 

[waveman]

Vinegar is about the BEST thing to use for water spots.

Didn't work on mine, probably because they were etched into the clear coat. But I'm keeping a bottle handy with my other cleaning stuff.