This is for a forum member who had a question on removing water spots, particularly with out the use of a clay bar. I thought the information could be relative to other members who had similar questions and he agreed to let me post a public reply. I hope this article helps.
First, there are two types of water marks, and how you remove them depends on which type of spot they are. I am quoting an article I wrote to identify the two types of water spots.
Originally Posted by Todd@Autpia
The question of this thread is how to remove water spots, which as the article above describes as stubborn mineral deposits on the paint. Since this the focus of this article I will concentrate on their removal. Removing the other type of spots- water etchings- requires resurfacing the paint (either aggressive compound polishing or wet sanding) to repair.
The following are the common ways used to treat water spots.
- Chemical Cleaning with a Water Spot Remover
- Detailing Clay Treatment
- Light Hand/Machine Polishing
- Pre-Wax Paint Cleansing Lotion
- All-In-One Cleaner Wax Application
Chemical Cleaning with a Water Spot Remover-
This is perhaps the least invasive method. For years people have used, and I have recommended mixing distilled white vinegar with water (1:1). Wash the car first then wipe the paint with the solution and let dwell for 5-10 minutes, then agitate with microfiber towel and rinse off. This works fairly well, and the ingredients needed (vinegar + water) is readily available. The down side is that it works `okay` and your garage, car, and drive way will stink for weeks!
Another viable cleaning solution is Chemical Guy`s Water Spot Remover. We are bringing this product into our store after experiencing first hand how well it removes water spots. I know several (extremely high end detailers) who have used this product to remove water spots plastic trim and cowlings!
Detailing Clay Treatment-
A lot has been written about using detailing clay to remove water spots and for good reason. It cleans most contamination off the paint`s surface quickly. Detailing Clay can struggle with some low level water spots only because they have no real thickness. Detailing clay floats above a lubricant and abrades any contaminants that stick above the paint`s surface. However many times enthusiasts have clay handy so it is a recommended treatment because it works often.
Light Hand/Machine Polishing-
Lightly polishing the paint with an ultra fine abrasive polish will scrub the water spots clean and well and increase the gloss and clarity of the paint.
For hand polishing consider Meguiar`s Ultimate Polish.
For machine polishing team up a soft foam finishing pad (such as a Lake Country Black Pad) with a an ultra fine machine polish like BLACKFIRE SCR Finishing Polish or Menzerna SF4500 (the same exact polish used at the Mercedes Factory for assembly line refinishing as a last step for ultimate gloss).
Pre-Wax Paint Cleansing Lotion-
"Paint Cleaners" are a great choice for removing light water spots. Paint Cleansing Lotions are design to deep clean the paint and prepare for a fresh coat of wax. Many wax or paint sealant manufacturers make paint cleansing lotions that clean the paint and prime it for their wax/sealant. They use either a chemical cleaning solution or a fine polish or a combination of both.
The two best I have used are BLACKFIRE`s Gloss Enhancing Polish or Utlima Paint Guard Prep
All In One Cleaner Waxes
Cleaner Waxes or AIO`s combine a wax or sealant with the properites of a paint cleansing lotion. They are designed to clean the paint and protect it one, time saving step.
KLASSE AIO is a classic in this field, where BLACKFIRE Total Polish N Seal uses the latest in technology/advancements.
You can apply most AIO`s by hand or machine. If applying by hand (like a paint cleansing lotion) you want to work into the paint with a foam applicator with a little bit of passion.
These are some of the options of removing water spots. Depending on your goals each can work. After using Chemical Guy`s Water Spot Remover, I am excited to be adding this as an addition to our growing Chemical Guy`s line up. It will make a viable cleansing option and should be available shortly.
Comments, questions, suggestions are always welcome!
:thumbup:
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