BAD Water Spots

Keith Tobberman · 08-08-2010, 04:05 PM

Hey,
I just washed my 09 Impreza outside. It is wicked windy so when I was done rinsing, most of the car was dry. I then ran to town to by some microfiber wax applicators and a buff rag. When I got back and started to apply the wax, I noticed that the waterspots stayed. I tries rinsing down and soaping up again, but after rinsing and this time drying, the spots are still there. I can feel them with my nail and it seems they are etched in. Am I screwed here?!?

-Thanks

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Kean · 08-08-2010, 04:56 PM

A couple of things here....

1) Even though you washed the car, as soon as you drove it you introduced road dirt/dust to the panels. Waxing the car in this condition will grind those particles against the finish and cause scratching/marring. You should only apply wax against a clean surface (i.e. like immediately after washing).

2) Generally speaking, wax/sealants are non-abrasive. They won't do much to remove water spots or other contaminants.

You need something that will help dissolve the mineral deposits left behind from the water drying on the surface. Vinegar is an excellent solution for this, is readily available and usually something that is already in many households. A paint cleaner could also help. In more severe cases you can try using a water spot remover like Chemical Guys WSR. If those don't work you can always resort to compounding/polishing.

Keith Tobberman · 08-09-2010, 12:03 AM

Thanks for the reply. I actually had gone to town on motorcycle to avoid getting the car dirty before waxing. Thanks for the tip though.

-Thanks

Nagz · 08-09-2010, 12:07 AM

Like Kean said, I would try a paint cleaner like "P21S paint cleanser". It's a very mild polish that will prep the paint for wax/sealant.

Jay89 · 08-09-2010, 12:31 AM

Heres a lesson for you. ALWAYS wash in the shade and on a warm sunny day. avoid direct sunlight if possible, and use clean distilled water if possible to rinse the car. otherwise waterspots can and will occur if left to air dry =p

you have several options.
1) go buy a otc paint cleaner and try to get rid of the water spots that way (i have never tried this method so i can not guarantee it)
2) use a clay bar to remove the contaminants and water spots. this usually works, but not a fool proof way.
now this third and guaranteed way to get rid of them takes much more effort, and a skilled hand.
3) Use a commercial polish such as SIP (menzerna super intensive polish II) and a circular polisher with a medium density CCS foam pad (white).

to be perfectly honest, if you want to have the best results, i would clay bar then polish with a circular polish. but if polishing is not within your ability, then i would suggest using a paint cleaner and clay bar. however, if not done correctly, it can scratch the car. i would use caution. good luck with getting rid of your water spots.

axleon2 · 08-09-2010, 01:56 AM

Clay bar will work. If you don't have one or don't want one, you can use white distilled vinegar on your paint. As for your windows you can use lime away just be careful not to get it on your paint or plastic parts. I used both of these methods all the time when detailing cars as a profession and actually did it on my wife's car today.

EA82TRally · 08-09-2010, 02:46 AM

As was mentioned already, you can use a clay bar and it will do the job. One thing that I have found that works is Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. It works extremely well. I had the same problem with water spots(hard water at that; Yay California!

) on an '04 Trailblazer that I just traded in and the Meguiar's Ultimate Compound took the spots right off. If I'm not mistaken, I bought it at AutoZone for under $8. Just a suggestion. Good Luck.

-Patrick

GARGOYLE · 08-09-2010, 03:14 AM

AXELEON2 you BEAT ME,winner

never the less;Sometimes Koolaid ^ makes me ****ing sick.
I once got nearly persecuted for sharing this Info...

VINEGAR. Now go away.Thread over!

http://www.automedia.com/How_to_Elim...cr20020801hw/1

http://www.mydailydriver.com/driveway/swirl-marks

http://www.hdforums.com/forum/genera...e-vinegar.html

KraziAzn · 08-09-2010, 03:32 AM

Claybar man. it helps

Vince F · 08-10-2010, 11:34 AM

in 69' I had a black Dodge Charger, and tap water drying on it left rings. I had to get the water off fast. I thought it was minerals in the water, and added borax that softens water to the rinse. The rings of the spots were raised, not etched.

Kean · 08-10-2010, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince F

in 69' I had a black Dodge Charger

....cool, my first car was a '69 Charger SE (383ci w/a 727 trans). While it has seen better days, I still have it. ....I just need to get off my butt and start restoring it.

Vince F · 08-10-2010, 12:51 PM

Better get after that Charger.)) I see a black 68' in my area. Mine got stolen, and that sent me on the path of small cars that handled great. 71' Mercury Capri, 86' Mustang SVO, and then the Impreza. Have a buddy who got the new Charger Hemi, then the Charger SRT8, Then the Challenger SRT8, Now a Camaro SS. He's young, and still trying to find himself. )))

swygar · 08-10-2010, 04:53 PM

clay bar usually works

Kean · 08-10-2010, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince F

Better get after that Charger.)) I see a black 68' in my area. Mine got stolen, and that sent me on the path of small cars that handled great. 71' Mercury Capri, 86' Mustang SVO, and then the Impreza. Have a buddy who got the new Charger Hemi, then the Charger SRT8, Then the Challenger SRT8, Now a Camaro SS. He's young, and still trying to find himself. )))

….I know, I know.

I just purchased a 2010 Challenger R/T to replace my ’03 WRX. I always liked the ’69 Charger but the ’70 Challenger and the ‘Cuda were always favorites of mine. When Dodge reintroduced the new Challenger, I saw it as sort of a second chance. I’m also at a point in life where I wanted something full size, more comfortable yet still fun. I never thought it possible but the car does do a decent job capturing a bit of that muscle car essence I remember from my youth.

Your friend has had quite a few recent cars. I guess he’ll be wanting to a new Mustang 5.0 now?

My co-worker has an SS that I’ve been wanting a ride in. ….I need to hit him up.

Back Road Runner · 08-10-2010, 06:01 PM

Mother's pre-wax cleaner works slick and preps the surface well for waxing. I've never toyed with a clay bar before, although that is a common solution for a lot of these things. I've been happy enough with the cleaner for water spots, dirt particles, and any oxidation on paint(no clear coat) or rubber parts. I've never not gotten a great surface after using it. The only thing it doesn't work well for is bugs, and I opt for a dedicated bug cleaner for that.

I've also found a spray on quick wax/detailer works well for a quick clean up, but it's not a great option for something actually dirty to start with. I have some Meguire's quick detailer spray, and I've come to like using it on my windows from time to time to get rid of light build up and to make rain just bead off, at least for a little while.

Dane509 · 08-10-2010, 10:19 PM

Kinda random, I had some water spots on my hood from my sprinkler system, and I could NOT get them off. This past week it rained pretty hard a few times, and I finally got a chance to wash my car the other day when the weather got better, and oddly enough after I hand dried my car like I always do, the water spots were gone. Kinda weird..

Smdavis27 · 08-10-2010, 10:37 PM

acid rain! Woah, thats kinda like this song!

YouTube- ‪"Chocolate Rain" Original Song by Tay Zonday‬&lrm;

Dane509 · 08-10-2010, 10:50 PM

hahahah yeah, sorta like that.

Interceptor-RX · 08-16-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GARGOYLE

http://www.automedia.com/How_to_Elim...cr20020801hw/1

http://www.mydailydriver.com/driveway/swirl-marks

http://www.hdforums.com/forum/genera...e-vinegar.html

Hella helpful links.
Thanks.

midnighted · 08-16-2010, 04:47 PM

when I had some hardcore water spots on my car from my apartments sprinkler system, sratch-x did wonders. I started with a claybar, then the scratch-x then nxt wax to finish it off. Also if you have it on your windows, rain-x makes a products that's like a paste that you can use that gets rid of them easily.

Interceptor-RX · 08-16-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midnighted

Also if you have it on your windows, rain-x makes a products that's like a paste that you can use that gets rid of them easily.

How exactly do you apply that stuff?
Just like a wax?

midnighted · 08-16-2010, 06:03 PM

yeah you just use a damp cloth, circular motion like a wax. It's called Rain-x X-treme clean. It's around $7 at pepboys but it was the only thing that I used that got rid of the water spots on my windows. I tried pretty much everything from Stoner's to CLR and none of them were able to do what this did.

here's a pic so you know what to look for too:

Layvon · 08-16-2010, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midnighted

yeah you just use a damp cloth, circular motion like a wax. It's called Rain-x X-treme clean. It's around $7 at pepboys but it was the only thing that I used that got rid of the water spots on my windows. I tried pretty much everything from Stoner's to CLR and none of them were able to do what this did.

Sorry to thread jack but......Thank you soooo much! I have hard water stains from our sprinklers and hope this works! Not even clay bar would take them off.

midnighted · 08-16-2010, 06:19 PM

lol np man. I had pretty much given up before I tried this. It takes some elbow grease to apply it but its well worth it. You can also use it on your headlights too if they are yellow\hazy.

Interceptor-RX · 08-16-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midnighted

lol np man. I had pretty much given up before I tried this. It takes some elbow grease to apply it but its well worth it. You can also use it on your headlights too if they are yellow\hazy.

Props.
Thanks man. Good to know.

08-08-2010, 04:05 PM	#1
Keith Tobberman Scooby Newbie Member#: 242853 Join Date: Mar 2010 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Northern Maine Vehicle: 2007 Impreza 2.5i Satin White Pearl	BAD Water Spots Hey, I just washed my 09 Impreza outside. It is wicked windy so when I was done rinsing, most of the car was dry. I then ran to town to by some microfiber wax applicators and a buff rag. When I got back and started to apply the wax, I noticed that the waterspots stayed. I tries rinsing down and soaping up again, but after rinsing and this time drying, the spots are still there. I can feel them with my nail and it seems they are etched in. Am I screwed here?!? -Thanks * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

08-09-2010, 02:46 AM	#7
EA82TRally Scooby Specialist Member#: 73270 Join Date: Oct 2004 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Edwards AFB, CA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Midnight Black Pearl	As was mentioned already, you can use a clay bar and it will do the job. One thing that I have found that works is Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. It works extremely well. I had the same problem with water spots(hard water at that; Yay California!) on an '04 Trailblazer that I just traded in and the Meguiar's Ultimate Compound took the spots right off. If I'm not mistaken, I bought it at AutoZone for under $8. Just a suggestion. Good Luck. -Patrick

08-16-2010, 06:03 PM	#22
midnighted Scooby Specialist Member#: 131869 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Norfolk, VA Vehicle: 2002 BMW M3 Topaz Blue	yeah you just use a damp cloth, circular motion like a wax. It's called Rain-x X-treme clean. It's around $7 at pepboys but it was the only thing that I used that got rid of the water spots on my windows. I tried pretty much everything from Stoner's to CLR and none of them were able to do what this did. here's a pic so you know what to look for too: Last edited by midnighted; 08-16-2010 at 06:25 PM.

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08-08-2010, 04:56 PM	#2
Kean Scooby Guru Member#: 25187 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: So. CA Vehicle: '08 Foz Prem TGM '10 Challenger R/T Blk	A couple of things here.... 1) Even though you washed the car, as soon as you drove it you introduced road dirt/dust to the panels. Waxing the car in this condition will grind those particles against the finish and cause scratching/marring. You should only apply wax against a clean surface (i.e. like immediately after washing). 2) Generally speaking, wax/sealants are non-abrasive. They won't do much to remove water spots or other contaminants. You need something that will help dissolve the mineral deposits left behind from the water drying on the surface. Vinegar is an excellent solution for this, is readily available and usually something that is already in many households. A paint cleaner could also help. In more severe cases you can try using a water spot remover like Chemical Guys WSR. If those don't work you can always resort to compounding/polishing.

08-09-2010, 12:03 AM	#3
Keith Tobberman Scooby Newbie Member#: 242853 Join Date: Mar 2010 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Northern Maine Vehicle: 2007 Impreza 2.5i Satin White Pearl	Thanks for the reply. I actually had gone to town on motorcycle to avoid getting the car dirty before waxing. Thanks for the tip though. -Thanks

08-09-2010, 12:07 AM	#4
Nagz Scooby Newbie Member#: 211432 Join Date: May 2009 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Sunnyvale, CA Vehicle: 2012 WRX STI DGM	Like Kean said, I would try a paint cleaner like "P21S paint cleanser". It's a very mild polish that will prep the paint for wax/sealant.

08-09-2010, 12:31 AM	#5
Jay89 Scooby Newbie Member#: 205205 Join Date: Mar 2009 Chapter/Region: W. Canada Location: Alberta Vehicle: 2007 WRX Urban Grey	Heres a lesson for you. ALWAYS wash in the shade and on a warm sunny day. avoid direct sunlight if possible, and use clean distilled water if possible to rinse the car. otherwise waterspots can and will occur if left to air dry =p you have several options. 1) go buy a otc paint cleaner and try to get rid of the water spots that way (i have never tried this method so i can not guarantee it) 2) use a clay bar to remove the contaminants and water spots. this usually works, but not a fool proof way. now this third and guaranteed way to get rid of them takes much more effort, and a skilled hand. 3) Use a commercial polish such as SIP (menzerna super intensive polish II) and a circular polisher with a medium density CCS foam pad (white). to be perfectly honest, if you want to have the best results, i would clay bar then polish with a circular polish. but if polishing is not within your ability, then i would suggest using a paint cleaner and clay bar. however, if not done correctly, it can scratch the car. i would use caution. good luck with getting rid of your water spots.

08-09-2010, 01:56 AM	#6
axleon2 Scooby Guru Member#: 154117 Join Date: Jul 2007 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Midvale, Utah Vehicle: 2004 WRX JAVA BLACK PEARL	Clay bar will work. If you don't have one or don't want one, you can use white distilled vinegar on your paint. As for your windows you can use lime away just be careful not to get it on your paint or plastic parts. I used both of these methods all the time when detailing cars as a profession and actually did it on my wife's car today.

08-09-2010, 03:14 AM	#8
GARGOYLE Scooby Specialist Member#: 178918 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Santa Monica CA.	AXELEON2 you BEAT ME,winner never the less;Sometimes Koolaid ^ makes me ****ing sick. I once got nearly persecuted for sharing this Info... VINEGAR. Now go away.Thread over! http://www.automedia.com/How_to_Elim...cr20020801hw/1 http://www.mydailydriver.com/driveway/swirl-marks http://www.hdforums.com/forum/genera...e-vinegar.html

08-09-2010, 03:32 AM	#9
KraziAzn Scooby Newbie Member#: 254327 Join Date: Aug 2010	Claybar man. it helps

08-10-2010, 11:34 AM	#10
Vince F Scooby Specialist Member#: 143802 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Phila, Pa Vehicle: 2007 Imp 2.5i 5M Wgn Crystal Gray	in 69' I had a black Dodge Charger, and tap water drying on it left rings. I had to get the water off fast. I thought it was minerals in the water, and added borax that softens water to the rinse. The rings of the spots were raised, not etched.

08-10-2010, 12:51 PM	#12
Vince F Scooby Specialist Member#: 143802 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Phila, Pa Vehicle: 2007 Imp 2.5i 5M Wgn Crystal Gray	Better get after that Charger.)) I see a black 68' in my area. Mine got stolen, and that sent me on the path of small cars that handled great. 71' Mercury Capri, 86' Mustang SVO, and then the Impreza. Have a buddy who got the new Charger Hemi, then the Charger SRT8, Then the Challenger SRT8, Now a Camaro SS. He's young, and still trying to find himself. )))

08-10-2010, 04:53 PM	#13
swygar Scooby Newbie Member#: 253354 Join Date: Jul 2010	clay bar usually works

08-10-2010, 06:01 PM	#15
Back Road Runner Scooby Guru Member#: 60082 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Minnesota Vehicle: 2004 Forester STI Silver	Mother's pre-wax cleaner works slick and preps the surface well for waxing. I've never toyed with a clay bar before, although that is a common solution for a lot of these things. I've been happy enough with the cleaner for water spots, dirt particles, and any oxidation on paint(no clear coat) or rubber parts. I've never not gotten a great surface after using it. The only thing it doesn't work well for is bugs, and I opt for a dedicated bug cleaner for that. I've also found a spray on quick wax/detailer works well for a quick clean up, but it's not a great option for something actually dirty to start with. I have some Meguire's quick detailer spray, and I've come to like using it on my windows from time to time to get rid of light build up and to make rain just bead off, at least for a little while.

08-10-2010, 10:19 PM	#16
Dane509 Scooby Newbie Member#: 204683 Join Date: Mar 2009 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Wenatchee Vehicle: 2004 STI JBP	Kinda random, I had some water spots on my hood from my sprinkler system, and I could NOT get them off. This past week it rained pretty hard a few times, and I finally got a chance to wash my car the other day when the weather got better, and oddly enough after I hand dried my car like I always do, the water spots were gone. Kinda weird..

08-10-2010, 10:50 PM	#18
Dane509 Scooby Newbie Member#: 204683 Join Date: Mar 2009 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Wenatchee Vehicle: 2004 STI JBP	hahahah yeah, sorta like that.

08-16-2010, 04:47 PM	#20
midnighted Scooby Specialist Member#: 131869 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Norfolk, VA Vehicle: 2002 BMW M3 Topaz Blue	when I had some hardcore water spots on my car from my apartments sprinkler system, sratch-x did wonders. I started with a claybar, then the scratch-x then nxt wax to finish it off. Also if you have it on your windows, rain-x makes a products that's like a paste that you can use that gets rid of them easily.

08-16-2010, 06:19 PM	#24
midnighted Scooby Specialist Member#: 131869 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Norfolk, VA Vehicle: 2002 BMW M3 Topaz Blue	lol np man. I had pretty much given up before I tried this. It takes some elbow grease to apply it but its well worth it. You can also use it on your headlights too if they are yellow\hazy.