Stubborn Deposits - Help!

[mejifair]

I recently got my STi back from a full shortblock rebuild at the dealer (rod bearing failure...covered by SOA under warranty).

The car was at the dealer for about 5 weeks total, and when I picked it up I told them not to wash it. It was in pretty bad shape, but I figured I would detail it myself and get it back to looking new.

But - I have tried everything to get some of these deposits off (that I know about) and have not had any success. Anyone have any ideas?

First detail:

1) Mr. Pink cannon wash twice
2) Dish soap when the above didn't get it off
3) Sonax on the wheels (same deposits)
4) Clay bar over the affected areas 4 times
5) Griots medium polishing compound with random orbit polisher

Second detail

1) Mr Pink once with cannon and then rinse
2) Dish soap hand wash whole car
3) Clay bar twice to no avail

If I try hard, I can get some of it off with my fingernail, but it is everywhere. It's like the dealer sat it inside a concrete dust storm, then let it get rained on, then stuck it in an oven to bake for a few days.

Any ideas? It's stuck literally everywhere. Wheels, paint, vents on the front bumper, etc.

Thanks!

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[sebhockey]

It's difficult to recommend anything just based on pictures as those look like deposits left behind from water spotting, but here goes:

Only go as far into the steps as you need
-Wash thoroughly using decon soap (don't ever use dish soap) Adams, ObsessedGarage and Carpro all have great options
-Iron Decon - use whatever brand you like
-Water spot remover - all of the big name detailing companies have their own. They pretty much spray on, wipe in and wash off. Most work by being more acidic and able to counter the high ph of stuff we put on cars.
-Clay bar - they come in different levels of aggressiveness, with a moderate to aggressive clay you will definitely need to polish to remove holograms
-Polish small area to test for removal - if good go over entire car, if not move to compounding
-Compound - microfiber cutting disc with good compound like meguiars m110 will make quick work here, if this still doesn't get it out you can go more aggressive, but start with just more compound before going to a more aggressive pad like wool as Subaru paint is very soft.
-Polish after compounding
-IPA wipe
-Wax/sealant/coating

[brylemr]

Try Optimum MDR Water Spot Remover. It works great for removing stubborn water spots.

[jasonwrx86]

3D Waterspot remover. Works like a charm.
https://www.amazon.com/3D-Auto-Detai.../dp/B004BFW0EO

[mejifair]

Originally Posted by brylemr

Try Optimum MDR Water Spot Remover. It works great for removing stubborn water spots.

I looked on Amazon, and found this one (Mineral Deposit Remover) but not a water spot remover. Is this the right one?

https://smile.amazon.com/Optimum-224...gateway&sr=8-1

[sebhockey]

Originally Posted by mejifair

I looked on Amazon, and found this one (Mineral Deposit Remover) but not a water spot remover. Is this the right one?

https://smile.amazon.com/Optimum-224...gateway&sr=8-1

That's the one. Just thought I would share this with you:

WATER SPOT REMOVAL: What Works Best? | Product Comparison - YouTube

WATER SPOT REMOVAL: What Works Best? | Product Comparison - YouTube

Good info on different methods.

[mejifair]

Originally Posted by sebhockey

That's the one. Just thought I would share this with you:

WATER SPOT REMOVAL: What Works Best? | Product Comparison - YouTube

Good info on different methods.

Excellent! And funny you would link that video. I watched it last night before seeing your post. Who knew wheel acid was the bet? Still scares me though to use something like that!!!

[pn3455]

Spray 9 Ftw