Problems with Clay and Hard Water Spots

[garywi]

I bought the Clay Kit to get some embedded hard water spots off my paint where the water from the car wash settles. I followed the instructions.

So, it didn't work. I still have the hard water spots but now I have a new problem.

When I look at this area of the paint at an angle, I can see where I was rubbing the clay as the surface is lighter in color, almost blotchy. I ran over the area again with clay and kept the area wet, and it did not change. Still blotchy. I re-waxed the area. Used cleaner wax. No change.

So now, the area looks worse and I still have the water spots.

Any thoughts on what to do next..

Thanks!

[b-rad]

Re: Problems with Clay and Hard Water Spots

Typically clay will not remove the water spots. What it does do is aid in the process by essentially knocking the top of of the water spots which helps with the polishing process that is needed to fully remove them. Assuming they are not to bad where they might require sanding or have etched the paint. Pictures would help if you have them. Oh and the discoloration you see might be marring from claying.

[garywi]

Re: Problems with Clay and Hard Water Spots

Typically clay will not remove the water spots. What it does do is aid in the process by essentially knocking the top of of the water spots which helps with the polishing process that is needed to fully remove them. Assuming they are not to bad where they might require sanding or have etched the paint. Pictures would help if you have them. Oh and the discoloration you see might be marring from claying.

Thank you for the response. I can get a pic later today. I assume the surface is marred from the clay. The surface though is very smooth to the touch. You can't feel the water spots or marring. Given this, what are next steps to make it look better. Thank you

[b-rad]

Re: Problems with Clay and Hard Water Spots

Are you doing this by machine or by hand? If by machine I would try a polish since the cleaner wax you used didn't work. If working by hand you could still start with a polish but you will probably need somthing stronger like Ultimate Compound. If you are working by hand make sure to use even pressure in circular motions (don't press hard with finger tips) . If by machine a few slow passes with a polishing pad might do the trick. Good luck and let us know the outcome. Read the directions on whatever product you use and or watch some videos on the Megs YouTube channel if you are unsure of your skills.

[garywi]

Re: Problems with Clay and Hard Water Spots

Are you doing this by machine or by hand? If by machine I would try a polish since the cleaner wax you used didn't work. If working by hand you could still start with a polish but you will probably need somthing stronger like Ultimate Compound. If you are working by hand make sure to use even pressure in circular motions (don't press hard with finger tips) . If by machine a few slow passes with a polishing pad might do the trick. Good luck and let us know the outcome. Read the directions on whatever product you use and or watch some videos on the Megs YouTube channel if you are unsure of your skills.

I have a drill polishing pad and would like to try. What product should I use..

[b-rad]

Re: Problems with Clay and Hard Water Spots

I would start with Ultimate Polish or similar product and the burgundy pad if you have one. ( use a yellow pad if burgundy not available) If that doesn't work bump up to Ultimate Compound then follow with polish on a yellow or black pad once water spots have been removed. When finished apply a coat of wax or sealant of your choice.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Problems with Clay and Hard Water Spots

Welcome to Meguiar's Online.

I would agree with b-rad's recommendations, he's got you going in the right direction. Thank you B-Rad.

One question regarding your "drill polishing pad." Do you have our Meguiar's DA Power System which coverts a rotary drill into a oscillating DA? Or is it just a straight foam pad which goes into your drill? If it is just a straight hook up to the drill, technically our Ultimate line of products is not recommend for use with rotary machines. Rotary machines are also more aggressive than Dual Action Machines & have the potentially of leaving holograms or buffer trails behind in the paint, even with a small size pad. Below is an article which provides an overview of the different types of paint polishing tools if needed:

Beginners guide to the different types of paint polishing tools

Also, sorry to hear about what sounds like light marring from the use of the clay bar. Were you working the clay bar aggressively into the paint to try to remove the water stains? It is OK if you did, just know for future reference aggressive pressure and rubbing of the clay into the paint is not necessary. If you did not rub the clay super aggressively into the paint, it is possible your paint may be more on the "soft" side, as we almost never hear of anyone hazing their paint with our Smooth Surface Clay Kit. This doesn't particularly mean any changes to the above recommendations, it may just be a bit more challenging to get desired results.

Hope this helps. Feel free to update us and/or post further questions.

Nick