Spots on rearview, light scuffs on trim, help!

[TexDetailer]

Dusty places like my town is a detailer's or enthusiast’s nightmare! Even in my own garage, putting them in right after a good wash, the cars have a light coat of dust on it the next morning, requiring a light wipe with the MF cloth, because you can’t rinse and try every day!


Done Venting.

Anyhow, how do you all remove hard water spots from the rearview side mirrors? What works best?

Also, what do you use to polish the chrome(new cars don't really have chrome, so lets say shiny plastic) trim around the side windows? They get light little scratches that show pretty well in direct sun.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi TexDetailer,

For removing water spots and other gunk that build up on the outside of glass that a spray-on glass cleaner won't remove, check out this thread,

Glass Polishing... deep cleaning

If the chrome you're working on is truly plastic, then you treat the surface material and in this case plastic. Meguiar's makes 4 different product for cleaning, polishing, and maintaining plastics, I've included them below. For your situation, this can be kind of tricky because if you think about it, removing a scratch out of anything means removing the material around the scratch until the surface is level again...

While the below diagram depicts scratches of different depths in paint, the same idea applies if you're working on plastic, aluminum, chrome etc. The point being, in order to remove a below surface defect, you must remove the material surrounding the defect until the highest points of the surface are equal, or level with the lowest points of the defects. In some cases this will be impossible to do.



Meguiar's always teaches people to use the least aggressive product to get the job done, in your case that would be to try the M17 Plastic Cleaner first, and if that didn't work then try the PlastX as it contains a microscopic diminishing abrasive and offers more cleaning power than the M17 Plastic Cleaner.

Also, before using any product on a delicate surface like chrome plastic, always test the product in a small inconspicuous area first for compatibility and desired results.


Meguiar's Clear Plastic Products
Here is the complete collection of products Meguiar's offers for working with clear plastics by hand.


Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Polish



The finishing touch for maximum clarity and brilliance. Meguiar’s Plastic Polish provides the second step in our two-step restoration process for clear plastics. One easy application protects surfaces previously cleaned with our M-1708 Plastic Cleaner. You will reveal the materials natural brilliance, while leaving behind an anti-static coating that helps repel damaging dust and dirt.

M-1008 ....................8 oz. (237 ml) $9.98


Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner



Safely removes hairline scratches, dirt and grime. Clear plastic that has lost its clarity due to significant contamination and fine scratches should be treated using our two-step process. Meguiar’s non-abrasive, alcohol-free Plastic Cleaner aggressively cleans and removes scratches without harming the surface. Follow up with our M-1008 Plastic Polish for a perfect finish.

M-1708 ....................8 oz. (237 ml) $9.98


Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Detailer



A single-step solution that keeps clear plastic surfaces pristine. Regain the original crystalline clarity of plastic in need of restoration, using this convenient all-in-one product specially formulated by Meguiar’s. Simply spray it on and wipe it dry. You will safely remove surface contamination and achieve dramatic results on everything from window panels and instrument lenses to eyeglasses, CDs and picture frames.

M-1808 ....................8 oz. (237 ml) $8.98


PlastX



This easy to use, rich gel formula quickly restores optical clarity to both rigid and flexible plastics. Cutting-edge advancements in Meguiar's exclusive Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive Technology, (MDAT), removes light oxidation, chemical degradation, surface contamination, stains and light surface scratches with ease. In addition, because our microscopic diminishing abrasives breakdown as you use them, PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish is safe on plastic rear windows on convertible tops, aircraft windows, motorcycle fairings, face shields, headlights and taillights, instrument panels, all clear plastic boat surfaces and aquariums. Meguiar's PlastX also contains highly water-resistant polymers. These specialized hi-tech polymers provide long lasting durable protection to keep your clear plastics clear and beautiful longer. PlastX is non-toxic and does not contain any harsh solvents.

G-12310 ....................10 oz. (296 ml) $4.99

[Murr1525]

I have had good luck claying my mirrors and windows, to remove a lot of the spotting. Granted, they werent left on too long.

[cdweller0]

I have the daily dust disaster too! Really recommend Meg's Body Duster if it's garaged. Should be faster than a MF. Product ID is X-1180.