H2O spots and wax

[froggyferret]

Hello everybody, finally getting a chance to post my question. Apparently my apartment complex uses well water for their non-potable needs, ie: sprinkler system and car washing area. I couldn't see these spots on my gray truck, but now that I have this dark blue car, the spots are oh so visible and verry annoying. While I learned from this forum how to get rid of them (spend a week with a clay bar), I may or may not have done a silly thing prior to gleening this tidbit of info. In order to try to prevent any more of these spots from adhering to my car's paint, I waxed it in a preventative type thought process....hoping the wax would keep the spots off the paint, but at the same time gluing the present spots to the paint. So the question is -- how do I get rid of the spots under the wax? Will claying it do the job? Doesn't seem like it would since there is a layer of wax between the clay and the spots, or do I need to remove the wax first? If so, what product is recommended for that little endeavor? This is going to be a pain in the hiney as there is no escaping the sprinkler system, save a few parking spots directly in front of the building which are usually taken. So, there it is. What to do with the spots and wax?

Sandy

[Mike Phillips]

Re: H2O spots and wax

You need to rub the paint out using a paint cleaner, this will remove the wax and to some level remove the water spots, depends upon if they are Type I or Type II

If they are Type II, that is etchings actually in the paint, then to remove them you have to remove all the paint surrounding the etching and that's where it gets difficult because removing small particles of clear coat paint is a controlled manner by hand is difficult.

M105 is new product we have out that can be used by hand and is the fastest and easiest way to remove etchings or swirls and scratches by hand.

What it means to remove a scratch out of anything...

How To Remove Water Spots off Automotive Paints

Type I Water Spots - Mineral deposits sitting on top of the paint







Type II Water Spots - Etchings below the surface




Close-up of same photo above

[Mr Mustang]

Re: H2O spots and wax

clay should take off the old wax for you, so you can get to the water spots, then a paint cleaner like mike said will do. Dawn dish soap will also take off the wax, if you wash the car a few times, but dont use it more than you have to, because it can eat away at the clear coat. when you get finished with that, I suggest putting atleast 2 coats of wax on,it really helps to stop water spots

[froggyferret]

Re: H2O spots and wax

It would seem that I have types I and II water spots. I spent all day learning a few lessons -- claying in the shade is a whole lot quicker than doing so in the sun, my car does not like to be waxed in the heat of the sun, I obviously do not know how to use ScratchX properly. After claying the car within an inch of its life, washing it, waxing it....all in the 90+ degree heat of the day, it looked like ****. So, next day I undid it all and started over, but it went much quicker since I just had to take the wax off, rewash it and rewax it. Yes, it was a good lesson learned and one not to be forgotten. The majority of the spots are gone, you have to look to find the rest. *I* know they're there, and when I figure out how to use ScratchX properly, then I'll redo those areas. Regardless, it looks a whole lot better....until this morning. The sprinklers went off and left fresh spots on my car . I'm assuming the wax will keep them off the paint? This is rather annoying.

[redhotchevy2000]

Re: H2O spots and wax

i have a trade secret which may or may not be helpful. depends on how adventurous you are.

wheel acid. mist it onto the spots where you have the water spotting (NOT ON GLASS OR PLASTIC) and spray off within 30 seconds. then cleaner wax and another wax. works amazing, i use Blue moon wheel acid diluted 1/1 and it takes it off like nobodys business. i wish i had picture proof because most will think im crazy. if someone gets a test panel and tries it, it really does work. but it stains plastic and glass so do not get it on either surface. i have not tried meguiars acids or wheel cleaners, but if i get some and a car with spotting, i will try it for you. hth.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: H2O spots and wax

I feel your pain. The complex I live in uses well water also. I would clay the car, then use the scratch-x to remove the spots. This is of course if you can not get your hands on 105. Remember you have to put a lot of passion behind the pad when using scratch-x. If you are using a foam applicator, try instead a terry towel. This has a little more bite to it. Good luck.