Water spots on brand new black c300!!

[mbnewby]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Thanks for all the advice. I will give an update soon..... I tried to use the clay on the pano roof...and it didn't work any suggestions??????

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Clay is NOT sanding, but how it functions IN A WAY is similar. Clay works by abrading away SURFACE CONTAMINANTS, not the paint, eventually leading to a smoother, more level surface.

A fine or mild clay should never harm your paint if you are properly prepping the paint with a good wash and using sufficient lube while working with the clay.

There is no reason to be afraid of clay (Unless you drop it!)

[seth1066]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

One possibility is that without the wax you're now seeing the dealer installed swirls from some PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) process. Or the car could have had transportation damage and was fixed at MB's port facilities, which except for the factory, produces some of the best paintwork in the world.

[Murr1525]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Was it just one long siwrl mark in one location?

[jmitch8011]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

you also have to make sure you keep it lubbed or it will catch the paint. (i'm new to claying so i'll let the pros step in )

[mbnewby]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Well i used Meguiars Kit...I am assuming that it was mild clay.....is clay a light form of sanding??? please tell me it isn't so....

[seth1066]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Ok did the clay yesterday......man it works miracles.....but it didn't take them completely out....is it normal that it leaves a glaring swirl mark??

Shouldn't if you used the mild clay. Don't forget that the clay strips any existing wax off.

[mbnewby]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Ok did the clay yesterday......man it works miracles.....but it didn't take them completely out....is it normal that it leaves a glaring swirl mark??

[benhui86]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

you should take care of it asap because waterspot etchs if you leave it for too long.....

[mbnewby]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Sounds like i got a mission in my hands....wont be able to work at it probably till saturday....i will post some pics tomorrow so you guys can see the evidence.....

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

Get a Meg's clay kit at your local parts store. That is a great thing to do to a new car anyway.

Do not worry about waxing the paint due to it being a new car- you will be totally fine.

If the clay does not work, then you may want to try the ColorX as others suggested; that should also be at most auto stores.

Although people have suggested NXT 2.0, I personally would lean more towards an actual true cleaner wax than NXT as NXT is more of a sealant. Try finding the Meg's 3 step system and grab that, or if they don't have that I guess grab any other cleaner wax they do have.

Do the ColorX BEFORE you wax it if you are going to wx the whole car, but of course I would try a TEST SPOT of each possible fix FIRST before doing a large amount of the car.

It is possible that 1. Clay, 2. Cleaner Wax, or 3. ColorX will each remove the defects on their own. I listed those products in the order I would suggest trying them.

Also, if it ends up working I would suggest claying the entire vehicle and following that with the 3-step system if you have the energy. It will be a great way to clean and protect your paint. Then follow up with a coat of NXT 2.0 next time you wash the vehicle (to give your arms a break for now) and your paint will be VERY well cleaned and protected.

Keep us posted!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

I would be partial to the smooth surface clay kit. To be on the safe side I would also pick up a extra bottle of Quik Detailer.

[3Fitty]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

I agree on the color X and if you just want to take that extra step with the clay that would be great. I would do the clay just to insure you have the surface free of any other contaminants.

Perfect advice! Clay + Color X + 2 Coats of NXT 2.0 (12 hours a part) and she'll look beautiful and water spot free.

[seth1066]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

As far as the age of the paint, there is some lag time due to shipping, etc. You can check the actual build out date listed in the car door jamb to get a reasonably accurate paint age.

[mbnewby]

Re: Water spots on brand new black c300!!

This is a brand new car. Any recommendations of which clay to get??