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Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

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  • #1

    Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

    Hi folks,

    I spent a few hours washing and waxing my black 2007 Audi A6 last week, finishing off with a coat of Meguiar's gold-class wax. The car looked fantastic and I was REALLY pleased with the results.

    This past weekend we got a slight amount of rain; nothing serious, more of a sprinkle... and I noticed that I now have rain spots all over the car. From what I'm reading I think I'll need to use a paint cleaner followed by re-waxing the car.

    My question is, why did this happen in the first place? I thought that a good wax job would prevent problems like this... what did I do wrong?
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  • #2
    Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

    No don't use a paint cleaner, those water spots are fresh!

    Use Meguiars Ultimate Quik Detailer or a similar product like Last Touch. As long as these spots weren't there before you waxed the car, you'll be fine. But if you waxed over them, then yes you will need a paint cleaner like SwirlX.
    Matt

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    • #3
      Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

      Hi CCIEvoice,

      First of all, welcome to MOL!

      Now, on to your issues, as you described it was only a light rain - which believe or not, is the worst in terms of water spots.

      When your car is sitting still and it rains (without wax) the water will just cling in large areas, no leaving discernible spots.

      When you have wax on the car it will cause the water to form in beads, beads which gather the dust and dirt in the surrounding areas. If the vehicle isn't driven, the beads will sit in place until they eventually dry - leaving behind the ciruclar collections of minerals and dirt.

      Now, if you were to drive the car and let the wind blow the water and dirt off, the wax would help stop them from forming. Likewise, a heavy rain will wash that stuff off, and also reduce the water spotting from the rain.

      But, even still, the wax will make it easier and less damaging to your paint now that you need to wash it to remove them. The sooner, the better. If they are fresh they may very well completely wash off with a standard wash.

      If not, I would recommend a wipe down with Last Touch at full strength, if from there, if it doesn't work, try a cleaner wax (the basic "Cleaner Wax" for $3-4 at any store from Meguiar's would fit the bill), if that doesn't work, you are dealing with severe mineral deposits that no micro-thin layer of wax could protect against.

      In that case, you would need to consider stepping up to a polish such as SwirlX, or Ultimate Compound.

      Start with the wash, and let us know how it turns out.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

        Wow, guys, I really appreciate the fast (and detailed) responses. To update the situation, I noticed the spots this morning before a long drive. I washed the car at a "laser wash" carwash... this is one of those automated washes that has no brushes, just pressurized water.

        the car was almost dry after that, but I used microfiber cloths to finish the job. The spots are still discernable.

        I will pick up some Last Touch followed, if necessary, by a Meguiars cleaner wax. I'll hope to get this done by Wednesday and will post back here ASAP.

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        • #5
          Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

          a pressure washer style wash will take off a bit of the wax, especially some GC....

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          • #6
            Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

            ^^ Agreed.

            I'd be surprised if the OP has any wax left after that. If it were me, I'd hit it with Cleaner Wax, followed by NXT or GC ASAP.
            Originally posted by Blueline
            I own a silver vehicle and a black vehicle owns me. The black one demands attention, washing, detailing, waxing and an occasional dinner out at a nice restaurant. The silver one demands nothing and it looks just fine. I think the black vehicle is taking advantage of me, and the silver car is more my style. We can go out for a drive without her makeup and she looks fine. If I want to take the black one out, it is three or four hours in the "bathroom" to get ready.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

              Since you went to a pressure wash. I would be concerned how much wax is left. Initially I was thinking of Last Touch also. However with your new info. I am leaning toward you getting some cleaner wax. Redo the car.

              I would also buy the Last Touch. This way you can maintain the finish between washes. As long as it is light dust, fingerprints etc. Then if this happens again, go right to the Last Touch when the water spots are fresh and they should be easily removed.
              quality creates its own demand

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              • #8
                Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

                Yeah, now that you have taken it through an automated car wash.... Although they don't touch your paint surface, they have to counter that with extremely pressurized water and high concentrated soap/cleaner, both in which remove any protection from your paint. You might as well try Cleaner Wax or SwirlX now then re-wax the paint with GC or NXT.
                Matt

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                • #9
                  Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

                  i love m20 myself

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Problem: water spots on freshly waxed car

                    I waxed my car on Saturday with Cleaner Wax and Yellow Wax. Weather forecast called for rain today (Tuesday) so before I left the house, I used my California Duster to remove the dust on my car.

                    Sure enough it rained in the morning for 1-2 hrs (after I arrived work). When I finished work, the road was all dry and my car was still wet in certain areas. I drove home and my car was almost clean again.

                    Maybe my car is silver and is well-maintained by Meguiars products over the years, I seldom see water spots. Of course, the duster helps a lot.

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