more water spot removal questions (i've read a few threads)

[mrscratchandswirl]

I don't even like to wax my car because I'm afraid of putting scratches and swirls in it (don't get me wrong, I do), so, I'm not pleased to be confronted by some MAJOR waterspotting on my ram air. I've been reading the forums and have found some info, but I would like some confirmation I'm going to do this the right way...

Waxing with meg gold class with carnuba didn't do anything (a guy can dream can't he?). I don't think I can feel them, so, from what I've read in various threads, the proper way to attack this type of spotting is to...

1. wash car and see what that does.
2. use a clay bar and check results.
3. use quik detailer if the spots are still there.
4. if still there, use scratch x
5. the big gun is ultimate compound if nothing else works.

I pray I don't have to get to steps 4 or 5 as I am not good with doing things that can permanently screw my paint if I mess up.

some additional questions:

Can I do all of this by hand? As you might imagine, I'm scared to death at thought of using any machinery (I don't own a buffer or DA).

If I can use hand, what do I use to apply the stuff? I think some threads talked about an orange applicator or something.

I know there are numerous threads about water spots, and I've read the ones I've found trolling through the forums, I guess I'm just looking for some reinforcement. It sound stupid, but the thought of trying to fix my paint and accidently making things worse is almost worse than the pain of having to see those ugly spots on my car. Any advice and help is appreciated.

[Tafner]

Re: more water spot removal questions (i've read a few threads)

Hi Mrscratchandswirl,

What kind of car do you have ? Single stage or clear coat ?

Remember to always do a test spot on a small area before doing the whole car. To apply UC or ScratchX by hand you need a soft foam applicator pad

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+X3070

If all you got is some watermarks ScratchX by hand should be fine, do a small section pass and wipe off while it's still wet. Check your results and continue from there. The only problem with doing by hand is that you are going to take a long time, so after you get the test spot the way you want it, take your time to do the whole vehicle, panel by panel.

Post some pictures if you can.

Hope it helps.

[rcktpwrd]

Re: more water spot removal questions (i've read a few threads)

maybe even a cleaner/wax would remove the spots, something like ColorX.
I would try SwirlX before the ScratchX as it is a little milder.

[Murr1525]

Re: more water spot removal questions (i've read a few threads)

1. wash car and see what that does.

You mention causing swirls... have to wash the car propely to avoid it. Be sure ot use a good soap, 2 buckets, good quality mitt / towels.

2. use a clay bar and check results.
3. use quik detailer if the spots are still there.

The QD is used with the clay.

4. if still there, use scratch x
5. the big gun is ultimate compound if nothing else works.

Personaly I would choose SwirlX and UC to have on the shelf.

I pray I don't have to get to steps 4 or 5 as I am not good with doing things that can permanently screw my paint if I mess up.

You wont mess anything up... but it can be hard work by hand.

some additional questions:

Can I do all of this by hand? As you might imagine, I'm scared to death at thought of using any machinery (I don't own a buffer or DA).

Yeah, just a bit of work. Dont plan on doing the whole car at once. Might be a couple panels a day with the SwirlX or UC.

If I can use hand, what do I use to apply the stuff? I think some threads talked about an orange applicator or something.

You want the Smooth Foam Applicators. They are the little yellow round disks. Usually have to be bought online though.

I know there are numerous threads about water spots, and I've read the ones I've found trolling through the forums, I guess I'm just looking for some reinforcement. It sound stupid, but the thought of trying to fix my paint and accidently making things worse is almost worse than the pain of having to see those ugly spots on my car. Any advice and help is appreciated.

Just do a test spot/panel first.... dont go and do the entire car first.

[Blue Apollo IV]

Re: more water spot removal questions (i've read a few threads)

I would try swirlX first. I have had success in the past using that on water spots - it took anywhere from 2-3 "sessions" working by hand to completely vanish the spots.

Just pick a small section to work on initially and see if you can achieve the results you are looking for.

There are a lot of variables in situations like this. So it's hard to say what exactly will work.

[mrscratchandswirl]

Re: more water spot removal questions (i've read a few threads)

Thank you for the responses. To answer the questions posed to me...

1) I would imagine it's a clear coat paint and not single stage. It's a 2000 ram air trans am. that sound right?

2) I don't have my digital camera at the moment, so I can't get pictures, but hopefully I'll be able to get some soon.

I read about the two bucket method...i'm definitely using that (in fact I use a third for the wheels and lower lower parts of the car. I just bought a new mustang GT a few months ago and I'm trying to protect the paint from the get-go.

I've bought the meguiars microfiber mitt and water magnet, and those yellow microfiber towels for removing wax.

Thanks again for the responses, and any additional tips, insight, & advice is appreciated.

[Murr1525]

Re: more water spot removal questions (i've read a few threads)

1) I would imagine it's a clear coat paint and not single stage. It's a 2000 ram air trans am. that sound right?

Doesnt really matter.