Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

[Jarett]

I just bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee Saturday that has water spots on the rear and side windows and the chrome plastic trim around them. However the front glass and paint (white) appear to be fine. Per the how to sections I believe I can get the spots off of the windows with M04 and some elbow grease but I have not tried yet. Is this the best remedy for removing water spots and/or acid rain on glass or is there a better alternative?

Concerning the plastic faux chrome trim, what can I do there? Chrome polish does nothing, and neither does clay. I am going to try PlasticX next to see what that does.

If anyone has had success fixing either of these problems will you please let me know?

Thanks!!!!!

[Shawn T.]

Re: Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

For the chrome, I would go with a chrome polish or some Ultimate Compound. I don't know how #0000 steel wool would work with chrome or windows so........yeah.

For the glass, M04, M105, Ultimate Compound or any good cutting compound. M04 works wel because it uses Diminishing Abrasives and the abrasives begin very large, hence why it cuts through the water spots and dirt on the window so easily. However, any of them will work

[Redefined]

Re: Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

I dont really use compound on glass. I will suggest you try claying the glass first, as you already have some claybar. If your chrome trim isnt responding to the chrome polish by itself, maybe you can pick up a foam polishing tool and use it with the chrome polish. These usually hook up to a drill.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

As Redefined states, since you've already got the clay give that a shot on the glass first. But if those spots have been there for a long time they may not budge with the clay - but you'll never know until you try. If they don't come off with the clay, then step up to the Ultimate Compound or similar. M04 has been used with great success for years in this application, but UC is going to be much easier to source and it should be every bit as effective.

As for the chromed plastic parts, we're a bit concerned that the chrome polish didn't remove the spots from them. PlastX is going to be fairly mild and not really designed for that surface so, while it won't hurt the finish, we doubt it's going to help it, either. The next step up is going to be UC again, but don't get overly aggressive with it as the chrome finish on that plastic can be damaged if you just lean into it. Go slow to start and work up in aggressiveness as needed.

[Jarett]

Re: Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

Thanks for the help guys! Picking up some UC today!

[Jarett]

Re: Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

OK. I applied the UC to my faux chrome trim by hand with a terry cloth covered sponge (spirited application necessary), wiped with a micro and it looks as good as new!

The glass is a slightly tougher project. It is much better, but still not totally clear of water spots. I used a terry cloth sponge and UC on the glass as well, but I was wondering if I would get better results if I used a wool applicator to apply the UC by hand instead? Or should I look into getting a DA to help fix my glass?

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

A DA with the right pads and some M205 or M105 would probably make your glass look brand new again.

[jfelbab]

Re: Help! Water Spots on Window Trim!

If the spots are a dried mineral deposit you could try wetting a paper towel with vinegar and placing it on the glass. Spray a little more vinegar on the towel to keep it moist and after 3-4 minutes see if the minerals have been dissolved.