Insanely hard water spots – How to remove?

Sam12345 · 05-15-2008, 05:21 PM

bump

sinnet112 · 05-15-2008, 07:18 PM

For any who were wondering, I did end up using Scratch X and put more work using it than I ever had before, and only then did it start to come off, so yes it does work.

That being said, I'm not about to do that for the entire car, I'll just wait to get a buffer and buff it out for good. Hope this helps!

npb · 05-15-2008, 09:04 PM

usually products with a strong citrus base will eat away at the calcium buildup but wash it off promptly

E90076 · 05-18-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinnet112

For any who were wondering, I did end up using Scratch X and put more work using it than I ever had before, and only then did it start to come off, so yes it does work.

That being said, I'm not about to do that for the entire car, I'll just wait to get a buffer and buff it out for good. Hope this helps!

I'm in the same boat with some recent spots I've run into.

Anyone see any worries with using the Scratch X on the entire vehicle. More specifically, is it safe for wide-spread use or is it something that is supposed to be used conservatively in small areas?

I don't have a whole lot of experience with the product or its abrasiveness...

WallyF · 11-11-2008, 11:41 AM

I have recently noticed that my rear window is covered with what appears to be water spots. They are really noticeable at night when headlights shine into the rear. Also are noticeable at dusk and dawn.

I have tried (only one time for about 5 minutes) using Meguiars clay and QD and it does not appear to help.

Do I need to work the area more throughly? Should I use a glass polish? What else should I try??

Thanks

Wallyf

mikeokimster · 11-11-2008, 11:46 AM

Try CG waterspot remover.

ChuckBimmer · 11-11-2008, 01:14 PM

I had the same problem with water spots. The painters were washing down the house an when I opened the garage a bunch of dirty water dripped on to my vehicle. I did not notice it until several hours later. I did not want to cause any swirls. I had to use clay and then polish it off with PC using IP, PO106ff.

WallyF · 11-11-2008, 01:56 PM

What does "CG" stand for? Where can I purchase it.

Thanks

Wallyf

ChuckBimmer · 11-11-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WallyF

What does "CG" stand for? Where can I purchase it.

Thanks

Wallyf

CG - Chemical Guy.

Purchase: detailedimage.com

WallyF · 11-11-2008, 02:01 PM

Chuckbimmer,

Thanks for the info.

Wallyf

pro detail · 11-12-2008, 12:47 AM

You Have to BUFF it Out

pro detail · 11-12-2008, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaux

I got some hard water spots on my car recently as well.

Would the P21S Total Auto Wash work on hard water spots?

Sometimes depend on the water spots how harsh it is

pro detail · 11-12-2008, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WallyF

I have recently noticed that my rear window is covered with what appears to be water spots. They are really noticeable at night when headlights shine into the rear. Also are noticeable at dusk and dawn.

I have tried (only one time for about 5 minutes) using Meguiars clay and QD and it does not appear to help.

Do I need to work the area more throughly? Should I use a glass polish? What else should I try??

Thanks

Wallyf

raiser blade

picus · 11-12-2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WallyF

I have recently noticed that my rear window is covered with what appears to be water spots. They are really noticeable at night when headlights shine into the rear. Also are noticeable at dusk and dawn.

I have tried (only one time for about 5 minutes) using Meguiars clay and QD and it does not appear to help.

Do I need to work the area more throughly? Should I use a glass polish? What else should I try??

Thanks

Wallyf

Any chemical cleaner will do it. Klasse AIO, Werkstatt Prime, CG waterspot remover. You're going to need some elbow grease, though.

BK · 11-12-2008, 11:07 AM

^^ 1Z Einszett Glas Polish does a great job (by hand) with not much elbow grease.

mrslayer · 07-31-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinnet112

So, I usually do my own car washing and such, but apparently my garage sprung a leak somewhere and the last rain that came got my car wet. I put it off for a few days before I had time to wash it.

Unfortunately, when I did, I saw the hard water spots that remained on the car. Regular car wash soap couldn't remove it, polish couldn't remove it, and clay bar couldn't remove it.

I haven't yet invested in a buffer, but is that the only thing that can possibly get it off?

No pictures, because it just looks like any other hard water spot. Any tips would be appreciated, thanks!

use comet green container bleach in water rub on and wash off it works easy

mrslayer · 07-31-2011, 09:10 AM

to remove water stain on glass and car use comet bleach it is scratch free mix with water rub on and wash off it work for me it comes in green container buy it in supper market

Jean-Claude · 07-31-2011, 09:45 PM

For glass, vinegar and water mix along with some 0000 steel wool.

TOGWT · 08-01-2011, 02:46 AM

There are two categories of water mark (the so-called water spots)

Stage I (Surface) Corrosion
[: defined as a surface with light to moderate corrosion damage to the paint surface]

Stage II (Sub-surface) Corrosion
[: definition when the dirt/corrosion deposits are no longer on the surface but have started to break down the molecular structure, leaving an etched or white haze on the surface( a concave circular mark ) after the stain has been removed, with moderate to serious paint damage]

a) Surface water spots- (Stage I Corrosion) alkaline watermarks consist of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) both of which are basic (alkaline pH 10) that alight on the surface; ultra violet (heat) radiation (UVR) will leave a white ‘water mark’, the minute crystals bond to the surface, they will not wash off as they are insoluble and if left for any length of time they will etch the paint film surface leaving a concave circular mark, remove surface deposits with detailer’s clay and an acetic acid pH 2.0 (vinegar) to naturalise the alkaline

b) Below surface (etched) spots- (Stage II Corrosion ) are caused by an aggressive alkaline or an acidic solution (acid rain, bird excrement or industrial fallout) causing a chemical reaction, if left for any length of time they will etch the paint film surface leaving a concave circular mark. Unlike water spots which typically have a white outline of the spot, acid rain etching is smaller and you can see the damage in the clear coat.

Inspect the surface etching under magnification, and then you will be able to assess the damage. Magnification will allow you to view paint flaws in perfect detail. View the edges of acid rain or water spot damage, and the hard-to-see depth of scratches. Only then, you will be able to assess the real damage. The edge should be levelled, which will make the etched depression almost invisible.

tofu- · 08-05-2011, 04:13 PM

i've had water spots that not even 203s on a white pad would take care of.

i suppose i should call them acid spots, cause it had to be pretty bad acid rain to etch that deep

Bobble · 08-05-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckBimmer

CG - Chemical Guy.

Purchase: detailedimage.com

Or directly from CG.

bchcky · 07-14-2012, 09:41 PM

BUMP

I'm having a similar problem to all those listed above. My car is under a car port at my apartment complex, and the building maintenance guy for some reason decides that when he's watering the lawn occasionally, the sprinkler needs to spray far enough so that it waters down the entire passenger side of my car.

I just tried washing this afternoon. Scrubbed and rinsed the passenger side a solid 5 times. It is a little bit better, but when you run your hands over the car, you can still feel water spots all over. It is particularly noticeable on the windows when looking out while sitting in it. Bothers the hell out of me.

This water vinegar mix you all talk about, what are we talking? 50/50? And is this only safe for windows? Apply with a cloth and rinse?

05-15-2008, 05:21 PM	#23
Sam12345 Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,534 Posts Drives: jet black 335i coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 335i Coupe [0.00]	bump __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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05-15-2008, 07:18 PM	#24
sinnet112 Major 30 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: 2009 E89 Z4 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00] 2007 328xi Sedan [0.00]	For any who were wondering, I did end up using Scratch X and put more work using it than I ever had before, and only then did it start to come off, so yes it does work. That being said, I'm not about to do that for the entire car, I'll just wait to get a buffer and buff it out for good. Hope this helps! __________________ Z4 sdrive30i \| Deep Sea Blue \| Ivory White Nappa Extended Leather \| ZSP
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05-15-2008, 09:04 PM	#25
npb First Lieutenant 13 Rep 309 Posts Drives: 08 BS 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: socal iTrader: (0)	usually products with a strong citrus base will eat away at the calcium buildup but wash it off promptly __________________ back to black
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11-11-2008, 11:41 AM	#27
WallyF First Lieutenant 97 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	Water Spots on the Rear Glass I have recently noticed that my rear window is covered with what appears to be water spots. They are really noticeable at night when headlights shine into the rear. Also are noticeable at dusk and dawn. I have tried (only one time for about 5 minutes) using Meguiars clay and QD and it does not appear to help. Do I need to work the area more throughly? Should I use a glass polish? What else should I try?? Thanks Wallyf
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11-11-2008, 11:46 AM	#28
mikeokimster Lieutenant Colonel 205 Rep 1,699 Posts Drives: e90 jerez m3 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: North Seattle, WA iTrader: (10)	Try CG waterspot remover. __________________ Current: 10' E90 Jerez M3 DCT ///Mods: Xpel front clip wrap, Nokya 2500k H8 halos, matte grills, IND reflectors, scoops, MS drop-in, MS track pipes, Dinan exhaust, 240E, ESS tune, BBS CHR, s04 255x35 295x30, KW Clubsports, ceramic pads Retired: 08' E92 328i JB 6mt 212 rwhp 190 rwtq
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11-11-2008, 01:14 PM	#29
ChuckBimmer Liv'n the Dream 7 Rep 181 Posts Drives: '08 335 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I had the same problem with water spots. The painters were washing down the house an when I opened the garage a bunch of dirty water dripped on to my vehicle. I did not notice it until several hours later. I did not want to cause any swirls. I had to use clay and then polish it off with PC using IP, PO106ff. __________________ '08 335xi Sparkling Graphite/ZPP/ZSP/Step/CA/iDrive/iPod Performance: Dinan Stage III Flash (OC, FMIC), Dinan Exhaust, KWV3, 19' BMW Performance Wheels Stealth: V1, NavAlert, Laser-Interceptor, HuberOptik Tint Future: CAI
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11-11-2008, 01:56 PM	#30
WallyF First Lieutenant 97 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	What is "CG"? What does "CG" stand for? Where can I purchase it. Thanks Wallyf
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11-11-2008, 02:01 PM	#32
WallyF First Lieutenant 97 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Wayne, IN iTrader: (1) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive4 ... [0.00]	CG defined Chuckbimmer, Thanks for the info. Wallyf
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11-12-2008, 12:47 AM	#33
pro detail Banned 7 Rep 33 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Orange iTrader: (0)	You Have to BUFF it Out
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11-12-2008, 11:07 AM	#37
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	^^ 1Z Einszett Glas Polish does a great job (by hand) with not much elbow grease. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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07-31-2011, 09:10 AM	#39
mrslayer Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2011 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: florida iTrader: (0)	to remove water stain on glass and car use comet bleach it is scratch free mix with water rub on and wash off it work for me it comes in green container buy it in supper market
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07-31-2011, 09:45 PM	#40
Jean-Claude Banned 1 Rep 168 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	For glass, vinegar and water mix along with some 0000 steel wool.
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08-01-2011, 02:46 AM	#41
TOGWT Captain 11 Rep 770 Posts Drives: 630i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL / London, UK iTrader: (0)	There are two categories of water mark (the so-called water spots) Stage I (Surface) Corrosion [: defined as a surface with light to moderate corrosion damage to the paint surface] Stage II (Sub-surface) Corrosion [: definition when the dirt/corrosion deposits are no longer on the surface but have started to break down the molecular structure, leaving an etched or white haze on the surface( a concave circular mark ) after the stain has been removed, with moderate to serious paint damage] a) Surface water spots- (Stage I Corrosion) alkaline watermarks consist of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) both of which are basic (alkaline pH 10) that alight on the surface; ultra violet (heat) radiation (UVR) will leave a white ‘water mark’, the minute crystals bond to the surface, they will not wash off as they are insoluble and if left for any length of time they will etch the paint film surface leaving a concave circular mark, remove surface deposits with detailer’s clay and an acetic acid pH 2.0 (vinegar) to naturalise the alkaline b) Below surface (etched) spots- (Stage II Corrosion ) are caused by an aggressive alkaline or an acidic solution (acid rain, bird excrement or industrial fallout) causing a chemical reaction, if left for any length of time they will etch the paint film surface leaving a concave circular mark. Unlike water spots which typically have a white outline of the spot, acid rain etching is smaller and you can see the damage in the clear coat. Inspect the surface etching under magnification, and then you will be able to assess the damage. Magnification will allow you to view paint flaws in perfect detail. View the edges of acid rain or water spot damage, and the hard-to-see depth of scratches. Only then, you will be able to assess the real damage. The edge should be levelled, which will make the etched depression almost invisible.
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08-05-2011, 04:13 PM	#42
tofu- Banned 87 Rep 2,854 Posts Drives: 335i Jet Black/Coral Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: nyc iTrader: (4)	i've had water spots that not even 203s on a white pad would take care of. i suppose i should call them acid spots, cause it had to be pretty bad acid rain to etch that deep
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07-14-2012, 09:41 PM	#44
bchcky Enlisted Member 2 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 07 328xi Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: TX iTrader: (1)	BUMP I'm having a similar problem to all those listed above. My car is under a car port at my apartment complex, and the building maintenance guy for some reason decides that when he's watering the lawn occasionally, the sprinkler needs to spray far enough so that it waters down the entire passenger side of my car. I just tried washing this afternoon. Scrubbed and rinsed the passenger side a solid 5 times. It is a little bit better, but when you run your hands over the car, you can still feel water spots all over. It is particularly noticeable on the windows when looking out while sitting in it. Bothers the hell out of me. This water vinegar mix you all talk about, what are we talking? 50/50? And is this only safe for windows? Apply with a cloth and rinse?
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