Water spots

DrewKo · 10-07-2007, 11:32 PM

I have some on my car's roof. Today, I tried to remove with distilled vinegar and distilled water. It didn't work. Anyone have any other ideas? Should I try a more abrasive scrub than a micro fiber towel? Tx.

SpecC · 10-08-2007, 12:46 AM

before going to stronger stuff, i would try either some diluted alcohol or some wax first. Then if that doesn't work, how about some scratch X? if not, i think you should either accept it or borrow a Porter Cable

sinnet112 · 10-08-2007, 02:19 AM

Most polishes will probably be able to get rid of them, but Scratch-X or Quixx should do the trick.

Mo · 10-08-2007, 02:21 AM

What's scratch-x? How does it work and how is it applied? Just a wash and then the product? where can i get this product? Please help........ Thanks!

sinnet112 · 10-08-2007, 02:24 AM

Scratch-X is made by Meguiar's and you can purchase it at your local Pep Boys or AutoZone, etc. It's an abrasive that takes away or hides scratches or swirls that inevitably can happen to your paint. It's gotten mixed reviews, but most generally say it works.

Apply it on a MF applicator and really rub it into the paint. A lot of elbow grease will be involved in this. After that, buff it off and reapply with some sort of wax as your clearcoat will be exposed. The scratches should be better now than they were before.

Mo · 10-08-2007, 02:44 AM

Thank you kindly...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinnet112

Scratch-X is made by Meguiar's and you can purchase it at your local Pep Boys or AutoZone, etc. It's an abrasive that takes away or hides scratches or swirls that inevitably can happen to your paint. It's gotten mixed reviews, but most generally say it works.

Apply it on a MF applicator and really rub it into the paint. A lot of elbow grease will be involved in this. After that, buff it off and reapply with some sort of wax as your clearcoat will be exposed. The scratches should be better now than they were before.

turbojet3 · 10-09-2007, 02:48 PM

Other than machine polish the only thing I have had success with is Jeff's Werkstatt prime strong.

JackMac · 10-09-2007, 02:56 PM

clay it...

normtrum · 10-09-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackMac

clay it...

I agree, try the clay, if that doesn't work, invest in a random orbital. It is much easier then people think. I never used one in my life before I got my 335. It will remove anything beyond a deep clear coat scratch (real deep).

Then get a sealant on there to prevent it from happening again. It's really very easy, believe me!

2007_E93 · 10-09-2007, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by normtrum

I agree, try the clay, if that doesn't work, invest in a random orbital. It is much easier then people think. I never used one in my life before I got my 335. It will remove anything beyond a deep clear coat scratch (real deep).

Then get a sealant on there to prevent it from happening again. It's really very easy, believe me!

I had water spots on my hood, trunk, roof, and fender. I was able to easily remove them with only Meguiars car wash, and Meguiars Paint Cleaner BY HAND. Took very little effort. After the spots removed I did finish the car with full Porter Cable Detail, but at least the spots were easy!!

normtrum · 10-09-2007, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2007_E93

I had water spots on my hood, trunk, roof, and fender. I was able to easily remove them with only Meguiars car wash, and Meguiars Paint Cleaner BY HAND. Took very little effort. After the spots removed I did finish the car with full Porter Cable Detail, but at least the spots were easy!!

Very cool....I'm glad you were able to take care of it. I hate water spots. I even have a portable water softener that I attach to my hose to help keep spots off while washing.

I rely heavily on my orb though, having a black saph it really helps.

2007_E93 · 10-09-2007, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by normtrum

Very cool....I'm glad you were able to take care of it. I hate water spots. I even have a portable water softener that I attach to my hose to help keep spots off while washing.

I rely heavily on my orb though, having a black saph it really helps.

I know what you mean,..I have Monaco Blue,...also very dark and hard to keep clean.

2007_E93 · 10-09-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by normtrum

Very cool....I'm glad you were able to take care of it. I hate water spots. I even have a portable water softener that I attach to my hose to help keep spots off while washing.

I rely heavily on my orb though, having a black saph it really helps.

I know what you mean,..I have Monaco Blue,...also very dark and hard to keep clean. Water spots are not a problem if you sheet off the water before drying and use The Absorber to blot/pat dry the car. If it rains or whatever and I get spots I use the paint cleaner and works great. Easy and no need for the orbital.

Daya · 10-09-2007, 11:02 PM

believe it or not - use the household cleaner CLR, it is safe to use on glass and paint, just don't let it sit too long and dilute the formula.

I was skeptical at first, but Picus, a very well respected detailer on here recommended it after a detailer he trusts suggested it.

The thread is here somewhere, I'm sure you can search and find it.

I had bad water spots on my hood and all over my glass. I clayed the paint and glass first, did a 50/50 mixture of CLR and tap water, immediately washed it off and clayed again. Once I verified the spots were gone I reapplied wax to the area.

Asiann · 10-10-2007, 12:56 AM

If Picus recommended it then his word is as good as gold!

normtrum · 10-10-2007, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asiann

If Picus recommended it then his word is as good as gold!

you got that right!

picus · 10-16-2007, 01:48 PM

Wait, I said to use CLR on paint? I really don't recall that. Hrm. I would use it as a last resort and only when heavily diluted, it contains sulfamic acid. Here is how I deal with water spots in this order.

1) Try alcohol and water or vinegar, spray and wipe. if nothing happens...
2) Try a chemical cleaner, like klasse all in one, werkstatt prime, zaio, etc. This almost always does the job, especially via machine. If not...
3) Use an abrasive polish, which one is up to you.

John 070 · 10-16-2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo

Thank you kindly...

Before you do that, you have water spots, not scratches, right? If it were me, I'd try a cleaner wax, such as Meguiar's or Mothers. I've always had good luck with these products.

Daya · 10-19-2007, 03:00 AM

Picus, here is your post that I was referring to:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=19

You said that your detailer friend said that CLR was safe to use on paint and glass, but you personally wouldn't use it on your paint, so I apologize for misquoting you

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

Wait, I said to use CLR on paint? I really don't recall that. Hrm. I would use it as a last resort and only when heavily diluted, it contains sulfamic acid. Here is how I deal with water spots in this order.

1) Try alcohol and water or vinegar, spray and wipe. if nothing happens...
2) Try a chemical cleaner, like klasse all in one, werkstatt prime, zaio, etc. This almost always does the job, especially via machine. If not...
3) Use an abrasive polish, which one is up to you.

picus · 10-20-2007, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daya

Picus, here is your post that I was referring to:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=19

You said that your detailer friend said that CLR was safe to use on paint and glass, but you personally wouldn't use it on your paint, so I apologize for misquoting you

No prob.

10-07-2007, 11:32 PM	#1
DrewKo Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,568 Posts Drives: 335i Montego Blue Saddle Brown Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Water spots I have some on my car's roof. Today, I tried to remove with distilled vinegar and distilled water. It didn't work. Anyone have any other ideas? Should I try a more abrasive scrub than a micro fiber towel? Tx.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-08-2007, 12:46 AM	#2
SpecC Completely obsessed with detailing 299 Rep 15,442 Posts Drives: E90 SG 330i, white Scion tC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Francisco and Davis iTrader: (4)	before going to stronger stuff, i would try either some diluted alcohol or some wax first. Then if that doesn't work, how about some scratch X? if not, i think you should either accept it or borrow a Porter Cable
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2007, 02:19 AM	#3
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]	Most polishes will probably be able to get rid of them, but Scratch-X or Quixx should do the trick. __________________ Z4 sdrive30i \| Deep Sea Blue \| Ivory White Nappa Extended Leather \| ZSP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2007, 02:21 AM	#4
Mo First Lieutenant 26 Rep 356 Posts Drives: 2014 M6 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	What's scratch-x? How does it work and how is it applied? Just a wash and then the product? where can i get this product? Please help........ Thanks! __________________ M.A.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2007, 02:24 AM	#5
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]	Scratch-X is made by Meguiar's and you can purchase it at your local Pep Boys or AutoZone, etc. It's an abrasive that takes away or hides scratches or swirls that inevitably can happen to your paint. It's gotten mixed reviews, but most generally say it works. Apply it on a MF applicator and really rub it into the paint. A lot of elbow grease will be involved in this. After that, buff it off and reapply with some sort of wax as your clearcoat will be exposed. The scratches should be better now than they were before. __________________ Z4 sdrive30i \| Deep Sea Blue \| Ivory White Nappa Extended Leather \| ZSP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2007, 02:48 PM	#7
turbojet3 First Lieutenant 11 Rep 325 Posts Drives: E92 335 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: C. FL. iTrader: (0)	Other than machine polish the only thing I have had success with is Jeff's Werkstatt prime strong.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2007, 02:56 PM	#8
JackMac Recovering BMW Addict 151 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: <OO (\|\|\|)(\|\|\|) OO> Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeast PA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2010 MINI John Coop ... [9.66]	clay it...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2007, 11:02 PM	#14
Daya Lieutenant Colonel 200 Rep 1,741 Posts Drives: e92 335 space gray/coral red Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335 [9.66]	believe it or not - use the household cleaner CLR, it is safe to use on glass and paint, just don't let it sit too long and dilute the formula. I was skeptical at first, but Picus, a very well respected detailer on here recommended it after a detailer he trusts suggested it. The thread is here somewhere, I'm sure you can search and find it. I had bad water spots on my hood and all over my glass. I clayed the paint and glass first, did a 50/50 mixture of CLR and tap water, immediately washed it off and clayed again. Once I verified the spots were gone I reapplied wax to the area. __________________ GIAC S2 \| Brembo GT BBK 355/345 \| BBS CH-R \| Michelin Pilot Super Sports \| AR Design: DP, S1 Oil Cooler, OCC \| AMS FMIC \| Bastuck Quad Exhaust \| Borla MP \| KW V1 \| Stett: CAI, CP \| Forge DV \| P3 Boost Gauge \| Arkym: Front Lip, Rear Quad Diffuser \| Vorsteiner CSL Trunk \| LUX H8 \| ModMyNav \| MFD M3 Sideskirts \| BMW M-Tech Front/Rear Bumpers, Edition Grills
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-10-2007, 12:56 AM	#15
Asiann Got Seoul? 116 Rep 2,862 Posts Drives: 2012 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 535i [0.00] 2008 750Li [0.00] 2006 BMW [0.00]	If Picus recommended it then his word is as good as gold! __________________ Can you say Alooooha? [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-16-2007, 01:48 PM	#17
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	Wait, I said to use CLR on paint? I really don't recall that. Hrm. I would use it as a last resort and only when heavily diluted, it contains sulfamic acid. Here is how I deal with water spots in this order. 1) Try alcohol and water or vinegar, spray and wipe. if nothing happens... 2) Try a chemical cleaner, like klasse all in one, werkstatt prime, zaio, etc. This almost always does the job, especially via machine. If not... 3) Use an abrasive polish, which one is up to you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote