Water Mark Removal

[MAGS1]

Thanks for all the comments and help. I may end up getting a polisher, probably Bauer, not necessarily for this, but for future ambitions of a minor paint correction. Can someone recommend the type of machine I should look for, DA, orbital? Specific Bauer model would be great. Thanks again!

I don’t know much about Bauer polishers, but Griots makes a decent entry level polisher if you don’t want to spend a ton of $$

https://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-g21-long-throw-polisher.html

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[BrakeFade]

I have a porter cable polisher. Easy to use and not heavy duty where it could burn paint. Done well using it for paint correction.

 

[MAGS1]

I’ve got a MaxShine mini polisher that I’ve used a few times now as well. Works well. Not the top of the line machine by any stretch, but I don’t use it a ton so I don’t need the most expensive one on the market.

https://maxshineusa.com/products/cordless-dual-action-polisher

My full size polisher is Meguiars (can’t remember who manufactured it for them) and it’s a solid DA machine. It’s not manufactured anymore, which is why I threw out the Griots as an option. DIY Detail sells one under their brand that several people rave about also.

https://diydetail.com/products/the-diy-detail-25mm-correction-pro?variant=43324297183390

 

[Jccams]

Last question, I think. I have waterspots on the over the top stripes and the plastic trunk panel. Is it safe to use the Carpro on those materials?

 

[MAGS1]

I haven’t tried Spotless on vinyl before but I have used Carpro Descale (an acidic soap) on vinyl and the stripes were fine. I’d spray a small amount on a microfiber and test in a small area first. And make sure not to let it dry on the surface

 

[BigR4444]

I dont know why everyone is so quick to dismiss the clay bar. Worse case scenario it just "doesnt work"

I parked under a train station once and they must have washed the platform or something. Had this awful nasty runoff of water and bird shit all over my rear quarter panel.
Washed the car and there was still a ghosty 12 inch by 6 inch white stain left over from where it was.

Busted out the clay bar and that stain was gone in 5 mins.

Clay bar has done the job for me numerous times before when other products failed

 

[Jccams]

I tried the clay bar last night, no difference.

 

[MachNroll]

They decided to run the sprinklers at work yesterday in the middle of the day, always during the night previously. My car, even though 3' from the curb, received a car wash from the rear of the doors back. The sprinkler water is from a pond, apparently nasty water. I had raised deposits on the whole back part of the car.

I took it home and washed it, the raised deposits came off but I now have ghost rings all over the back of the car. I tried waxing, didn't help. I'm sick that this happened as the paint was great before this. I would be very appreciative if anyone has ideas that will get my car back to the way it was. I do not have any polishing equipment except my arms.

I had a similar problem on a black vehicle I own. Wound up taking the money and time I would have spent attempting to correct the problem on my own and went to a professional detail shop. They did paint correction, polish and ceramic coating. Problem solved and now water spots just roll off.

Also, I might have a chat with whoever runs the landscaping operation. Especially if its not your employer. See if they can revert back to nighttime irrigation and help you cover the cost for repairing the paint. If your car was a beige Prius, meh, but its not. Its a beautiful performance vehicle. Show them. Good luck!

 

[MAGS1]

The stains left by nasty water, bird crap, etc. are chemically formed, so a clay bar won’t remove it. Clay bars pick up physical things stuck in the clear coat which is why it won’t work on hard water stains, etchings, etc. You need a chemical to neutralize it first (in this case a water/vinegar mix or something else acidic like Spotless) and then possibly a correction (polishing) to get any etching out of the clear coat.

 

[BrakeFade]

The stains left by nasty water, bird crap, etc. are chemically formed, so a clay bar won’t remove it. Clay bars pick up physical things stuck in the clear coat which is why it won’t work on hard water stains, etchings, etc. You need a chemical to neutralize it first (in this case a water/vinegar mix or something else acidic like Spotless) and then possibly a correction (polishing) to get any etching out of the clear coat.

100% correct. You’re going to need a chemical spray removal or mechanical abrasive removal with a light compound.

 

[Evolvd]

I just ordered a bottle of Labocosmetica Energo which is their high-strength spot remover. I discovered it when Improved Garage recently did a side by side test against three others. I also have CarPro Spotless 2.0 so I’m going to do a side by side comparison on my hood which has developed some spotting from sitting outside.

 

[MAGS1]

I just ordered a bottle of Labocosmetica Energo which is their high-strength spot remover. I discovered it when Improved Garage recently did a side by side test against three others. I also have CarPro Spotless 2.0 so I’m going to do a side by side comparison on my hood which has developed some spotting from sitting outside.

I’ve heard good things about a lot of the Labo products, have not tried any of them though. Will be curious how their spot remover does vs Spotless

 

[FlatRock]

If DFB says to do it, then you’d be wise to listen, it will be better than the day you got the car. He’s a wealth of detailing knowledge here.

 

[DFB5.0]

I dont know why everyone is so quick to dismiss the clay bar. Worse case scenario it just "doesnt work"

I parked under a train station once and they must have washed the platform or something. Had this awful nasty runoff of water and bird shit all over my rear quarter panel.
Washed the car and there was still a ghosty 12 inch by 6 inch white stain left over from where it was.

Busted out the clay bar and that stain was gone in 5 mins.

Clay bar has done the job for me numerous times before when other products failed

Because clay is not going to provide the necessary chemical reaction to dissolve and release this type of contamination. As mentioned earlier, water-spots are sub surface, clay works on the top surface (clearcoat).

 

[DFB5.0]

I’ve heard good things about a lot of the Labo products, have not tried any of them though. Will be curious how their spot remover does vs Spotless

And I've had a horrible experience with one Labo product, tainted me from trying the rest. In my opinion, the brand is faaaaar too complicated, and I say that as someone who likes complicated.

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