baked on water spots =(

[gamer2k]

Parked at my buddies house over the weekend and car caught a nice shower from his sprinkler system. Unfortunately since the sun was blazing and it was 100+ outside, the water spots baked onto the car and etched into the paint. [headbang][headbang]

Anyone have any recommendations on what to use to polish it out? Some have recommended ScratchX 2.0 but others suggested Ultimate Compound. Also does anyone know some stores that sell foam applicator pads? Can't seem to find them anywhere and hoping I don't have to order online.

[PNW Avant]

Id take it to someone for a thorough paint correction...gonna run you a couple hundred $. You're probably not going to be able to do much by hand.

[B6JoeS4]

It is going to have to be compounded - somethign you cannot do by hand. take it to a detailer, I dont know of any in nevada off the top of my head

[TOGWT]

Water Marks (Water Spots)

The misnomer ‘water spots’ are caused by a moderate to high alkaline or acidic solution, both of which can cause paint discolouration, surface etching (a concave circular mark and pitting) leaving microscopic surface imperfections and micro pores in the paint film surface that are vulnerable to deterioration, which need to be removed and naturalized as soon as possible.
There are two categories of water spot-
a) Stage One Corrosion [: defined as a surface with light to moderate corrosion damage to the paint surface]

b)Stage Two 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 after the stain has been removed, with moderate to serious paint damage]

Use the least abrasive product first-
1. Use a paint surface cleaner (Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner)
2. Try to dissolve the alkaline-based, surface/etched mineral water deposits try one or more of the following;
a) Use a 2:1 or stronger solution of distilled water/distilled white vinegar (Acetic acid)
b) Try a 2:1 solution of distilled water/Isopropyl Alcohol (adjust ratio as required)
c) Or equal parts distilled water/distilled white vinegar/Isopropyl alcohol.
3. Clean the effected surface with Klasse All-In-One or Zaino Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner
4. Use detailing clay to remove any `hard' surface granules
5. Use a machine polish (Optimum Polish, Optimum Compound) and a cutting (LC White, Orange or Yellow) foam pad (speed # 4- 5.0) to level the surface
6. For Ceramiclear or other hard clear coats substitute Menzerna for machine polish; PO 203 S - Power Finish
7. Use the least aggressive polish/foam pad first, if this doesn’t remove the problem step-up to a more aggressive polish / foam pad set-up
8. Wet-sand with 2000, 2500 or 3000 grit finishing paper

[gamer2k]

Sprung for a polisher with some foam pads and gonna DIY it this weekend. Gonna try Scratch X and follow up with Ultimate Compound if that doesn't work out. Will report back with the results! Just a shame that I have to start wearing down the clear so early in the car's life :(

[gamer2k]

I'm happy to report that after using the electric polisher with some ScratchX, the etchings have diminished considerably. I'm planning on giving it another pass with the polisher at my next car wash and hopefully that will take care of what's left.

[casuso]

Just yesterday I got rid of some deep water spots in my trunk lid, using M105 with the burgundy meguiars pad and a rotary. I startes with least aggresive methods lie using the PC and softer pads, but finally this is what worked for me.

[readimag]

Sprung for a polisher with some foam pads and gonna DIY it this weekend. Gonna try Scratch X and follow up with Ultimate Compound if that doesn't work out. Will report back with the results! Just a shame that I have to start wearing down the clear so early in the car's life :(

Whoa dont do that UC is like m105 and SX is like m205 just OTS at walmart, You need to do UC first and then finish down with scratch x just make sure you washa nd clay the car first or you may have more swirls then you started with.

[readimag]

Just yesterday I got rid of some deep water spots in my trunk lid, using M105 with the burgundy meguiars pad and a rotary. I startes with least aggresive methods lie using the PC and softer pads, but finally this is what worked for me.

what did you finish with after the m105? I love the way m205 and blue pad work followed with Mez power lock, and a paste wax for that wet look.

[casuso]

what did you finish with after the m105? I love the way m205 and blue pad work followed with Mez power lock, and a paste wax for that wet look.

Well you wont believe how good m105 finishes with a softer pad, but just in case, I used Menzerna PO106 with the meguiars yellow pad. Very happy with the result.

[readimag]

no dont get me wrong, 105 can finish down very well with a soft pad, but why use 105 twice when you can get a way better finish with 205 or something along those lines.