I have water spots from out-of-control lawn sprinklers (note to neighbor - please water the grass, not the street. thanks.) that I can't get off. I am not experienced with all of these products / processes, but I've also driven a stripped Toyota pickup for 13 years, so, you know. Anyway, I've washed it twice and the spots are very apparant, especially on the tinted glass. (I know it's the sprinkler water because it's only on the side that got doused. Probably some pretty hard water.) So, I don't have a buffer or anything - what can I use to get these stupid spots off? Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

 

First, try clay. It may work if the spots aren't *too* baked on. If that doesn't work, you're going to need to polish - which I would recommend using a random orbital (a "buffer") for.

For the glass, some people have used a vinegar solution, a glass polish...I once used shower cleaner specified for hard water on my old car and it worked well - just don't get it on your paint!

And find somewhere else to park your car

 

I think I would try clay first. Most auto parts stores carry clay from Mothers or Meguiars. You should also get some lube (often time bundled with the clay). You can use clay on both the paint and the glass.
Multiple pass will be required so be patient. If this fails the spots may be etched into the paint. However before you throw up your hands in surrender, you could also try some white vinegar on a paper towel and allow it to soak on the spots. Most spotting is caused, in part, by Calcium Carbonate in the water (hardness) and that mineral is dissolved by acids such as the acetic acid found in vinegar.

ML: Brilliant minds think alike.

 

Thank you!
I should be able to get clay at Pep Boys or somewhere like that, right?

Looks like my Saturday is planning itself...:D

 

Yup! Mother's, Clay Magic, or Meguair's all sell kits mass-market at Pep Boys/AutoZone/whatever. It's very easy, just follow the directions and be sure to use plenty of spray.

 

Thanks again!

This is truly an amazing little community.

Comminity?

 

In My Opinion .... When using Clay:

Wash car with a heavy dose of regular Dawn dishwashing detergent. You want a clean car to start claying on. Dawn will remove your wax!
Wear latex golves if possible while handling clay...espicially the Griott's Clay.
Keep surface wet with lube spray (detailer spray or a 16 parts water to one part reasonably good car wash (like Meguiars gold class car wash for example).
Keep clay moving ....NEVER let clay sit still on the car!
Move clay in straight strokes .... not circles....preferably in the long direction of the surface you are working on.
Use only a small portion of the clay and knead it often.
If you drop it on the ground ...toss it and get another piece.
If it looks dirty ...toss it and get another piece.
Wash car with good car wash after claying.
Dry and Re-wax/polish car when finished.
Wrap unused clay in Saran wrap. Keep it sealed up or it will become dry and useless.

All this should take about 4 to 6 hours to do the job correctly.

Oh ..... Glass spots ....Go get some glass cooktop polish from the appliance store. Keep it off the paint!!! This stuff makes glass look fantastic. I get mine at Sears.

It will be worth the effort!!!

Yeah .... I've been detailing for a very long time and do not mind sharing my tricks.

 

Klasse All-In-One will take off water spots, just be careful if U have stripes

 

jeez is there anything easier to do to get water spots off? I epic'ed Ripp yesterday and it was after I got started I noticed the water spots. not a lot, but enough to be noticed by me.....