So I purchased a mini about a month ago. And it rained here in california last week. I washed my car the other day and I found lots of water spots on the hood of the car :(

I tried a bit of vinegar but it didn't work. And now whenI examine the hood from an angle, it looks like a leopard print. I imagine this is going to be a frequent problem. So how often is it safe to clay the car?

And lets just say I dont take the water spots off right away, will the clay be just as effective if I use it like months from now? Or do you guys suggest I clay it every time I notice some water spots?

I don't want to get too obsessive about it - but it's difficult not to

Thanks, guys

 

You don't want to clay any more than 3 or 4 times an hour. Really, clay won't damage your finish if you do it properly. Never used dropped clay and always use lubrication.
I think I would try to remove those spots sooner rather than later. Some spotting can actually etch into the paint if not addressed right a way. It also sounds like you need to get some wax on to your new MINI. Straight from the dealer it is going to have some crap Carnauba wax that has probably long since returned to nature. Think about a good synthetic wax like Prima Epic (www.detailersparadise.com) to protect your finish. A good wax will help you avoid those water spots that won't disappear.
The band America once claimed that it never rains in California - I guess they lied.

 

I agree. Clay wont hurt your finish. I would clay, followed by polishing, and then wax. I personally use the Adam's Polishes products. I have a black car, and it leaves it looking wet. But you can use your favorite product. We all have our favorites. If you're interested in trying Adam's, use the discount code crossfire at check-out and you'll get 10% off.

www.adamspolishes.com

 

thanks, guys! I really appreciate your help!

 

+1 with clay and Epic. Clay is a lot safer than leaving water spots on the car.

 

good to know

 

well, make sure you use soft clay cause there are some clays that are
abrasive and swirl your finish. this is usually only used by pro's like OG.

here are good clays to try:
www.detailersparadise.com Prima Clay
www.outmotoring.com Griot's Clay

Prima clay is easier to use imho, but Griot's clay is softer and easier
on waxes. they even claim it won't remove wax. but im pretty sure
your water stain already did that.

 

thanks, kenchan

 

Thats not very nice...but its true.

If caught early enought, one can remove the minerals that create the water spot on your paint. If left to bake in the sun, which CA has alot of, it will quickly etch your paint. If your paint is etch, clay will not remove those etchings. That is when you would need to polish. I presonally like to use a machine, as I am to lazy to do so by hand.

 

thanks for the advice...i havent tried the clay yet (bought some today though) but i have a strong feeling it's already etched into the paint...if so, what do you recommend I use to polish it? Thanks again.

 

There are a number of product out there that are very effective. Maguires, 3M, and others. You can go to autogeek.net, or try the Adam's polishes. I think they're great. I recommend an orbital buffer like the Porter Cable 7424.

 

Sounds good. I'll be sure to look into that. Thanks for the advice!

 

Defintely recommend a bufffer - fought paying the money for it but finally gave in and it makes things SO much easier. Get Octaneguys video first - it will show you all the options and how to do it right

 

I 2nd getting Octane Guy's DVD ......I would not attempt to use a buffer without seeing his DVD first

 

You guys are so helpful! I really appreciate it! Thanks

 

Getting direction from an expert is always good. Having said that keep in mind that using an orbital buffer like the PC7424 is very safe, and will not hurt your finish.

 

i just experienced the same thing... im not sure if the drops of water had something in them, but they etched the paint really fast, within several hours and it wasnt even sunny!! i tried first with my QD spray, no dice. Then i went ahead with clay... again nothing. Finally i went all out with the PC and the spots are still showing!! maybe im not using it right... Are you not suppose to use a high pressure and just allow the machine and compound to work? I was surprised the water was able to etch so much into the paint because i had just applied epic the week before...

 

ghosthound, it's all in the pad you use. Try the green or orange firmer pads, and use a good quality swirl remover and polish. The water probably contained a strong mineral that edged through the finish. A synthetic wax will provide better protection, but does not give you the depth of carnuba.

 

What pad and polish are you using?

 

its a white pad from this sonus kit i have. And the polish im using is 3M finesse or something. Sorry, i dont have specifics, im not able to take a look at them now.

A general question though... should i be using a higherspeed with less pressure? Also, does the water etching ever go through the clearcoat?

 

It varies depending on the pad and product...a polish named "finesse" sounds like a finishing product though, and probably won't take care of water spots. If you have the Sonus polishes, try the #2, and then the #1 after.

Or Prima Swirl, if you have it, with the orange pad.

 

And to answer your question, you can fiddle with the technique a bit in terms of speed and pressure. Make sure to let the polish break down all the way and all of that good stuff.

 

Justagirlwithamini,

Are u in S. Calif? If so there are about 600 of us in SCMM. www.clubscmm.com Many of us have detailing experience and would be willing to help (I have a garage full and use to detail cars). Also Meguiars is in Irvine and they have a forum on their website as well with expert advice. You can send me an email if you want more info or post here.

-Michael

 

my dad thinks it may be a problem with the paint itself. I guess he may be right. No other part of the car has anything wrong with the paint and if it was acid rain, wouldnt the whole car be effected? Also, i noticed that the paint around the washer jets is all messed up from the weeping jets... could this be something that could be covered under warranty?

 

Many people here like and recommend the Porter Cable orbital, but I have been using Griot's random orbital polisher for the past few months. (See Griot's website). I can confirm it is an outstanding tool: lightweight, comfortable to use, fully adjustable speeds, and powerful. One of the best aspects of getting Griot's orbital is that it comes with a very helpful DVD instructional disk. Griot's carries all the various pads you need for different jobs (polishing, waxing, removing wax, etc.) As others have noted, using an orbital for polishing is the easiest and best way to enhance/renew/protect your car's finish. A bit of an investment, but definitely worth it, even in the short run. I would wager that an orbital plus Griot's Machine Polish # 3 would make short work of your waterspots.