My first car and new to car washing and I am having trouble with water spots. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

G.E. · 10-31-2009, 09:30 PM

How on earth are you suppose to prevent water spots... its like impossible to dry up all the water... I have a chamois, and the water seems to dry before I can wipe it away. Also the places I do wipe have water lines and such. Any tips?

*mlee* · 10-31-2009, 09:51 PM

Follow right behind your chamois with a nice polishing towel.

cwalms · 10-31-2009, 09:55 PM

California water blades work great. I usually follow with a microfiber or cotton towel. Also make sure you don't wash in direct sunlight.

the one · 10-31-2009, 10:02 PM

Water spots occur for a couple of reasons based on my own experience. I have own over 15 muscle cars and detailed them all myself for cars show.

Number one rule...NEVER WASH A CAR WHEN THE METAL HAS BEEN IN THE SUN. Let it cool off later in the day. Number two, spots occur because of calcium deposits/minerals in the water. For example where I live, we have very "hard" water. Most residents where I live have a water softener systems that reduces the amount of calcium and other minerals by means of salt. If I used my hard water, I would have spots for days!

What color is your car? darker colors tend to show spots worse than others, black, blue red etc. White and silver don't show that much.

This is what I would do. Wash your car when its nice and cool and out of direct sunlight. (under direct sunlight is actually the worst time to wash your car) Use a car specific soap LIKE Mothers or Meguiras. Never use dish soap!

Then use a name brand wax (I use Meguiars gold class myself) to protect against further spotting. Remember a good wax puts a protective barrier on the paint.

If you have stubborn spots now, go to a automotive paint shop and they have a product that will remove them>(I can't remember what it's called) But it has a mild abrasive in it like a very ultra fine grit sand paper (4000-6000) and it will remove the spots with damaging the surface. When I was restoring old cars with decent paint, but faded and spotty, I used 4000 grit sand paper and 3m buffing compound, and its amazing what you can do! Of course if you have never "wet sanded" a car before, it does not seem right, but its how detail guys buff out new paint jobs to get that deep shine and remove imperfections from the paint.

I know I rambled on, but hope this helps!

Chris@glimmerglass · 10-31-2009, 10:10 PM

Here ya go

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=60

Windy City · 10-31-2009, 10:14 PM

Water spots are created by hard water, period. If you buy a deionizer, and final rinse with it, no problem. Here is a link to one I own.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1

mnywstr · 11-01-2009, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwalms

California water blades work great. I usually follow with a microfiber or cotton towel. Also make sure you don't wash in direct sunlight.

I wouldn't use one of those blades, had one and it scratches the surface when grit sticks to it. Someone posted a video to test some washing methods and the water blade did the worst damage.

CruznSS · 11-01-2009, 07:32 AM

Have not used a chamois in years. Use a towel called "The Absorber". Can find it at most shops or even Walmart. Never try to wash and dry in sunlight. If you have to atleast put it in the shade. I have to use well water and installed a water softner as soon as a bought house to cut down the minerals in the water. Water spots are not an issue. Oh, an extra set of hands from a spouse, girlfriend, or son helps greatly.

Chris@glimmerglass · 11-01-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnywstr

I wouldn't use one of those blades, had one and it scratches the surface when grit sticks to it. Someone posted a video to test some washing methods and the water blade did the worst damage.

Yep! I had posted that vid. Anyone interested can just search under my threads posted to easily find it

glambert1 · 11-01-2009, 01:28 PM

that mr clean wash system works great for that i used to have it but u will have to buy filters occasionally, during the rinse it filters the water and makes it come out very fine and leaves no spots it does work perfectly

scythezo6 · 11-01-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glambert1

that mr clean wash system works great for that i used to have it but u will have to buy filters occasionally, during the rinse it filters the water and makes it come out very fine and leaves no spots it does work perfectly

That's what I use. Its great. In the summer when the air is dry I can wash my car, then rinse, go inside for a break for 15min and come back out to a nearly dry spot free car.

Normally I rinse then dab an "Absorber" on the surface to pick up the water. I never drag a chamois across the paint. I use an old air compressor to blow hidden water from places like around tailights, under spoilers, and inside rear view mirror consols.

Then follow up with wax detail or quick detailer if I waxed soon enough before.

2 points to Mr. Clean car care system.

cwalms · 11-01-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnywstr

I wouldn't use one of those blades, had one and it scratches the surface when grit sticks to it. Someone posted a video to test some washing methods and the water blade did the worst damage.

I didn't know that. I guess I'll be putting my blade in file 13. I've never had any problems with it in the past, but I don't want to take any chances. Thanks for the info.

dannkimmel · 11-01-2009, 03:52 PM

mr clean works great,
if you dont want to buy the mr clean detergant they say
you must use. wash with somthing elese and rinse with mr clean.
it is a water deionizer.this is waht i do on my black motorcycle.
1/2 way to purchase saved cant wait to order 1lt.

mnywstr · 11-01-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwalms

I didn't know that. I guess I'll be putting my blade in file 13. I've never had any problems with it in the past, but I don't want to take any chances. Thanks for the info.

No problem, you should check out the video glimmerglass posted on another thread, eye opening it was.

10-31-2009, 09:30 PM	#1
G.E. Drives: black on black twenty ten ss/rs Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 428 View My Garage	My first car and new to car washing and I am having trouble with water spots. How on earth are you suppose to prevent water spots... its like impossible to dry up all the water... I have a chamois, and the water seems to dry before I can wipe it away. Also the places I do wipe have water lines and such. Any tips? __________________ I GOT MINE! Where's yours? :(

10-31-2009, 09:51 PM	#2
mlee CamaroFans.com Drives: ZLE & ZR2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 37,501 View My Garage	Follow right behind your chamois with a nice polishing towel. __________________

10-31-2009, 10:02 PM	#4
the one Failure is not an option Drives: 2010 2LT/RS Camaro Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hollister Ca Posts: 27 View My Garage	Water spots occur for a couple of reasons based on my own experience. I have own over 15 muscle cars and detailed them all myself for cars show. Number one rule...NEVER WASH A CAR WHEN THE METAL HAS BEEN IN THE SUN. Let it cool off later in the day. Number two, spots occur because of calcium deposits/minerals in the water. For example where I live, we have very "hard" water. Most residents where I live have a water softener systems that reduces the amount of calcium and other minerals by means of salt. If I used my hard water, I would have spots for days! What color is your car? darker colors tend to show spots worse than others, black, blue red etc. White and silver don't show that much. This is what I would do. Wash your car when its nice and cool and out of direct sunlight. (under direct sunlight is actually the worst time to wash your car) Use a car specific soap LIKE Mothers or Meguiras. Never use dish soap! Then use a name brand wax (I use Meguiars gold class myself) to protect against further spotting. Remember a good wax puts a protective barrier on the paint. If you have stubborn spots now, go to a automotive paint shop and they have a product that will remove them>(I can't remember what it's called) But it has a mild abrasive in it like a very ultra fine grit sand paper (4000-6000) and it will remove the spots with damaging the surface. When I was restoring old cars with decent paint, but faded and spotty, I used 4000 grit sand paper and 3m buffing compound, and its amazing what you can do! Of course if you have never "wet sanded" a car before, it does not seem right, but its how detail guys buff out new paint jobs to get that deep shine and remove imperfections from the paint. I know I rambled on, but hope this helps! __________________ The only easy day was yesterday.

10-31-2009, 10:10 PM	#5
Chris@glimmerglass Drives: 2001 S10, 2002 M3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Central Jersey Posts: 207	Here ya go http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=60 __________________ www.glimmerglassdetailing.com Enter c0up0n c0d3 camaro5 to save some cash on each purchase View just a few of the brands we carry, here Find out what our customers are saying about us

10-31-2009, 10:14 PM	#6
Windy City Drives: Not enough room here! Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 1,017	Water spots are created by hard water, period. If you buy a deionizer, and final rinse with it, no problem. Here is a link to one I own. http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1 __________________ BEWARE OF THE LPE BROTHERHOOD! Remember: You can sleep in your car, but you can't drive your house!

10-31-2009, 09:55 PM	#3
cwalms Drives: 2SS Red Jewel Tint Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 135	California water blades work great. I usually follow with a microfiber or cotton towel. Also make sure you don't wash in direct sunlight.

11-01-2009, 07:32 AM	#8
CruznSS Drives: 2SS/RS Camaro ABM - Silver Ralleys Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Gloucester VA Posts: 1,776 View My Garage	Have not used a chamois in years. Use a towel called "The Absorber". Can find it at most shops or even Walmart. Never try to wash and dry in sunlight. If you have to atleast put it in the shade. I have to use well water and installed a water softner as soon as a bought house to cut down the minerals in the water. Water spots are not an issue. Oh, an extra set of hands from a spouse, girlfriend, or son helps greatly. __________________

11-01-2009, 01:28 PM	#10
glambert1 HOMER Drives: 2010 camaro 2LT RS SIM Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York Posts: 527	that mr clean wash system works great for that i used to have it but u will have to buy filters occasionally, during the rinse it filters the water and makes it come out very fine and leaves no spots it does work perfectly __________________ ....do it yourself and be proud when you brag about your mods...

11-01-2009, 03:52 PM	#13
dannkimmel Drives: 1lt,rjt,m6 &2004 harley Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kendall ny Posts: 96	mr clean works great, if you dont want to buy the mr clean detergant they say you must use. wash with somthing elese and rinse with mr clean. it is a water deionizer.this is waht i do on my black motorcycle. 1/2 way to purchase saved cant wait to order 1lt.