Water Woes (Washing Questions)

[dme]

When I wash my black Camaro at home with the hose, I tend to have a ton of water spots. Even when I try to dry it with fluffy, microfiber cloths places seem to dry before I can even get to them and leave spots. If I let it air dry it looks absolutely terrible. When I go to these self-wash places where you pay for time (pressure washer and stuff) I seem to have nearly no trouble with spots. Could this be an issue with the water at my house?

Whatever the case may be, I would much rather be able to wash at home so I can take my time and do things right. I would also like to avoid drying it with towels so I have less risk of micro scratches or swirls or whatever. Do you have any tips for no-touch drying without leaving any spots from my water at my house?

[dme]

I'm a blind fool.

How to: Properly Dry your Car


Once you have completed washing your car you should remove the nozzle from the hose. Turn the water on and let it fall on the horizontal surfaces starting from the roof, and working down to the trunk and hood. This will sheet most of the water off the paint. Once the water has finished sheeting, take a quality cotton or MF towel and blot the remaining water off your paint. Try not to rub. Rubbing is the enemy, even on clean paint. It is still possible to create micro scratches while drying if rubbing.

Use separate towels to dry the rims, paint, glass, and door jambs. If you dry immediately after you wash then you should not get any water spots on your windows, eliminating the need to use ammonia based window cleaners.

[cubjag]

I had the same problem for awhile. I started misting the car with detail spray before I dried and had no more water spotting issues.

[M3NTA7]

Originally Posted by cubjag

I had the same problem for awhile. I started misting the car with detail spray before I dried and had no more water spotting issues.

Great tip I need to try that next time. Sheeting the water off before blotting also worked wonders for me as well. I'm new to all this detailing stuff. It's fun and makes the car look great!

[CamaroDreams07]

OP- are you drying in the shade? Seems unusual for water to dry that fast in the shade, especially in the winter.

[srzaver]

Spraying with detail spray, after sheet rinsing, helps prevent water spots.

[camtx45]

Originally Posted by srzaver

Spraying with detail spray, after sheet rinsing, helps prevent water spots.

I do that but still get water spots. I think the water is drying before I can get to it since it seems to be worse on the side facing the sun... I am too old and slow i guess...lol. I keep hoping for an overcast day to see if that helps. Also gonna try using a leaf blower this weekend to see if that helps.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[syoder76]

Originally Posted by dme

When I wash my black Camaro at home with the hose, I tend to have a ton of water spots. Even when I try to dry it with fluffy, microfiber cloths places seem to dry before I can even get to them and leave spots. If I let it air dry it looks absolutely terrible. When I go to these self-wash places where you pay for time (pressure washer and stuff) I seem to have nearly no trouble with spots. Could this be an issue with the water at my house?

Whatever the case may be, I would much rather be able to wash at home so I can take my time and do things right. I would also like to avoid drying it with towels so I have less risk of micro scratches or swirls or whatever. Do you have any tips for no-touch drying without leaving any spots from my water at my house?

Try CRSpotless.com. They sell a deionized water filter system. Its pricey but well worth it. You have to get the dig dual filter system. Must use PVC where ever possible when installing your system, because water can pick up minerals even while passing thru a metal spicket/hose nozzle . You will also need a water flow reducer at your hose nozzle . to much water flow thru the filters will not allow the resin to clean the water. If installed correctly,there will be no need for towel drying. Filters last about 4 mo at one wash a week. Then, all you have to do is replace the resin in the filter cartridges . As far as pressure washing, I myself never do that because the dirt on your car gets smashed into the clear coat before the water beed can get underneath the dirt particle . The only way to use pressure washing (which most detail shops use to save time) is to hold the nozzle parallel to the surface ,like skimming. That way the water pressure (at 90psi) will not be 90 deg's to the surface being washed. you confirmed this theory by saying yourself that the spots don't occur when using a car wash. Its because the water pressure and angle of application uses the dirt as a type of sand blasting. Also, the final rinse of a automatic car wash is deionized water. I was a detailer for years , but I still love to learn new tricks and experiment with new products. Try "autogeek.net". They have a wealth of free info and free how to video's right down to how to wash your car. Feel free to private message me and I will gladly help in any way I can. I love to teach ( even though I can't spell ). Good luck...Sean

[WiSSDiver]

ONR might be a better / different alternative. Autogeeks sell their product and you basically wash one pannel at a time. I've personaly never used the product but understand the concept.

[syoder76]

[QUOTE=srzaver;4533596]Spraying with detail spray, after sheet rinsing, helps prevent water spots.
If I may interject with al due respect and as polite as possible, the detail spray moisturizes the surface therefore cover up the water spot. There is nothing in detailer spray that breaks down calcium and removes it away from the surface. Think of it as putting armorial on a faded piece of body molding. Makes it look brand new, until the armorial dries or wears off. The key is using deionized water, and washing small areas at a time from top down. I hope I didn't sound ****y . Its not my intention to come off as a know it all. I lov to learn new tips, products, and any detailing information.

[its a syn]

Dry with a electric leaf blower-touchless

[syoder76]

Originally Posted by rpomeroy

ONR might be a better / different alternative. Autogeeks sell their product and you basically wash one pannel at a time. I've personaly never used the product but understand the concept.

Do you have more info on your system ? A link or something like that ? I have been looking for alternatives to my system. Resin refills become expensive after a while.

[cruznls]

Wash one section at a time .... Try using a "Water Blade"....
We also use Eagle One -Wax as U dry.... Works good.

[dme]

Thanks for the tips, guys. We're supposed to have rain tomorrow and I have a long road trip Saturday morning, so it should get pretty dirty. I'll try to "flood" it so the water sheets off and then blot the remainders. I might as well start with the easiest option and hope it solves my problem. If not I'll try another suggestion.