Water spots etch paint after rain/sun ?

[DangerZL1]

I used to be a fan of keeping my cars waxed, but I've gone outside after a rain in the summer and noticed that worse spotting occurs if the rain drops were allowed to dry on the surface and bake in the summer sun. I only own black cars, which compounds the problem. I don't know if it is the result of the wax causing drops of rain to bead up on the surface easier and remain longer, which act as a magnifying glass and focus the sunlight in a concentrated area, or if the chemicals in the rain drops leave a circle which etches into the paint.

It didn't matter whether I used Zaino, NXT, or any other wax, the results were the same. I always thought good waxes would protect the paint from this type of damage, but I'm not so sure now. Over the last few years, I have noticed less damage from rarely waxing the car. I used to race home to wash the car after work to remove the spots. Now, I notice less damage, since the rain doesn't bead on the surface. I also see less burned in water spots on friend's cars who rarely wax them.

Any thoughts?

[Moose]

The ecthing is caused buy what is in the atmosphere and consequently "captured" in the rain.

Hot temps., along with dark colored vehicles, are a "one, two punch" when it comes to trying to avoid water marks.

I'm a firm believer that you want as many coats of a high quality wax/polish in order to give yourself adequate protection. Wax/polish will cause the water to bead, (some actually promote "sheeting" of water which is most beneficial) which will in turn cause the majority of water to run off of the car. I do not believe waxing/polishing causes water to etch.

Also, on cars that aren't waxed/polished as frequently, I can promise you, they have the same marks.

You can't run out and dry your car after each rain storm...nor can you do anything to lessen the paint temps., when your cars is used daily....the best you can do is protect the paint, and a good wax/polish will do that.

Ed

[DangerZL1]

Thanks! What waxes promote "sheeting" of the water? I tried one years ago, and it didn't work very well.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by DangerouSS

Thanks! What waxes promote "sheeting" of the water? I tried one years ago, and it didn't work very well.

If you want a good wax, available over the counter, look at anything by Meguires or Mothers.

[2ndgenz28]

A leaf, newspaper.....

Had a piece blow up onto the bumper of my 3rd gen, it got wet and dried by time I removed it, like silly puddy you could read the paper in the paint.

stuff like that, ya wait till its to much, then have it buffed out by a pro.