I just got my car back from the dealer where they were tyring to locate a water leak in the t-tops for me. Well, the water they used was no doubt 'hard' because I had white water spots on the car when I picked it up. I rushed home to wash the car with Z-7. Upon drying hte car, I noticed in the sunlight there were still rings where the water spots were.

I tried using Z-6 and that didn't work. So I logged onto this board and searched for "water spots" and found some helpful advice. Next I tried the white vinegar trick and that didn't cut it either. So then I tried the clay bar and that didn't help at all. Now I am on the 3M 39009 and it appears that this is working, somewhat, but I can still see faint outlines of rings of water in the sunlight!

So now I am asking what can I do next? How much 39009 should I use? I felt like I was using a lot, applying it with easy to medium pressure. These spots are all over the car (mainly hood, top, and trunk though) and I am literally at the end of my rope as to figuring out how to remove these. Is there anything else I can try? I do have an orbital buffer (one I bought from Wal-Mart) that I haven't used yet but I don't want to if I don't have to.

As far as I know the spots are fresh, they did it today (or possibly Wednesday) so they should be coming out easier than this.

Please help!

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2002 Pontiac Firehawk Trans-Am #764
Sunset Orange Metallic

Previously Owned:
1997 Pontiac Trans-Am
Blue-Green Chameleon

1985 Renault Alliance (1.7L)

1983 Chevrolet Camaro (2.5L) 4-cylinder, 3 speed automatic.

 

Break out the buffer with a foam pad and use the 39009, WAY easier than doing it by hand.

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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
Remember #3

 

Thanks Kevin. I will give that a try. Where do you suggest getting a foam pad for the buffer? Is Wal-Mart OK?

Once again, thanks! I actually did get most of the spots out by hand but it sure wasn't easy work. There are still a few here and there though.

 

Sounds like some tough water etching! I'm surprised the 3M didn't take care of it right away. Like Kevin suggests, I know the speed of a buffer would make the product much more effective and easier.

I'm not sure if Meguiar's still makes this product, but I used to use their "Body Scrub" for these types of things. IMO that is a good, and cheap, cleaning product when you have tough stains or contaminants that need removing. It's not a swirl remover or a glaze filler, strictly a paint cleaner. I don't know if they use physical abrasives or strong solvents to clean, but it always did the trick for me in tough situations. Most consumer clay isn't really abrasive and vinegar helps treat lighter spots that may not have etched yet. This leaves abrasive swirl removers or paint cleaners. I like paint cleaners first...



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2003 Infiniti G35 - Garnet Fire

*My gone but not forgotten 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*

Thank you ZainoBros!

 

Mike, thanks for the info on the "Body Scrub". I went with the buffer/39009 combo and spent the past two days buffing and Zainoing my Hawk. Unfortunately, I couldn't completely remove the spots (I can still see faint, and I do mean faint etchings here and there if the light hits the paint right) but the buffer sure did help. The few spots that remain are not visible to anyone else but me and they absolutely would not come out even after repeated buffings, but the car looks waaaay better than before.

Thanks again for the tips guys! It'll be a cold day in Hell before I take the Hawk back in for a water leak.