I have some water spots on my car that I can't seem to get rid of, I think I Zainoed over the top of them, probably several times. How can I get rid of them, should I clay the area again? They are only noticable in certain lights, but they annoy me! Thanks fellas!

 

There are plenty of threads on here about water spots, try the search engine.

If they are REALLY bad, ie. etching from really hard water and you've zainoed over them, i'd try some of the following.

1) try some vinegar to dissolve them....applied with a cotton towel and wiped off with same

2) if vinegar doesn't work, try some rubbing alcohol

3) if water spots are over a LARGE area.....you could try some 3M Swirl mark remover, which is an abrasive (39009)....always wash the car after using 39009, be careful not to add anymore water spots

4) if the 39009 STILL doesn't work, they are really in there.....and you might need some PERFECT IT II rubbing compound or equivalent, then follow up with 39009 and wash, then Zaino again.

The last two steps are pretty extreme for water spots IMO, but KevinSS or MikeLS might be able to supply a couple more hints.

My theory, use the sheeting method, a leaf blower, blotter (Absorber) and towel to make sure there is NO water left to dry on the car.

Good luck bro.

 

If you Zainoed on top of them, you sealed them in, you will need to remove the Zaino in those areas with rubbing alcohol or an mild abrasive like 3M Swirl Mark Remover part number 39009. If the spots are on top of the Zaino, try some white vinegar rubbed on and off with a cotton cloth.

 

The above suggestions are right on! I might pick a different abrasive or cleaner, if needed, than the others, but that's all personal preference, as they will do the job regardless. The 3M FCRC will certainly cut them off, but you'll need a swirl remover afterwards.

The only other product I've seen lately that deals with water spots specifically is a DuraGloss product. Here's the description: I did read on the bottle though that it will not remove spots from acid rain etching or something like that. I've never used it, but it sounds interesting enough. Available locally too through CarQuest and several other retailers....

Mike