Water Spots?

[statefan21]

Every time I was my truck it always has water spots all over it. I know that drying it with a microfiber will help this some. But is there a product I can use to try and prevent these? I don't always have time to dry after

 

[BoldAdventure]

What you should know

It's from your water. Unless you filter it, you're going to get spots, more than likely.

First you have to figure out which type of water spots you have?

There are two basic kinds of water spots or water marks found on automotive paints.

Type I Water Spots - Above Surface Mineral Deposits
Type II Water Spots - Below Surface Water Spot Etchings

Type I Water Spots
Type I Water Spots are what what we call Above Surface Bonded Contaminants. A Type I water spot is some type of deposit, often times a mineral deposit that was suspended in the water source to begin with, then after the water evaporated off the finish the mineral is left behind where it bonds to the finish usually in a circular or pattern or shape.


Type I Water Spots - Mineral deposits sitting on top of the paint




Type II Water Spots - Etchings below the surface

Type II Water Spots are what we call Below Surface Defects. A Type II Water Spot is actually an etching in the surface where whatever was in the water was strong enough in its chemical composition to actually eat or dissolve the paint and thus etch into the paint.


Type II Water Spots - Etchings below the surface



Close up of same photo above


Vinegar might remove a Type I Water Spot but anytime you have an etching in the paint the only way to remove it is to remove the paint surrounding the etching until the upper surface is level with the lowest depth of all the etchings you're trying to remove.

If you have Type II Water Spots then you'll need a compound and a polish.

I'm not sure about what's available from AG, however Chemical Guys makes a product called "water spot remover" you can try also.

 

[jbr]

Every time I was my truck it always has water spots all over it. I know that drying it with a microfiber will help this some. But is there a product I can use to try and prevent these? I don't always have time to dry after

Some info from Adams Polishes
http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-faq.aspx

Video
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-384-adams-car-wash-trio.aspx

 

[statefan21]

Thanks for the info. I will check it out as soon as I return home in a couple days

 

[pegga]

I use a leaf blower...... works great

 

[THETANK]

if you can dry the sides first then the tailgate, after that do the hood and cab top last. If I do it any other way I find the sides will naturally dry first. Oh if you can find shade this helps 100%.

 

[SETEX 6.4]

Leaf blower here as well. Then towel dry. Makes quick work.

 

[Pull Ya]

Shade, a cool surface and microfiber are your friends. Always dry after you wash, no matter what process you use.
Jay

 

[Eddie30]

A water blade and a good shammy, washing in the shade.

 

[Stegs]

best thing you can do (or what I found works the best)

1. use a soap that is ph balanced, I found this to make a big difference

2. after you wash your truck, and you are rinsing, take the nozzle or end off the hose. Just rinse your truck from a open garden hose

This way the water will "sheet" off and therefore give you a near spot free finish

Anytime you rinse with a nozzle, you will get more spots

give these 2 things a try, im going to bet your water spot days are over


also, common sense, don't wash hot paint in the sun....cool paint and in a garage only!

 

[Statcher1]

I was mine late in the evenings. When it's fairly cool out. It gives me plenty of time to go behind myself to get the water off


Sent from the Rocket in my Pocket

 

[rduchateau2954]

Popping my head in here. A clay bar will remove type I from paint as well as windows. Also, if you are washing with hard water, do not let the vehicle dry in the sun. Hope this helps.

 

[Lobster Poutine]

preventing the spots, i agree drying is a great answer, and ill also suggest using something like megs d155 as a drying aid.

to remove without polishing, get some CarPro spotless. amazing stuff.

 

[navyjoe11]

Water spots are easily removed with plain old white vinegar just put some on a microfiber or spray on paint and wipe off!! Has saved my sanity more times than i can count.

 

[Ischwartz524]

For me, washing your truck in the shade or when it's cool outside and you haven't driven in a while is the easiest way to prevent water spots. Every time I wash my truck in the middle of the day the sun gets to the water before I can and leaves spots. Make sure your paint is cool to the touch!