What are Water Spots?
As a detailer, we always see water spots on many vehicles. Water spots are small, white-ish stains on your paint, and windows, that tend to cause a bad stain and create a bad visual appeal on a freshly detailed car. When not taken care of they can become extremely hard to get rid of. But, What exactly are they? What causes water spots on cars?
How do water spots happen?
Water spots are drops of water that have foreign contaminants like dirt, chemicals, and minerals in them at a microscopic level. They can come from rain, water puddles, and even from the water you might use to wash the vehicle. The contaminated water that has fallen onto the surface of the car gets stuck onto the surface of the paint and windows and evaporated from heat and time causing the deposits to be left behind on the paint and windows. That is why it is important to have a certain type of protection from the elements like wax, sealant, or ceramic coating.
How do we remove water spots from vehicles?
There are a few methods available in the world of car care to remove water spots on a vehicle. When removing defects or contaminants from a vehicle you start by using the least aggressive method and work your way up to the most aggressive method until you see results. So the types of methods you can use to remove defects off of paint go as follows from least aggressive to most aggressive:
1. Low Acid based product (Vinegar, acid-based wheel cleaner)
2. Medium to High Acid based product (Usually these types of products are dedicated for water spot removal like 3D Eraser Gel)
3. Light to medium paint correction using a dual action polisher.
When using acid-based products on vehicles, make sure you try using this method, the surface is cool and away from extreme heat. If you apply the product on a hot surface there is a high chance you may cause damage to the painted surface. After using acid-based products, make sure that you clean the applied area with a neutralizer like soap and water. Always make sure you follow the manufacturers' instructions on application and removal. But, What about windows?
One effective method to remove water spots off windows is using steel wool. Steel wool is extremely fine fibers made from steel that is used for multiple purposes, but for detailing one of the main purposes is for water spot removal from windows. When getting steel wool make sure you get the finest type of wool available. The way to identify, how aggressive steel wool is by looking at how many zeros are on the package. The more zeros there are the finer it is, I recommend getting at least one pack of 0000, which is an extra-fine grade, and 000 which is a fine grade. When using steel wool to clean windows make sure that you use a lubricant such as a window cleaner.
First, always make sure the surface of any part of the vehicle is cool, after you confirmed that the windows are cool and away from the sun spray them with window cleaner to lubricate the surface. Second, spray the steel wool for extra lubrication, then put it onto the affected area and slowly buff the area with a small circular motion at least 5 times. Then with a clean microfiber towel wipe the area clean and inspect for results until you have reached desired results. ALWAYS MAKE SURE! When using steel wool, first try a small inconspicuous test spot before doing the whole surface.
Water spots' are an extremely unappealing and unwanted issue on any car surface. The best ways to keep them away from clients' vehicles are by protecting them with waxes, sealants, and/or ceramic coatings. Another method to keep them away is to use deionized water or distilled water, but that’s a product/process for another day. Hopefully this article has helped you not only learn something new but has also given you the information to make a more educated decision on, how to take care of those pesky water spots.
Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of Oh My Auto Detailing, Beginner Detailing, & Esau Cotto Jr, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Oh my auto Detailing, Beginner Detailing, & Esau Cotto Jr. assumes no liability for property damage or injury.
