Beginner Detailing Guides
Videos, articles, infographics and more on washing, polishing and ceramic coating.
DIY Matte Finish Care
Articles and vides on how to maintain a matte finish car in its original appearance.
How Should I Remove Water Spots?
What exactly do you need to do to remove water spots? Why do some need polishing and others can be wiped away? Get your questions answered here, then download our PDF checklists and charts for quick reference.
What Do I Use to Remove Water Spots?
Some water spots are easy to remove, while others require special chemicals to break them down. Some even need machine polishing to be fully erased from the paint. What should you be using? Visual Water Spot Removal Guide PDF available for download below.
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Wash or Detail Spray
●○○
Used For
Surface-level water spots
Removing Action
Washes away
Water Spot Remover
●●○
Used For
Mineral deposit water spots
Removing Action
Dissolves residue
Claying & Polishing
●●●
Used For
Bonded water spots and etching
Removing Action
Levels stain or etch
Always Use Least Aggressive Method
Automotive clear coat is sensitive and thin. Always use the least aggressive removal method possible.
Above Surface
DO NOT POLISH
+
Fresh waterborne contaminant residue
+
Chalky, white appearance
+
Can be removed chemically
Below Surface
REQUIRES POLISHING
+
Bonded stain, etch or imprint in paint
+
Faint, ring-like appearance
+
Requires polishing to level the paint
How Do I Know If Water Spots Need Polishing?
If a water spot remains after washing and chemical removal, there’s a strong chance it has etched INTO the paint. At that point, the defect is no longer sitting on the surface. The paint itself must be leveled through polishing.
Get PDF ChecklistHow Do I Prevent Water Spots on My Car?
The best way to deal with water spots is to prevent them from even happening in the first place. The fact is, most water spots are totally avoidable with the right precautions. Here’s what you need to do to keep them from popping up on your paint.
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Common Water Spot Causes
Low Risk
+Recently appeared
+Lower temperature
+In shade
Medium Risk
+Left on paint
+High temperature
+In sun
High Risk
+Repeatedly left on paint
+High temperature
+In sun
How Long Do I Have Before Water Spots Etch?
No one wants to obsessively wipe down their car every time water spots appear. But at the same time, you never want to let them sit for too long, or they’ll etch into the paint and require polishing to remove. So how long do you really have before it’s too late?
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Every checklist, chart and guide in one single place.
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