When you are done scrubbing, thoroughly drying the entire vehicle as quickly as possible with a fluffy microfiber cloth will significantly reduce the risk of reoccurring water spots. What to Use Instead of Car Wash Soap? Let the solution soak for about 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or towel. Quick Tip: Removal of a Stage II water spot often requires the leveling of the paints protective clear coat via the use of a hand-held rotary polishing tool and various cutting/polishing compounds. That is because you wouldnt want the solution, dirt, and minerals from your water to be forming water spots on your car once they stay too long on your car and the water evaporates. Its soft and is not harsh on a cars paint. A solution for that would be to use a water softener, as it eliminates hard water minerals. If the mineral deposits on the clear coat are simply bonded to the surface, a clay bar may be able to remove them. This isnt practical for everyone, but fortunately, rain tends to be less of a problem. Its best to use a commercial water spot remover since it will contain lubricants to help protect your clear coat from fine swirls and scratches. Another frustrating cause of hard water spots come from sprinklers. Here is Your Answer! Spots develop when this mineral-rich, hard water dries, leaving behind the residue that was encapsulated within the liquid itself. One very effective way of preventing any damage to the paint of your car such as permanently baked dirt and scratches is applying wax on its surface. This is the same method used to remove fine swirls and scratches from your clear coat. On the bright side, Armor Shield IX does make the car washing process much faster, as contaminant removal is far easier. You will need to use something to lubricate the surface to protect the finish as you wipe away the mineral stains. Also, unlike any other cloth or towel, a microfiber cloth has a better capability of holding tightly in its surface the lint from a car, which can cause water spots and streaks when left over. Stubborn water spots might be able to be removed with a mild acid like vinegar or a commercial water spot remover. If you found this helpful, maybe you can also share it, and it might also help another car owner. If you use a commercial water spot remover, follow the instructions on the bottle. They can ruin your cars aesthetic and worse, can also corrode or damage car paint. It may come at a high cost, but its highly effective. Water spots cant damage your finish when its protected by carnauba wax because the minerals and contaminants will not be able to physically come into contact with the paintwork and they will be easily removed because they cant bond with the wax. Did you enjoy reading this tutorial? It is the process of removing a thin layer of the clear coat from the top to leave a smooth and undamaged surface free of scratches, or in this case, etches. It can cause water spots that are very hard to remove. Common troublesome minerals in hard water are high amounts of calcium and magnesium. Quick Tip: Want to go even more in-depth, and learn more about the two-buckets-and-a-beer car wash approach? Alternatively you try waterless wash or quick detailer and see if thatll remove the mineral deposits. However, sodium, which is a soft water mineral, is left in the process. For preparing and containing your car washing solution, you would need a bucket. An extremely thin clear coat gives you very little margin of error. And those spots would be easier to remove from the wax layer as compared to when they get stuck on a cars paint. Work the polish into the polishing pad with your finger. The steps for the best way to wash a black car to avoid water spots are provided below. Once the three previously mentioned water spot removal methods have proved fruitless, break-out the painters tape and tape-off any area of the vehicle you dont want to see polished with the buffing wheel. But unlike other automated car wash types, particularly the traditional automatic car wash and the brushless automatic car wash, an automatic touchless car wash doesnt make use of any spinning brushes or cloth strips. * Not for use on flat, matte or satin finishes. Quick Nerd Note: Within the automotive detailing community, Stage I water spots are also referred to as a regular water spots. In most cases, these spots can be removed by rewashing the vehicle and then using ultra-plush microfiber towels to rapidly dry all of its surfaces. If you want to go the extra kilometer, you can always opt to first hit your freshly rinsed vehicle with some compressed air or a leaf blower to reduce water mark drips and the risk of surface scratches. Charmcitycirculator.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Below is a list of some of the things you need for washing your black car. However, even with a ceramic coating installed, you will still need to routinely wash and dry your vehicle. Utilizing the two-bucket method every two weeks, and NEVER allowing your vehicle to air dry or bake in the sun during a wash will eliminate most forms of Stage I hard water stain. Applying a 9H-rated nano ceramic coating to a vehicle may not stop water spots from forming, but they do provide some serious water-repelling properties, which keeps the crud within that H2O from drying on the surface. While applying even amounts of pressure, move the polishing pad across the surface, first in an up-and-down method, and then in a left-to-right pattern, until every portion of the panel has been polished. You should never wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. Its best to only do this (2) times, as embedded water spots will not be removed this way. Help Us & Share it. Just like with a clay bar, they remove hard water stains from that are bonded to the surface of paintwork but not those that have etched into the clear coat. The technique in washing a black car to prevent water spots is washing and rinsing it one section at a time. Lets run through each of the options in detail. Distilled water is free of any minerals or contaminants that could make the problem worse. ), (5) Microfiber towels for drying and hand polishing, After completing a thorough two-bucket wash, and toweling-off the vehicle, apply the pungent vinegar solution to surfaces with a spray bottle, wiping it away after a few seconds with a. Stubborn water stains may require a few rounds of vinegar wipe-downs, with 30-45 second periods of soak time being implemented in between spraying and wiping. Starting things off is the super-chill, two-buckets-and-a-beer method, which oftentimes is the best way of removing Stage I water sports. By remaining proactive, and installing a high-quality DIY nano ceramic coating product like Armor Shield IX, water spots will become far less of a concern, and more of a mild annoyance. The quality of water can affect the result of washing a black car. You would need a microfiber cloth for drying your car. These pollutants can end up being very damaging or they can be insignificant. A touchless car wash, like any typically automated car wash, will require you to select how you want your car to be washed and make your payment in a machine. Once a body panel or portion of the vehicle has been clayed, and the bar slides effortlessly over the surface (it will be a battle at first, as it collects impurities), rinse the area off and move on to the next section. Surprise sprays from sprinklers can leave severe mineral deposits and water stains on your finish. The minerals and other contaminants in the water cant evaporate so the get left behind. Ceramic coatings are extremely hydrophobic, which essentially means they shed water easily. My passions only grow bigger over time. The reason is not following proper washing techniques. Can You Wash Car Seat Covers? Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Quick Nerd Note: Beware. Just make sure that you NEVER clay in a circular method, for this can damage the clear coat. Yes, even rain can cause water spots on your vehicles finish. Repeat all of the steps above, until the entire vehicle has been completely polished, and no water spots remain. Only soap that is particularly for cleaning cars would do the best job for cleaning your car. Temperature and location are also important factors when it comes to having a spotless black car when car washing. My job as an automotive engineer has given me numerous chances to work with many awesome cars. Evaporation will cause the water to leave behind the dissolved solids which are typically minerals. There are several reasons you can end up with water spots on your cars paint. Like your drunk uncle at an open bar during a wedding reception, this is one of those scenarios that will require some forceful removal methods and a bit of patience. ), (2) Microfiber wash mitts (One will be used exclusively on the wheels and tires, the other will be used to scrub all other surfaces. Rain comes from evaporated water from lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and the ocean. Once you got her all lubed-up, rub the clay bar in a back-and-forth motion, always following the lines of the vehicle. I dont see a topper on your site. It can get rid of most minerals in water called total dissolved solids (TDS) by 95%. Dab your polishing pad in several spots across a 2 foot square area. All trademarks property of their respective owners. This may also leave some spots, but compared to hard water mineral spots, theyre easier to remove. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Avoiding evaporated water is damn near impossible, so we might as well make its removal as pain-free as possible. This has a lot to do with the types of pollution in your area. Sprinklers used by you or your neighbor can be more easily controlled and accounted for. Its best to go simply with a hose without a nozzle, as water will flow freely onto your car without making water spots. Stage I hard water spots can also be caused by rain that has become compromised by contaminants like airborne sand, pollution, and pollen. Probably the most likely reason is that the water you used to wash your car is hard meaning that it has ahigh amount of minerals dissolved in the water. By this point, youve surely heard of the dreaded hard water spot. Whether its embedded on your shower door, or trickling down your cars paintwork, hard water stains are as commonplace as H2O itself. Be sure to dry your car completely to eliminate the chance of water from cracks and crevices running off later as you begin to drive and leaving water stains that might go unnoticed until its too late to prevent serious damage. You should protect your car or truck with a wax, paint sealant, or ceramic coating, to prevent water spots from occurring. All Rights Reserved. Dirt and contaminants wont stick to the surface. Apply a mild polish (like Chemical Guys VSS or Meguiars Water Spot Remover) to your polishing pad. This has led quite a few enterprising minds to look toward straightforward, cost-effective solutions to removing unsightly water spots. Avoid direct sunlight and high-temp situations at all costs. Is It Safe? Clay bars are great for removing contaminants that are stuck to your cars surface. On the bright side, like all water spots, Stage III H2O stains are limited in that they cannot surpass the clear coat. Now that weve discussed the different grades of water spot, its time that we discuss their removal. Instead of only a few weeks, paint sealants can last for many months, some lasting well over a year. Read further for a more detailed explanation. Can You Take a Convertible Through a Car Wash? Charmcitycirculator is supported by its audience. Like acne, water spots go beyond being an aesthetic embarrassment, as they too leave lasting scars. It seems like these whitish ringed spots should just wipe away. Some wipe away easily while others require more drastic measures. Not only does a clean microfiber towel dry vehicle surfaces quickly, but the really plush stuff will not create clear coat scratches, and will lift invisible contaminants. Here, it is important remember to re-spray each section with water as you go, as it will keep things properly lubricated and prevent water spots from prematurely forming. There are four proven methods for removing hard water spots that professional detailers recommend, with each of the subsequent methods listed below becoming gradually more intensive. Its important not to simply use vinegar and nothing else to remove hard water stains. You should never let your car or truck air dry. There are many different ways you can try to remove water spots, but its most important to remember to start with the least aggressive method of removing hard water spots and work your way up. Its highly unusual for water spots to completely ruin car paint but it is technically possible. Or you may also do it under a shade or indoors. Try to be as vigilant as possible about where you park to eliminate the chance of getting sprayed by sprinklers. We arent going to cover those details here so be sure and check those articles out if youre dealing with water spot removal on glass surfaces. Water spots are an unfortunately common problem and can be extremely difficult to remove. Applying some lube on the clay tool you plan on using is never a bad idea either, as it will make the contaminant removal process all the smoother. Its important to use the least aggressive method possible to remove water spots. If vinegar is allowed to sit for too long on a painted surface, it will begin to eat into the clear coat. Learn more. It is best to spray a small section at a time (like 2-foot-by-2-foot sections). Once the area of your car that youre working on is finally water spot-free, dont forget to dry it. They are very similar to carnauba wax but they last much longer. Sprinklers around public parking locations that you may not even be aware of can be particularly frustrating. It depends because there are different car wash types. mprove the look of your car but can improve resale value. Or tell us what you think in the comments. Foam Cannon Vs Hand Wash: Are You Wasting Your Time? Although there are a multitude of methods one can take to keep their vehicle devoid of moisture, there are four commonly recognized approaches that do the best job of reducing common hard water spots. Stoner Invisible Glass 91411 Glass Stripper Water Spot Remover Kit - 3.38 Ounce, Boat Bling Hot Sauce, Water Spot Remover and Boat Cleaner Detailer, 20 oz, 3D Eraser Gel Hard Water Stain Remover - 16 oz - Hard Water Spot Remover for Cars, Glass, and Paint - All Natural Shower Door Cleaner - Cleans Mirrors, Windows, Chrome Surfaces, and More, Ibaste Glass Stripper Glass Oil Film Removing Paste Glass Stripper Water Spot Remover Kit Automotive Glass Dirt Cleaning Cream Window Front Windshield Agent with Brush boosted. For others, youll have to step up to more aggressive methods to remove them. Which of the Following Would Cause a Leftward Shift in the Supply Curve for Car Washes, How to Steam Clean Car Seats in 8 Simple and Easy Steps. Once youre done with one section, you can start washing another section. Pour your car wash soap into a bucket containing water and make it lather. It may cost as low as approximately $10 for an automatic car wash or as high as approximately $100 for a full-service car wash. What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial, Step 1: Set Your Car Washing in the Right Temperature and Location, Step 2: Wash and Rinse Your Black Car Section by Section, Step 3: Dry the Section You Worked on Immediately, Step 4: If You Found Water Spots on Your Car, Apply Water Spot Remover. Allow water from it to freely flow on your car instead for a much more refined effect as compared to a spray rinse. How to remove water spots from car exterior surfaces Turtle Wax. Once the panel or portion of the vehicle you are focusing on has been thoroughly polished, towel it off with a clean microfiber cloth, before moving on to the next section. In return, we also offer our verdict and advice on specific processes and products that relate to car purchase, maintenance, design, troubleshooting, and more. While this kind of water stain is also caused by contaminants or excessively hard water, the difference is that a Stage II water spot has been given ample time to more permanently bond with the painted surfaces clear coat. Heres a general overview of what this process entails. Did you find this article helpful? Ive been carnuba wax guy for 40 some years and looking to get with the times. Car wax does a great job of protecting your vehicles paintwork from the contaminants that cause water spots, as well as road grime, bird droppings, and other things that can damage your finish. When water evaporates it can leave behind minerals and contaminants that either stain the surface or even eat away at the clear coat of your paintwork. So, I decided to open this space to come and share their work or experiences with us. You may have luck washing water spots off with a simple garden house and some soap, but you will likely need to use something more aggressive. Directly to your inbox. Car owners should always be careful and practice proper car washing, especially when they clean a black car because dirt and scratches are more noticeable on black cars. I applied Armor Shield to my C8 late summer when it arrived. Regardless as to whether you have selected a bar, mitt, or cloth, all automotive claying products are designed to contour to the surface of the vehicle, so try and hit every square centimeter of surface area. Begin polishing the area and continue until youre satisfied with the results, Buff away the polishing compound with a microfiber cloth, Continue until the entire vehicle has all of the stains and spots removed. While they are all engineered to do the same thing, clay mitts and towels are reusable, and unlike clay bars, can be rinsed-off and reused if they hit the ground or get contaminated in some way. A clay bar glides across the surface of your finish with the help of a spray lubricant. This will cause any water on your finish to evaporate quickly and not give you enough time to dry the finish properly. Youll want to scrub and rinse one section at a time using the two-bucket method, where you dunk your dirty mitt in water before reloading it with the sudsy H20 contained within the other. An annoyance that can be easily wiped-away, instead of having to be buffed-out every time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Depending on the amount and what these minerals and contaminants are, the damage they can cause can be negligible or significant. Ceramic coatings are essentially an advanced paint sealant. Water with high concentrations of minerals and contaminants is known as hard water. This final method should only be implemented if all of the techniques listed above have failed to remove the water spots. Often, when you find water spots on your car or truck you realize that they wont come off. And it can hold in more water, which allows faster washing. If water spots cant be removed with vinegar or commercial acidic water spot removers youll need to step up to the next aggressive solution.