Water Spots

[scootter]

Hey All,
We took my Danette's Mustang to Napa a few weeks ago and the sprinklers got the front of it all wet. I figured it was no big deal since I had waxed it. WRONG! The water has somehow etched into the clear coat. I have tried the clay bar, Zanio waxes and went and bought Maguiars Ultimated compound and Ultimate wax. The FN marks are still there. They are smooth, so it's not like something stuck to the paint. More like etched!!! Any ideas?? I'm Pissed!!!

Its much worse then the photo looks!
Scott

[4pipes]

Scott, you have to have it carefully, professionally buffed out. It IS etched into the clear coat. Need to avoid burning the finish.

[jhv48]

Your insurance company can help if the process gets too expensive. Should be covered under your comprehensive coverage. Of course you would have to pay your deductible first.

[WardL]

Try vinegar. I don't know what it will do to the finish but it will remove the water deposits. I've used vinegar on my tonneau cover with no problems.

[scootter]

Thanks all. I was afraid it was etched into the paint since I tried a few different things. I didn't think about the insurance though. I guess it will depend on how much it cost to get fixed. Randy R suggested a place close by in Los Gatos, so I will give them a call. Next time I need to listen to myself and not park next to the FN sprinklers!! It also etched the plastic hood lovers. Probably SOL on those, but we will see.
Scott

[FWB]

try some CLR in an inconspicuous spot. it works on my brass fixtures.
may work,... try it could save a lot of heartache

[Kobura]

This is a new issue for me, probably because I have never owned a black car. But, for what it is worth Scott, the spots may just be the mineral deposits from the evaporated hard water, especially since you had just washed and waxed the car. If so, then the acetic acid in vinegar should dissolve them.

[WardL]

I recall now I have used the vinegar on the painted body of my Cobra with no harm/damage. Yes, the spots are mineral deposits from the water. Same thing happened to my Cobra.

[bobcowan]

Use some Maguires polishing compound on a Power Ball. They will disappear in a few moments, so be careful not to go too fast. It doesn't take much at all. For those small spots you could do it by hand without any difficulty. Then finish with your favorite wax. I'v gotten rid of some pretty big scratches this way.

[wanab5150]

Scott, I sent you the method I use. Bring it over next week and we'll do it together. If it doesn't work, contact your insurance company. Not joking, I'd be happy to do it and I'm 99% sure it will be fine. If the minerals from water ate too deep to fix it will be the first time I have ever seen since I started painting and detailing in 1969. 4 hours and we'll be don including wax...... Send me a photo that they can be seen in....wanab5150@comcast.net

[scootter]

Thanks for the email and offer.
I will be hanging out with your old buddy Kevin O this weekend. We are moving the kids up to Redding. So I would not be able to make it this weekend. Since I have personally never done this, I don't think I would want to on a car with only 3,000 miles on it!!. I will get it in the sun to take a photo and email it to you.