i have them all over my hood...they're really gay. i have them on there pretty good....what can i do to get rid of them? i dont want to clay the hood, i dont think that would even help really. but i am going to meguires 3 step it, substitute step 3 with turtle wax, will this help?

 

The Megs 3 step system should work fine if the waterspots aren't too bad. If that doesn't work you will have to step up to an abrassive polish.

 

To add to what Juztang has said -

Water spots are a bit tricky as most times you don't know how deep the etching has gone.

After washing the car consider using some mild clay. Claying the hood, as well as the car will help remove any surface contaminants.
To see if the car needs clayed, you can place your hand in a ziploc type baggie and run in over the surface of your paint.
Done correctly, claying will help the car and may remove minor defects.

Next, wipe it down with a vinegar and water mix of about 1:1. This will help to neutralize the alkeline reaction taking place and may reduce the appearance of the water spot. Increase the amount of vinegar if you see no effect after two passes.

Try the Megs next. If the first step is not cutting it you will probably have to step up to something a bit more aggressive.

Will you be using a PC or a rotary?
Depending on the "hardness" of the clear coat, performing any corrections by hand may be futile.

If you have a picture you could post that might help some.

Does it look anything like the pic below?
The left half of this roof panel has been polished twice, the right side has not been touched.
This was done with a PC and an orange pad using Poorboys SSR2.5
While you can still see water spots on the left side, they are greatly reduced. The halogen lights are picking everything up.

1998 Grand Prix with over 200,000 miles.


This is the same roof panel after complete polish and sealant.

 

Do a acid wash!!

I am a detailer and with cars that have water spots you cab use acid.. but be carefull don't let it seat to long it will eat you clear coat pretty easy. you can leave it on just no longer than one pass around the car.

- Spray the acid on the car. just differant mit and do light passes

you can do that to your whole car. it will even help with bird crap!

Just be careful its tricky and you can mess up your clear coat easy.

Clay bat wont do much. you can cut it but acid wash works the best.

I detail land rover, jag, lambos, bentleys and rollles. all the hight end cars..

Jsut becarefull!!!!

 

Please folks - don't run out and get some acid to wash your car.

Can you be more specific than just "acid"?
Isn't that like saying, "Go get me a Coke"?

Household vinegar is approximately 1.5 to 3% acetic acid by volume.

Is there another type of acid that you can recommend that is easy to obtain and will not be hazardous to handle?

 

I'd like to see some pictures of your process on the high-end cars.
How much liability insurance to you have to cover yourself should you have a mishap with one of those puppies?
Do you go mobile?

Serious -

 

Yes I would like to see this also. I have been around very high end cars for quite some time and am on a few detail forums and never heard of any of this guys suggestions.

 

try wax and grease remover, it should work

 

I really don't care what some of you people say. but i am a full time detailer and i have done alot of cars this way. it works and i do it all the time. I also work with other detairs that have been doing this trade for a very long time. you can say whatever you wanna say. but you can't say thet it does not work if you have not done it.

I use the same acid for the wheels too! I have done this to a Rolls Royce Phantom. $405k car and it turned out great!!

I don't have pic but when i do a next one i will take some pics and the next time to do another water spot car. i will write every step i do and i will post it up.

I do go out and do cars time to time out side of work. any questions fill free to email me

eyeknowyou@hotmail.com

 

Again you are trying too hard to sell yourself.
If you don't care what people here say how do you expect them to listen to what you have to say now?

If you are a full-time detailer you should know to offer up the least aggresive methods first.
Telling someone over the internet to use acid to wash their car is irresponsible.
That is another process that is best taught in person.
No one said it would not work.

You have yet to offer up any further information on the acid you recommend.

As I stated earlier, household vinegar is an acetic base and will help remove water spots.

Okay -

Looking forward to some nice pictures of some high-end cars.
You should post them up at other detail oriented sites as well.