Can't get rid of hard water stains on hood

[nstevo]

Hi everyone! After parking my car outside for three weeks while on vacation (yes it was a big mistake!), my 1999 Zenith Blue 996 became completely dirty. I washed the car three times but I just could not get rid of the water stains on the hood and roof. After some research on the internet and this forum, i learned that using distilled vinegar would help so I tried, and that got rid of the water stains on the roof but not the hood. I even used Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit and Cleaner Wax but that didn't help at all.

It might be hard to see but attached is the photo of the hood after making all the attempts.

Do you have any advice on how to get rid of the stains?

Thanks so much for your help!

Edited January 28, 2009 by nstevo

[londoner06]

nstevo,

I feel for you guy, OK, I have had very good luck with Meguiars products. You might give the ScratchX a try (usually available at Pep Boys or Autozone):

You basically rub and rub until the product disappears and the finish looks shiny again. You can use it with a polisher like the Porter Cable to do whole sections, doing one section at a time:

You have to work from lightest to strongest. The next product I've used is the Speed Glaze 80. It's a bit stronger than the ScratchX but still easy on the finish:

I have found that hand applications are not as effective as using the Porter Cable, it really does a good job for applying wax/cleaners. Also you can call Meguiars and they can advise you over the phone.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Alex

Edited February 6, 2009 by londoner06

[1999Porsche911]

Have you tried vinegar?

[ericinboca]

My recommendation would be P21S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser. Fairly mild stuff. Good polish prior to a wax. I;ve used it to remove hard water stains before.

[Edman]

My recommendation would be P21S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser. Fairly mild stuff. Good polish prior to a wax. I;ve used it to remove hard water stains before.

Vinegar on a soft cloth. Be gentle. They'll come right off.

[juniinc]

move the vehicle into the shade, mix up a solution of 1/2 distilled water and 1/2 distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and clean it with a soft cloth.

[nstevo]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

I tried the vinegar method. Mixed distilled vinegar and distilled water, then applied that to my car with a soft cloth. The interesting part is that the water stains on the roof came off but not the ones on the hood.

I just tried ScratchX but since I don't have a polisher I applied it with my hand. It didn't make any difference.

What should I try next? Should I invest in a polisher such as Porter Cable or Mothers PowerBall 4Paint and try with ScratchX?

Edited January 28, 2009 by nstevo

[juniinc]

The water spots have gone too far and actually etched the clear coat of your paint ? I hope not :o ,,,

commercial water-spot removers are available at most BOAT shops.

ducky & pumix are well known

http://www.gettommys.com/Boat/Boat-Accesso...ot-Remover.html

http://www.pumixinc.com/

I've seen some PPL using a hawaiian shine,,,

Good luck

Edited January 28, 2009 by juniinc

[greenesco]

My neighbor owns a mobil detailing business and swears by "Adam's Polishes" (www.adamspolishes.com). I can't tell you specifically which product to use, but their website has lots of information about detailing cars and a user forum where you could post your question. Hope this helps.

[KevinMac]

Well if the clear coat has been etched, u may have to revert to a polishing compound. It's more abrasive than the scratch removers but less than rubbing compound! If its really bad maybe even 1200 wet sanding than rubbing compound then, polishing compound. Just be very careful not to kill the color coat! But if it were me, and the polishing compound failed i would consult with a pro.

[txhokie4life]

Well if the clear coat has been etched, u may have to revert to a polishing compound. It's more abrasive than the scratch removers but less than rubbing compound! If its really bad maybe even 1200 wet sanding than rubbing compound then, polishing compound. Just be very careful not to kill the color coat! But if it were me, and the polishing compound failed i would consult with a pro.

You might try Lime Away -- used it on our boat for years --

M

[jgriffin56]

If you have tried almost everything, I would take it to a professional car detailer. The last thing you want is to have to repaint the car! Check with your local PCA members to see if they know of a good detailer.

[nstevo]

Thanks everyone! I called Meguiars today to get their recommendation. They told me to try the following product, Ultimate Compound.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+G17216

I'm going to give this a try tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

[nstevo]

I'm sorry for my late update on this, but even after trying Meguiars Ultimate Compound, I can not get rid of the water stains. The stains must have gone under the clear coat.... I think the next step is to invest in a Porter Cable.

[Long Islander]

I'm sorry for my late update on this, but even after trying Meguiars Ultimate Compound, I can not get rid of the water stains. The stains must have gone under the clear coat.... I think the next step is to invest in a Porter Cable.

On my wife's BMW wagon, which spent a lot of time outdoors, I tried several products to get rid of water stains, and I never fully got rid of them before we sold the car last year. I have a Porter Cable and none of the products that I used with that worked either. At the suggestion of a local detailer, I tried Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner, which requires a circular polisher (rather and an orbital polisher), and that didn't do it either. The detailer said if that didn't work, the next thing would be to ty Meguiar's Medium Cut Cleaner, which I didn't try. Frankly, at this point, since it's obviously bothering you, I would take it to a local reputable detailer and let them do it. Good luck. After that, I would buy a Porter Cable 7424 and maintain the finish yourself.

[Mother]

I'm sorry for my late update on this, but even after trying Meguiars Ultimate Compound, I can not get rid of the water stains. The stains must have gone under the clear coat.... I think the next step is to invest in a Porter Cable.

Let us know how it goes I have same problem.

[Long Islander]

Read the link below on water spots. I buy all my detailing supplies from them, and they know their stuff.

http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo.net/reswwaspincl1.html

[GranburyChuck]

I had a similar situation on my 996. Ended up buying the polishing system from Griot's Garage when they had a sale. Can't remember exactly how much but for polisher, pads, carrying bag, a couple of polishing compound levels, wax, detail spray, clay bar... I think around $180. Actually did a really good job. Can't see the water spots any more and much cheaper than a paint job.

[smackboy1]

When you tried the vinegar, how long did you leave it on the hood before wiping off? If it's a real stubborn deposit you may have give it some time to dissolve the deposits. Also, warming the vinegar up may speed up the reaction.