Arrrgggg, hard water stains?

[Bella Sera]

How do I get the hard water stains off of my beloved Beetle. I am so upset and just want them to go away!

[Bella Sera]

Also, I REALLY good auto detailer in my area would be a good thing to know. Do any of you SoCal beetle friends knwo of any around me. I can take it from there, but I am thinking that getting her detailed to start with might be a good idea, then I can maintain it. Suggestions? I don't want Bella to have any imperfections.

[williamadamsesq]

Can you show us a picture of what you're talking about?

[Bella Sera]

I can try. I am not sure I can catch it on film. It never happened in Maryland, but, here in California it looks like water droplet stains. I will try and get a pic of it later, it is making me very sad.

[Oldbugman]

Personally, I would try one of the Meguiars products, like quick detailer, should take them right off, and you may even consider using their clay bars on it. Rub you hand over the car after it's been washed if it feels like it's not smooth then the clay bars will make it feel like glass. I use the quick detailer with the clay bars ( granted I havent done it for years) but you want to talk about a clean feeling and looking car, those 2 together will give you excellent results.

[Bella Sera]

It doesn't feel smooth at all. I can't get the pics to come out so you can really see what is going on. These sprinkler systems are going to be the death of my paint job.

[kate_the_valkyrie]

I have a water stain it seems from my trunk onto the bumper. I wish I could get a good pic, flash always messes it up... I've scrubbed and polished and waxed and stripped,... to no avail.

[CoriBug]

Originally Posted by Bella Sera

It doesn't feel smooth at all. I can't get the pics to come out so you can really see what is going on. These sprinkler systems are going to be the death of my paint job.

Originally Posted by kate_the_valkyrie

I have a water stain it seems from my trunk onto the bumper. I wish I could get a good pic, flash always messes it up... I've scrubbed and polished and waxed and stripped,... to no avail.

Oldbugman mentioned the clay bar - did you try that? If your clean paint is not smooth, it needs to get the clay treatment! Megiure's NXT paste wax is also a great product.

[kate_the_valkyrie]

Funny. i washed my car two days ago, I'm sitting in my driveway yelling "I really need a claybar! ARRRGGGHH"
My neighbors must think I'm insane.

[JLasvegas]

mix vinegar with windex and water, it works
we use it on out boat all the time

[jdubvdub]

I always just put some vinager in my wash bucket it worked great on my black car...

[Bella Sera]

Vinegar won't hurt the paint?

She is pre-loved and I am trying to nurse her back from minor paint issues from a life in this awful desert heat/wind and not the greatest care. I want to paint her (same color) but it is not in the financials right now, unless I find a SUPER deal. She looks good, but I am a perfectionist. Besides, she deserves to look her best, she takes good care of me.

[jdubvdub]

i've never had an issue... google it, I am sure its fine... its all natural lol...

[Bella Sera]

I will check into it. I though vinegar would be too acidic but maybe diluted it won't be a problem.

[jdubvdub]

Ya it is def. diluted... I alwasy added a splash...

[Oldbugman]

Originally Posted by Bella Sera

I will check into it. I though vinegar would be too acidic but maybe diluted it won't be a problem.

Quit being hardheadedGo spend 20 bucks on a Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit, actually I think the Mothers brand would be a better deal it's a buck less (where I live) and the clay bars are bigger.You can find these at your local Autozone,probably any similar auto parts store.

Spend some time clay barring your car, this stuff is amazing. If your car feels like it has a film of grit on it after it,s been washed then it's not clean, if you clay bar it WILL feel like glass, then wax it.

You might even find once you've done this, you'll reconsider painting. Yea vinegar and water helps with the water spots but the clay bar will remove all the bonded contaminants from your paint. Water and vinegar will not, and trust me I know hard water I live in Florida. Don't believe me ask ScarabY2K about our water here.

Go do some research on this product.

[salsa-man]

Originally Posted by Oldbugman

Quit being hardheadedGo spend 20 bucks on a Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit, actually I think the Mothers brand would be a better deal it's a buck less (where I live) and the clay bars are bigger.You can find these at your local Autozone,probably any similar auto parts store.

Spend some time clay barring your car, this stuff is amazing. If your car feels like it has a film of grit on it after it,s been washed then it's not clean, if you clay bar it WILL feel like glass, then wax it.

You might even find once you've done this, you'll reconsider painting. Yea vinegar and water helps with the water spots but the clay bar will remove all the bonded contaminants from your paint. Water and vinegar will not, and trust me I know hard water I live in Florida. Don't believe me ask ScarabY2K about our water here.

Go do some research on this product.

Have to agree about the clay bar. Try that first. I live in Texas and we have the hardest water in the country (Google it). What makes water hard are the minerals in the water. When the water evaporates off the paint, it is the minerals that are left behind that you see as a spot. Its just another contaminant that the clay bar will remove. Truly impressive.

If the clay bar won't remove the spots, then it's etched paint you're looking at (prob due to acid rain or something else) in which case nothing but a polishing job will get rid of it.

Oh BTW - California is up there with Texas in having the worst hard water.

[Bella Sera]

I did check in the clay bar and I will be getting one tomorrow. It is too hot to used it right now, but will cool down at the end of September.

[Bella Sera]

Is there a temp that is ideal? Keep in mind, I live in the desert.

[CoriBug]

I don't know about temperature of the air, but the car's paint should always be in the shade and cool when washing/waxing/claying.