KiwiNZ: Very very fine steel wool can be used if really stubborn but use with great care. You can also try scrunched up newspaper.
There are only really 2 grades of water spots
fresh ones that generally will wipe off with any decent glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. baked on ones (or many layers baked on) which require abrasion (not scrunched up newspaper).
If hes considering 30 seconds, they are the baked on variety.
I find the medium green scouring pads work best, provided they are lubed with compound (autosol, medium cut, jif etc) they wont scratch the window (auto glass is pretty resilient).
KiwiNZ: Very very fine steel wool can be used if really stubborn but use with great care. You can also try scrunched up newspaper.
There are only really 2 grades of water spots
fresh ones that generally will wipe off with any decent glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. baked on ones (or many layers baked on) which require abrasion (not scrunched up newspaper).
If hes considering 30 seconds, they are the baked on variety.
I find the medium green scouring pads work best, provided they are lubed with compound (autosol, medium cut, jif etc) they wont scratch the window (auto glass is pretty resilient).
Newspaper is a mild abrasive, I use it successfully to clean the glass in our Log burner and chemical residue our our shower doors and car windshields
heylinb4nz: Ive been grooming cars for years and my best method yet for removing water spots quickly and safely has been Meguiars Pro medium cut compound and a high speed (or random orbital) buffer with foam pad.
Followed up with some Rain X or wax to make the glass slick again.
For hard to get places some JIF cream cleanser (or autosol) on a green scouring pad works well.
Anything that works in 30 seconds (which I highly doubt would) I would not put anywhere near car paint or plastic trim. Fact is water spots are hard, you need abrasion and elbow grease, and keep your windscreen waxed (along with your car) you will never have water spot issues again.
hi, when do you use polish vs wax? what about a new-ish car? at the mo i wax every 6 months and spray rinse between those times ...
heylinb4nz: Ive been grooming cars for years and my best method yet for removing water spots quickly and safely has been Meguiars Pro medium cut compound and a high speed (or random orbital) buffer with foam pad.
Followed up with some Rain X or wax to make the glass slick again.
For hard to get places some JIF cream cleanser (or autosol) on a green scouring pad works well.
Anything that works in 30 seconds (which I highly doubt would) I would not put anywhere near car paint or plastic trim. Fact is water spots are hard, you need abrasion and elbow grease, and keep your windscreen waxed (along with your car) you will never have water spot issues again.
hi, when do you use polish vs wax? what about a new-ish car? at the mo i wax every 6 months and spray rinse between those times ...
Polish (ie abrasives) you use depending on how much damage your paint has, if you are using good washing techniques then you should only need to use a swirl remover or fine cut cleaner once a year to return your finish back to good smooth defect free condition. Previously raped cars may require a medium cut followed by fine and a swirl remover to get back to new condition.
Waxing
A good quality Carnuba based wax should give 3 months protection (tops). Carnuba is typical good for metallic paint where you want a deep shine. Polymer based waxes will last a little longer 5-6 months, good for non metallic where a wet \ plastic look is required. I find the Meguiars Cleaner Wax or Gold Class Wax easy to put on and take off and looks great on all paint types.
Spray waxes between are also a good way to ensure protection and shine between these full on liquid waxes. (Meguiars Ultimate Quick Wax)
Alot of products will try and sell you on laziness (ie lasts for 12 months), but in reality you are talking a thin layer of product that will (through washing, sun and daily exposure) be gone within 3-4 months (or even less), its not clearcoat that is baked on, its a wipe on product, don't expect miracles.
If you care about your car, do the above, if not then fortnightly wash n wax (Armourall Blue) does the trick.
Ive got a detailed guide on MR2 forums if anyone is interested (1/2 way down page).
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