Bad water spots on windows and sun roof

[fordman]

I have tried multiple things to get rid of the water spots on my glass but nothing seems to work. I have had some luck on the door glass but the sunroof is really bad. Do any of you master detailers have any secrets for getting rid of water spots?

[Merlin]

OK, I'll bite...I've had success with a few products.

Can you post pictures?

Do you have a Dual Action polishing machine?

[SonicHD]

I've used this stuff with decent results

http://www.amazon.com/CRL-Sparkle-Cl.../dp/B001G1APNE

[PhilthyPhil]

I've used this stuff with decent results

http://www.amazon.com/CRL-Sparkle-Cl.../dp/B001G1APNE

Would this stuff work on headlights?

[Merlin]

CRL is an abbreviation for C.R. Laurence Co., Inc.
They sell products to the glass industry. It may work (or not).
I'd be surprised if that would remove "really bad" water spots.
It probably would not be good choice on headlights.

[5.4 F150]

Would this stuff work on headlights?

Pittmans ALR & APC works pretty good, but it's not cheap. Read up below. I bought stuff a few years ago and used it on my 2000 F150. It took about 90% of the haze and yellowing out of my headlights and stayed that way for over a year until I sold it. It removes the oxidation without removing the factory UV layer that the manufacturer puts on the headlights to protect them.

http://www.ibc34.com/Onestep.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XPoZARi0T0

[fordman]

image.jpgimage.jpg

Sorry not the best pics but I think you can see how bad it is. I've tried 2-3 products for water spots and they did nothing. Was going to try steel wool or other abrasives but didn't want to go that rought with out a little advice from the pros.

[fordman]

No don't have a dual action polisher but will get one if I need too. The top pic is sunroof. I didn't have a chance to clean before the pic but the spots don't come off with cleaner at all.

[Merlin]

I don't think (from the pics) that that the water spots are going to come off with chemistry.
A Dual Action polisher is a good investment for your vehicle for correcting the glass and the paint.
If you go cheap there's the Harbor Freight 6" polisher. I much prefer the Griot's 6" DA polisher.
No matter what machine you choose I would suggest getting a 5" backing plate and 5"-5.5" pads
I like the Meguiars Soft Buff DBP5 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate or the 5 Inch DA Backing Plate.

I would stay away from steel wool etc. as it does/will cause small micro scratches.
If they reappear and you prefer a chemical then a good CLR (not CRL) may do it.

I looks like those water spots will need to be polished off with a mild glass abrasive.
This could possibly be achieved with a DA, a polishing pad and Rain- X-treme Clean.
(My first choice) Make sure the glass is cool and in the shade before you begin.

If you get to open the bottle put a small drop on your fingers and feel the slight grit.
This should be available locally (I believe Wal-Mart carries it) and it's around 6 dollars.
You could try using this by hand although IMHO a DA machine will do a much better job.



So basically get a $6 product. try a small spot by hand. If it works, get a DA, polish it off.

(Second choice)
You also could try a single edge razor blade held at a 45 degree angle. (use caution)
Spray the glass with a lubricant (a quick Detailer) pull the blade to you then lift.
Do NOT go back & forth with the razor blade. Pull in one direction keeping the edge flat.
This should (hopefully) remove any dried on hard water contaminants from the glass.
This method should only be done with fresh new razor blades to avoid any scratching.

I'm not a fan of all the techniques in this video but you'll get the general idea.


Glass can get permanently stained. Try the techniques above and let us know your results.

[SLOWBRA]

I have used CarPro Spotless and Bioclean Hard Water Stain remover with great success before. The windows on my cars looked just like yours as did some of the body panels. These products worked within seconds and I didn't even get out a power tool.

[Merlin]

I have used CarPro Spotless and Bioclean Hard Water Stain remover with great success before.
The windows on my cars looked just like yours as did some of the body panels.
These products worked within seconds and I didn't even get out a power tool.

I've used Carpro Spotless with very good results.
I personally have not used Bioclean Hard Water Stain remover.
These are also good choices to try before using a DA and Rain-X® X-treme Clean™
Although, You may wish to spend the six bucks and try Rain-X® X-treme Clean™ by hand.

Whatever you choose...please let us know your results.

[BRIANV]

Ive had good luck with meguirs water spot remover looks like rubbing compound, And a groits 3 inch polisher

[fordman]

Thanks for all the input guys. I will give some of these a shot and let you guys know how it turns out.

[03HDSVT]

Small polisher with liquid polish compound is what I used


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[iilmac]

Use claybar. The clay will grab the minerals and pull them from the surface. I would probably use a fresh razor blade on the build-up first though.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk