How to remove calcium water spots

I

imported_mirrorfinishman

New member
I have the following questions in regard to removing hard water spots. It is a 1995 black Corvette and it has a problem with hard water spots on the hood and passenger side.



1- What are some of the safest ways to remove calcium water spots?



2- Are there any products available to simply dissolve the calcium buildup?



3- Can the process be done by hand, thus reducing any damage to the clear coat?



Thanks in advance.
 
Depends on how thick the deposits are and whether they're sitting on the surface or if they've etched into the finish.



An acidic solution will dissolve calcium deposits. I've never had to deal with anything worse than "sprinkler spotting" so distilled white vinegar (mixed somewhere from 10:1 to 1:1) has been sufficient. I've only needed to spritz it on and follow with a normal wash.



If you have a finish that's been sitting under a leaky pipe for months it may well take something stronger. I presume there are professionally packaged products for those cases but I haven't looked.



Claying will also remove some deposits safely.



If, after dissolving the mineral deposits, you find that spots are etched into the finish you'll have to treat them like any other below-surface defect and compound/polish them out.





PC.
 
You can do a 50/50 water/vinegar rinse. Let it dwell a couple of minutes, then dry, clay and hit with DACP. I used to work by hand also and that was my process.



Even with a buffer, heavy water spotting can be tough to remove.
 
Thanks to all for those good replies!



The vehicle I am dealing with is a black 1995 Corvette. My customer purchased the vehicle used about 6 or 7 years ago and it has had a problem with water spots ever since. The spots are only on the hood and they appear to be below the surface, as you cannot feel them with your fingernail. The windshield also has a water spotting problem.



Would you recommend having this car repainted? or would you consider using abrasive products in an attempt go below the surface and remove the spots?



Can water spotting appear to get worse with time?



Can some last step products actually highlight this condition?



Thanks in advance for the additional replies.
 
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