water spots/etching

J

Jon509

New member
Hello all! I am new to the forum and I've a question: My little silver Honda has very glossy, but water etched, paint. (Bought it that way) I would like to get rid of the etching but I am very confused by all the products out there. I was thinking of getting a Porter Cable 7424 and using those orange power pads with 3m fine cut rubbing compound and then swirl mark remover followed by Klasse then Blitz wax. Since buying the car used I have kept it clayed, polished, waxed, etc. but I've not done anything about the etchings and they drive me crazy! I am ready to banish them. Any advice anyone could offer would be much appreciated. Thanks so much, :) . Fiona.
 
fiona- Welcome to Autopia. Etched-in waterspots are a real problem. There isn't always a lot you can do. Your plan sounds pretty good, though you might want to try cutting pads or even wool. Some one else, please confirm/correct...



The problem is that such etching is often/usually too deep to really be removed without compromising the clearcoat. My uncle's Outback had acid rain etching, and although I was able to significantly reduce how noticeable it was, the only way to really fix it would be with a paint gun ;) Still, by the time I was finished, no one but me claimed to see them. I'm sure this isn't what you'd like to hear, but you really shouldn't cut off more than .3 mils of clearcoat, and waterspots can be etched in more deeply than that.



But don't be discouraged, you should be able to improve it until only you can see them, and only under certain conditions. Plus, you can be satisfied that you did all you could. Silver is a very forgiving color and I think you'll be pleased with the results of your efforts.
 
Welcome Fiona. :wavey



It looks like you've done your research and have a good place to start. Although Bret in the other thread warned that they may not be removable, some people have had success with removing them and it depends on how bad they are. Good luck.
 
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