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Fastest and easiest way to get rid of some wicked water spots

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by greg8765, Aug 28, 2018.

  1. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:30 PM
    #1
    greg8765

    greg8765 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Had to park the taco outside for three weeks during a home remodel and got some pretty wicked water spots on the hood that just won't go away. Any recommendations on how to quickly and easily remove them?
     
  2. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:32 PM
    #2
    gthupman

    gthupman Well-Known Member

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    Try a cleaner wax first
     
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  3. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:36 PM
    #3
    TexAggie

    TexAggie Well-Known Member

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    Decontaminate then wax
     
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  4. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:37 PM
    #4
    Noelie84

    Noelie84 What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

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    You can wash it again, rinse it, then use white vinegar on a sponge to wipe the spots off, then rinse again. Go over the car with a drying rag and rewax it (the vinegar will remove the spots but also the wax).

    If the spots are still there after that, unfortunately the minerals in the spots have already etched the paint/clearcoat and you'll have to polish them out.
     
  5. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:37 PM
    #5
    LivinOnEdge

    LivinOnEdge ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    50/50 White Vinegar and Water mix.
     
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  6. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:39 PM
    #6
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    Preferably one with abrasives in it. Some cleaner waxes are purely chemical cleaners.

    "Over the counter" I'd suggest Meguiars Mirror Bright Polishing Wax. I'm not aware of any all-in-one's in the big box stores that actually contain much of an abrasive load. Griots one step polishing wax might be one.

    I'd opt for an actual polish if you had access to a machine. Or something like McKees 360 AIO on a light polishing pad.

    There are also "water spot removers" available. I think 3D has one available on Amazon. In short, a light polish would be my go-to.
     
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  7. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:41 PM
    #7
    greg8765

    greg8765 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Cool! I use this shit: https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-T-470R-Spray-Detailer/dp/B007KTIO02 and it ain't cutting it.

    Thank you for the suggestion.
     
  8. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:41 PM
    #8
    greg8765

    greg8765 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'll have to try that. Sounds quick and easy! Appreciate it.
     
  9. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:42 PM
    #9
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    My guess is you're gonna need something with a very fine abrasive in it. But you never know until you do a test spot.
     
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  10. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:43 PM
    #10
    LivinOnEdge

    LivinOnEdge ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    No problemo. When I owned an F-150, it was new so I brought it to the dealership thinking the paint was faulty in one spot because it had a water mark so hard to get off that all the rubbing and cleaners in the world couldn't get it of.

    Advising manager came over and sprayed some vinegar solution on it, waited 15 seconds and it rubbed off like nothing.
     
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  11. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:50 PM
    #11
    Tacowin1013

    Tacowin1013 Well-Known Member

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    What he said, but be sure to apply a good coat of wax and/or sealant afterwards as it will likely be stripped
     
  12. Aug 28, 2018 at 1:51 PM
    #12
    LivinOnEdge

    LivinOnEdge ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    Yes, apply wax after. Definitely 100%
     
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  13. Aug 28, 2018 at 2:03 PM
    #13
    hiPSI

    hiPSI Laminar Flow

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    Meguiars Cleaner Wax. Walmart. Has fine cut abrasives and works well.
     
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