Water Spot & Limescale Removers
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Water spots are mineral deposits that can occur when water is left to dry on its own accord on automotive glass, paint and trims. All water (except for distilled) contains natural minerals. When water is left to dry and evaporate, it will leave those minerals behind on the surface. These minerals can then etch into the surface over time, creating a pit-like defect known as a water spot.
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This all depends on how long the water spots have been left to dwell on the vehicles surface for. If addressed in a timely manner, water spots can often be removed simply by washing the vehicle with either a normal PH neutral car wash such as Nv Snow or a slightly stronger acidic wash such as Carpro Descale which is specially formulated to remove mineral deposits. However, keep in mind that these stronger car washes can strip or harm waxes and/or temporary sealants that are currently on the car.
There are specially formulated products known as water spot removers or limescale removers. These products can help remove stubborn water spots or limescale by chemically neutralizing and breaking down these minerals.
If you have performed a wash and used a specific water spot or limescale remover and still noticing the water spots in the surface of the paint then unfortunately the water spots have most likely started etching or have already etched into the surface. Once the water spots have penetrated the paint or surface to progress to a water etching, it can no longer be removed with a chemical or wash and needs to be either polished, compounded or even sanded to remove it, depending on the severity of the etching. -
There are a few tips and hints that you can use to help prevent the build up of water spots and limescale on your car.
- Frequently washing your car can help stop water spots from etching into your paint.
- Storing your car in a garage or away from harsh weather conditions.
- Not allowing water to air-dry by using a drying towel or chamois to dry your vehicle after a wash.
- Applying a dedicated limescale remover such as Nv Shift after washing your vehicle to minimize the chances of water spots etching into the paint and to remove any stubborn minerals that may remain after the wash.
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If you are finding that washing your vehicle or using a suitable water-spot remover is not removing the water spots, then you can be certain that these minerals have etched their way into the surface, and you are now dealing with a paint defect that will need to be polished just like a scratch, or swirl in the paintwork using a buffing machine and a cutting compound.
If you have any further questions please contact us here.
Other products in the decontamination range include all purpose cleaners, clay bars and lubricants, surface iron removers, bug and tar removers, prep sprays, and full decontamination kits.