Getting water spots off glass
 

Hey, my new car's previous owner evidently didn't take very good care of the exterior, and when I got it it was covered in water spots.

I've had excellent results getting the spots off the paint by using ScratchX 2.0 which dissolved them instantly, but no luck getting them off the windows.

After googling and reading a few threads, I've tried the following with absolutely no effect:

Glass cleaner
1:1 mix of white vinegar to water
Rubbing alcohol (nervously)
Mothers Water Spot Remover

Any suggestions of what to try next?

Thanks in advance.

Are you sure they are water spots? Can you scratch them with your finger nail?

Anyway, if they are mineral deposits from hard water, CLR should probably take care of it. I have no idea what CLR will do to painted automotive finishes so (WEAR GLOVES) get a rag damp with the stuff. Gently wipe the glass being careful not to squeeze the rag so hard that any of the chemicals escape.

You might also want to try again with the vinegar but don't dilute it. Vinegar (acetic acid) is already pretty dilute and it's a weak acid to begin with. So as long as you rinse off any spills on the paint within a few minutes (probably a few hours but better to play it safe) it should be pretty safe.

If that doesn't work, maybe try claybar?

I'm not sure that they're water spots, but they're pale circular marks in the shape of water droplets. I clay barred the finish and it had to effect, so moved on to ScratchX 2.0, which dissolved them almost instantly. I'm assuming that a tiny amount of ScratchX on a microfibre would be a bad idea?

I'll try the vinegar again. Is CLR safe on tints?

Tint is usually on the interior surface for this reason. If claybar had no effect, are you sure they're not etchmarks? like from acid rain?

Acid Rain Etching...

They look exactly like the type 2 spots in this article: 3 - Types of Water Spots - Type I, Type II and Type III - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

Could be acid rain, and I'm assuming they are etched in because the clay bar was ineffective on the paint. But on the other hand, ScratchX 2.0 seemed to dissolve them as soon as it made contact, which makes me think maybe they're not below the surface.

Extra fine steel wool + water.

Mist the glass with water and then take the fine steel wool and lightly rub it on the glass. You might need to rub a little more aggressively if the spots are stubborn. You won't scratch the glass as long as you use extra fine steel wool.

When I use RainX on my windows, I get all sorts of dirt off that doesn't come off with soap or evern ammonia base cleaners fail to pick up.

The OP is from New Zealand. I doubt that he has to worry much about acid rain.

True Al, just normal rain!! Rain X has worked for me in the past.

Which RainX are you using?

It takes a special acid to etch glass. Like the kinds of acid that rarely occur without intent. Usually it's really scary stuff like hydrofluoric acid though commercial pastes can be purchased for the DIY crowd.

Tried CLR with no luck.

Does anyone else endorse the steel wool idea?


This is what it looks like:
Attachment 288330

Try these videos. I've gotten tips from these videos. He tends to promote his products. But I've found that you can buy comparable products at any automotive parts store (you get what you pay for though). Good luck!

eWell, if chemicals like vinegar and CLR didn't remove it then it's probably not mineral in nature. If you use the steel wool, I'd recommend that you add some Goo Gone (in case we're working with leftover adhesive or similar polymer) and do it in an inconspicuous location out of your normal line of sight through the rear view mirror.

You could go crazy and get your hands on some aqua regia but I don't recommend it. That shit is scary.

If your not going to try RainX, try toothpaste or paint polish/rubbing compound on a small section of the window. They will be less abrasive than steel wool.

update: here's a product I've been told by several people that is very good. http://www.flitz.com/flitz-polish-paste/

Which RainX product are you using? They're available here but they have like 10 things all called RainX [something].

Any opinions on trying ScratchX 2.0 with no/minimal rubbing?

Invisible glass cleaner with a razor blade and a microfiber work wonders, that and a nice coat of wax after ensure they never come back.