[kingywheels]

Any helpful hints on how to remove and prevent water spots on black gloss trims?

[BroDoze]

Ceramic

[StradaRedlands]

My car had some pretty bad water spots all over it when I bought it. I used CG's product to clean it up. It was a bit of work to really get them off, but they did come off. I've been really careful to not park near sprinklers since then, and have only had to use it again once. That was right after getting some spots and they came right off that time.
https://www.chemicalguys.com/product...r-spot-remover

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by kingywheels

Any helpful hints on how to remove and prevent water spots on black gloss trims?

Same as with water spots on your paint.
1. Start with regular wet towel, if not enough ...
2. Spray some spray detailer or waterless wash on the area, if not enough ...
3. Bring out the water spot remover, if not enough ...
3. Bring out Iron remover or Bug & Tar remover. This always wins, but requires clean-up afterwards.

HTH,
a

[JoeyO]

I have heavy water spots on the front grill of my brand new X3 G45. The front grill is made of a satin silver-colored plastic material. It is not metal. It is not paint. I realize there are lots of water spot removers available, but I cannot find any specifically for plastic trim, such as my front grill. I’m hesitant to use the ones for paint, because I’m afraid they’re harsh and may damage my satin plastic finish. I’ve heard some people recommend a mix of vinegar, but again, I’m afraid it will harm my plastic. I’d like to find a tried and true water spot remover for plastic trim. Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

[stbm5]

i have been using CarPro Descale with moderate success. for the gloss black trim i dont dilute it, just rub some in, let it dwell then clean off. if your water spots are severe you may need to polish them out.

regarding the common options (CarPro, CG, GTechnic), they aren't too caustic, they are just acidic washes.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by BroDoze

Ceramic

Ceramic coatings will make water sports WORSE!

Water spots are mineral deposits left after water evaporates, and ceramic/graphene promote water beading. After water beads, it evaporates and creates concentrated area of mineral deposits left behind by evaporating water.

Originally Posted by stbm5

if your water spots are severe you may need to polish them out.

Please only polish plastic trim pieces after everything else failed!
Plastic is fragile, and you are as likely to polish through the outer trim coating veneer layer as you are to only abrade the water spot deposits!

Originally Posted by stbm5

regarding the common options (CarPro, CG, GTechnic), they aren't too caustic, they are just acidic washes.

More in the description of this product:
https://diydetail.com/products/water...s&_ss=e&_v=1.0

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[starlights]

If your water spots are from washing simply use DeIonized water or distilled water. If its rain spots, then follow advice above. I use waterless wash to get rid of spots as soon as possible using DI water and follow that with Turtle Wax T-9 1-Step Wax & Dry (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007TV6M0). I have graphene on my vehicle and as was pointed out above, it does not prevent water spots on its own. Tap water is the worst if you have high dissolved solids and is best avoided.

[stbm5]

Ceramic should sheet not bead. Ceramic will also be an additional barrier. I wasn’t suggesting polishing plastic, just paint.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by stbm5

Ceramic should sheet not bead. Ceramic will also be an additional barrier. I wasn’t suggesting polishing plastic, just paint.

Ceramic coatings definitely cause beading. The beads should slide off easily, but if they sit on the surface and dry, they absolutely can cause water spots.

[M3Sleeper]

[QUOTE=afadeev;32223178]Ceramic coatings will make water sports WORSE!

He asked how to fix and avoid not just one or the other.

You clean up the area first THEN ceramic coat after the spots are gone.

The ceramic coating keeps water spots from appearing in the first place and currently its the best preventative measure we have.

Just don't go with ceramic on top of the spots is your point and that makes sense.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by M3Sleeper

You clean up the area first THEN ceramic coat after the spots are gone.

Don't be silly - no-one was seriously considering coating the paint before cleaning it and removing the spots!

Originally Posted by M3Sleeper

The ceramic coating keeps water spots from appearing in the first place and currently its the best preventative measure we have.

I'm sorry, but that is completely misleading and NOT true.
Ceramic/graphene coatings are great for beading the water on the surface of the paint. If you are driving moderately fast, this will assist with evacuating the water from the paint or the glass, which is nice.

However, if the car is parked and not moving when hit by rain and/or sprinklers, then the same water beading will start working against you and PROMOTE water spotting, not alleviate it. Those little water drops that detailers love so much are nothing but little micro water prisms for sun to bake, dry, and leave concentrated minerals' residue on the surface of the paint. Otherwise known as water spotting.

Here is the video from a reputable detailer that illustrates the problem and possible remedies:

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