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      08-09-2020, 01:41 PM   #1
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Autoscrub fine sponge on ceramic coated paint?

My car picked up some very stubborn water spots after it made a trip to the dealer -- was parked in their lot out back, got rained on, then the hot Texas sun hit it.

I've washed the car twice and tried quick detailing spray a few times, white vinegar, and two applications of Carpro Spotless water spot remover. No change. I am thinking I need to move to "mechanical" means. Would the Nanoskin Autoscrub fine sponge work for this? If so, will it remove the Cquartz already on those panels? Am I better off taking it to my detailer so he can do it without removing the Cquartz entirely?
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      08-09-2020, 05:39 PM   #2
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First, I LOVE Autoscrub synthetic clay mitts. There are other options out there now but they've been around a while longer and I've had great experience with them for several years.

Your ceramic coating will hold up to clay fine but just realize that it will likely introduce some scratches if you get into it enough to remove something of off the surface - lubrication is your friend.

That being said, I don't think that alone would be the best option to remove a water spot. Chances are you or your detailer will end up needing to hit it with a fine finishing polish/jeweling to remove it.

Ironically I just detailed a good friend's truck today to remove a bunch of tar he picked up from a truck on the highway and some hard water spots. The Autoscrub worked flawlessly as always. I followed that up with a single stage polish and used the new Turtle Wax Seal n Shine + Spray Wax as a topper with excellent results.

Best of luck whichever way you go.
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      09-18-2020, 09:33 AM   #3
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Just as an update -- the sponge didn't do anything. My detailer has said it will need a light polish, unfortunately.
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      09-18-2020, 10:12 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dparm View Post
Just as an update -- the sponge didn't do anything. My detailer has said it will need a light polish, unfortunately.
That's what I suspected but it's worth a try to avoid going more abrasive.

Most coatings are more susceptible to water spots so I recommend to keep a good sacrificial layer on top. Bead Maker or Turtle Wax Ice Spray Wax would work great as a drying aid and topper. Both are inexpensive and I would probably give a nod to the TW.
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      09-18-2020, 10:49 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JPWEraser View Post
That's what I suspected but it's worth a try to avoid going more abrasive.

Most coatings are more susceptible to water spots so I recommend to keep a good sacrificial layer on top. Bead Maker or Turtle Wax Ice Spray Wax would work great as a drying aid and topper. Both are inexpensive and I would probably give a nod to the TW.
I apply Reload every 60 days or so.
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      09-18-2020, 12:39 PM   #6
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That's a great way to maintain the coating's properties as Reload has a relatively high silica content itself. That won't protect the finish from water spots any more than a bare coating though.

Something more along the wax line will help with that which is why I would suggest the TW Ice spray wax. It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than Reload too.
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      09-18-2020, 01:27 PM   #7
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Reload should work fine, and if you have water spots, use carpro spotless. These have been proven to work on a ceramic coating without damaging it.
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      09-18-2020, 04:29 PM   #8
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Reload should work fine, and if you have water spots, use carpro spotless. These have been proven to work on a ceramic coating without damaging it.

I wrote in the OP that I tried Spotless twice and it didn't help.
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      09-18-2020, 05:23 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dparm View Post
I wrote in the OP that I tried Spotless twice and it didn't help.
Just re-read it...my bad on that. Seems like the water spots etched in the paint which is why the detailer said it needs a light polish. You could try and hand polish it if you want to try for yourself
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