Sven_S8

<b>Watermarks</b>

<i>Cause:</i> there are two basic types of watermarks. First very fine marks which occur after washing a car. This is caused by product being left on the car or small amounts of water that capture minute dust or dirt particles. The other kind of watermark is not a watermark at all but "acid rain" damage. These types of "watermarks" on a car are caused by chemicals in water, for example, acid rain or "hard" tap water that is high in mineral content. The water sits on the paint and the chemicals are deposited. Over time the chemicals build up and when combined with water "eat" into the paintwork. Do not underestimate the damage that can be done by "acid rain". The problem is that the damage is over large areas requiring a great deal of effort to remove, for example, the bonnet, roof and boot lid. Prevention or early detection will save time and money.

<i>Solution:</i> regular washing with a quality car wash with a regular polish and wax are the best way to prevent watermarks and damage caused by acid rain. Finishing with a quick detailer will also remove water spots. <img src="http://www.tyresmoke.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ha.gif"> If that is all a bit much, a regular polish and wax will prevent it from occurring in most cases. Where the paintwork is already damaged the solution is harder. Fine watermarks will come out by using paint cleaner and a good polish; you may also need a mild cutting compound. If that fails the paintwork may need to be cut back. Before cutting back try giving your car an "acid bath". Wash your car in the normal way. Then take distilled vinegar and just wipe it on with a sponge, and rub it in. Do one section at a time; let it sit 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse the vinegar off. Then wash the car again with car shampoo. The vinegar will remove your wax. So, be prepared to polish and wax your car after its "acid bath". If that still does not solve the problem the paint must be cut back.

Wax Wizard has seen watermarks (read acid rain damage) that remained even after using a clay bar, paint cleaner, medium cutting compound (twice) and a polish. With severe watermarking take the car to a professional detailer who will use a rotary buffer and a cutting compound. <i>Warning:</i> in skilled hands, a rotary buffer can produce sensational results. In unskilled hands, the results will make you wept. Anything from extensive swirls marks (if you are lucky) to burning the paint right through to the metalwork, which will require a respray.

<i>Products:</i> 3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material, Meguiars Deep Crystal¨ System Step 1 Paint Cleaner, Mother Reflections Polish. For deeper watermarks use Meguiars Medium Cutting Compound or consult a Professional Detailer.<ul><li><a href="http://www.autopages.com.au/ap.php?u=ap-wash">http://www.autopages.com.au/ap.php?u=ap-wash</a</li></ul>

IndyA8

I always have time to work on an A8. Or is it I'm always working on My A8?

I am always experimenting with new stuff on my car. Mine is also black, so I figure if I can make mine look good, then any other color is a piece of cake. In fact, my daytime gig is selling software and my manager thinks I must not be working hard enough because my car is, in his words, "way too shiny."

Seriously, if you want to attack the water marks, let me know. I've been there, I understand your pain.

Sam

IndyA8

I agree, a quick detailer would work however, if the water left behind minerals, a QD usually won't work.

Your S8 looks incredible. How about some more pics!

What sort of products do you use, seeing as you are in Europe? Do you use the Einszett products at all? Excellent products.

I find polishing and cleaning my car are theraputic.

Sam

CLeonard

I picked one up on my way home, ran the car through the car wash, and gave the clay bar a go. Got dirty, so it's definitely picking stuff up, but the mineral water spots still remain. I'll try vinegar next, then it'll be time to use a buffer and rubbing compound.

In hindsight, this was my bad. We have well water, and my hose runs straight to the well. I need to hook my "car wash hose" up to the water heater nozzle so it will have first gone through the water softener. We do have really bad water out here.

Colby

Sven_S8

In spite of the ridiculous prices here (just take a peek in their 'international site' and you'll see what I'm talking about).

But their products are great! Got a pretty complete set, including the cordless orbital buffer.

<img src="http://www.tyresmoke.net/albums/albuo12/141_4181_S_001.jpg">

Here's a pic after the first full Meguiars treatment...

I did better than the professional valet a few weeks earlier!

I agree, it's actually very gratifying work! Unfortunately in Amsterdam Centre it's not that easy... (no driveway, just streets).

I'm not familiar with the Einszett products, the usual stuff here is Valma or Turtle Wax. Meg's is way better, and only used by car nuts. Either that or Swissol.

IndyA8

I also like Meguiars, but if you can find it, the Einszett stuff is great. Here are a couple of links for you.
http://www.eenzet.nl/
http://www.1z.nl/

I also hear that Swissol is supposed to be pretty high end and their US advertisements make it sound pretty exotic.

Man I love your car!

Sam

Sven_S8

Don't ever do that again... please!

Car washes do SO much - irreparable - damage to your paint! The only way to do it is by hand, or - as an in between - a <a href="http://www.pdqinc.com/laserwash-4000/index.shtml">LaserWash</a>. They clean better as expected, but I still like to do a regular manual wash. The LaserWash is nice for when there's no time...

<img src="http://www.pdqinc.com/images/laserwash-4000/newLW4000.jpg">

Sven_S8

Thanks for the links! I still have plenty of stuff, but I'll keep it in mind! ;-)

Swissol is rated by the ones who use it, but even more expensive. Besides, there were so many ravings about Meguiars, I went for that instead.

What I also appreaciate is that Meguiars (f.i.) tells you to use an orbital buffer (and why), and warns you for mechanical carwashes. 1Z installs carwashes, and sells rotary buffers. Doesn't mean their products are any less good, but it doesn't inspire (my) confidence IYKWIM.

Randy Welch

I went through the same route you are going through.

You'll have to go the heavy duty route.

IndyA8

Yes, I like the 1Z stuff better. I have lots of Megs products, still use them,but 1Z makes my "Go To" products. The polishes are great and the Glanz Wax is very unique.

The great thing about the 1Z products is that they work better with an orbital buffer than the Megs product, in my, and many other people who've used both's opinion.

Of course, like you, I have so many products on my shelves, it may take awhile before I need to buy anymore! However, I have a urge to try the Menzerna line and may end up placing an order soon!

Sam