Water spots on paint are a common issue, particularly in areas of the US with hard water, which has high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium. When water evaporates off the car’s surface, these minerals remain, forming spots that can etch into the paint if not treated promptly. Areas such as Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tampa are known for having particularly hard water, making cars more prone to these spots.

While ceramic coatings provide excellent protection against scratches, chemicals, and environmental contaminants, they are not immune to the effects of hard water. These spots, often caused by mineral deposits left behind after water evaporates, can dull the shine of your vehicle and compromise the effectiveness of the ceramic coating.

In this article, we’ll explore how to remove water spots on paint and share essential tips for ceramic coating maintenance in 2024.

Understanding Water Spots on Paint / Ceramic Coating

Water spots on ceramic coating are typically caused by dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, commonly found in hard water. When water evaporates from the surface of your car, it leaves minerals behind, forming unsightly marks. If not promptly removed, these spots will bond with the paint and lead to more severe issues like etching. 

Home Made Remedies to Get Rid of Water Spots on Paint

1. Homemade Vinegar Solution

A simple homemade method to remove water spots on car surfaces involves using a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it onto the water spots on paint, let it sit for a minute, and gently scrub the area with a microfiber cloth. This solution is effective at breaking down mineral deposits, making it easier to get rid of water spots on car surfaces. Remember to reapply a protective product afterward, as vinegar can affect the ceramic coating’s longevity​.

2. Baking Soda Paste

Caution! Baking soda is an abrasive and will cause micro-marrings and swirl marks if used on paint. It is NOT RECOMMENDED to use on paint as it will cause damage. 

If you don’t mind marred paint, combine baking soda and water to create a thick paste, then gently rub it onto the water spots using a soft cloth. This method may lift mineral deposits from the paint and also abrade the surface..Rinse the area thoroughly and dry it to prevent further spotting​. 

The surface would look dull after completion.

What Causes Stubborn Water Spots on Paint?

Stubborn water spots on paint are a frequent issue for car owners, particularly when dealing with ceramic coatings. These water spots, which often prove challenging to remove, are the result of mineral deposits that cling to your vehicle’s surface as water evaporates. Understanding what causes these persistent water spots is essential for effective ceramic coating maintenance.

1. Hard Water Exposure

One of the most common causes of stubborn water spots on paint is hard water. When hard water evaporates, it leaves behind minerals like calcium and magnesium, which bond to your car’s paint.

If left untreated, these minerals can become embedded in the surface, resulting in water spots on ceramic coating that are difficult to remove. Hard water from sprinklers or hoses is a typical culprit, making it vital to get rid of water spots on car surfaces as soon as possible to avoid further damage​.

2. Environmental Factors (in US)

In the US, environmental factors such as acid rain and pollution play a significant role in the formation of stubborn water spots on cars with ceramic coatings. Acid rain, common in urban and industrial areas, is created when airborne pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mix with rainwater, depositing acidic compounds onto your vehicle’s surface.

Additionally, pollutants from nearby industries or traffic can mix with rainwater, which, when left to dry on a hot surface, bakes into the paint. This heat exposure, especially in sunbelt states, accelerates the etching process, making these water spots extremely hard to remove without advanced techniques like machine polishing​(OCDCarCare Los Angeles)​(Turtle Wax® Pro).

For vehicles exposed to these harsh conditions, especially in cities like Los Angeles or New York, extra care, such as frequent washing and applying protective coatings, is crucial to minimizing damage from environmental contaminants.

3. Sprinklers and Hose Water

Frequent exposure to sprinklers or unfiltered hose water can exacerbate the problem. When water from these sources is allowed to dry on the surface of your car, the high concentration of minerals it leaves behind can result in bonded mineral contamination. Over time, these stubborn spots become more pronounced, necessitating the use of specialized water spot remover products to fully get rid of water spots on car surfaces​.

4. Prolonged Neglect of Automotive Care

One of the leading causes of stubborn water spots on ceramic coating is neglect. If water spots on paint are not removed quickly, they will bond permanently with the paint, leading to severe etching. This is especially true in hot climates where the sun accelerates the evaporation of water, leaving behind minerals that become increasingly difficult to remove. If left unchecked, the only solution to these deep-set water spots may involve polishing or even wet sanding​ 

5. Acidic or Alkaline Water

Another factor that can cause stubborn water spots on paint is the presence of acidic or alkaline water. Acid rain, which contains sulfur dioxide and other pollutants, can cause water spots on cars that etch into the clear coat of your vehicle. Similarly, water mixed with ash from wildfires, which is highly alkaline, can lead to stubborn water spots that may require more aggressive techniques to remove. In such cases, simply using a water spot remover might not be enough, and professional ceramic coating maintenance might be needed to restore the surface​. 

Advanced Techniques for Stubborn Water Spots on Paint

1. Dedicated l Water Spot Remover

There are a few types of dedicated water spot removers in the market. Generally water spot removers work at breaking down the minerals. Once these minerals are broken down, they can be easily removed with water. 

Available in the market are light water spot removers and heavy water spot removers. Light water spot removers are used during maintenance, and when water spots are forming. Most detailers or car owners will use a light water spot remover to maintain the vehicle from accumulating lots of water spots over time. 

Heavy Duty Water Spot Removers are better at removing water spots that have been there for a while. Ecoclean Delete is one of the best water spot removers in the market! Known for its ease of use, and being safe on ceramic coatings. It works to break down the mineral bonds and allow the water spots to be dissolved easily. In this test, we tested water spots removals with Ecoclean Delete on ceramic coatings  and without ceramic coatings. 

The results were astounding as the water spots on ceramic coatings were so much easier to remove compared with without. It also emphasized on the importance of using the right water spot remover. 

How to use water spot removers? First, apply the water spot remover as directed, wipe off with a microfiber cloth and rinse off the area thoroughly. 

3. Polishing for Severe Cases

In severe cases where water spots on paint have caused etching, polishing may be required. Machine polishing with light or aggressive compounds restore the paint’s surface by removing the top layer of damaged clear coat. This step should be followed by reapplying a protective ceramic coating to ensure continued protection​ 

Preventing Water Spots on Ceramic Coating

Prevention is a crucial aspect of ceramic coating maintenance. Here are some tips to minimize the occurrence of water spots on your ceramic-coated car:

• Dry Promptly: After washing or exposure to rain, always dry your car using a microfiber towel. This helps prevent water from evaporating and leaving behind mineral deposits, which can cause water spots on paint​. We also recommend using a quick detailer like Ecoshine Enhancer after the rain to make it easier to dry off the car.  
• Use slightly alkali Car Shampoos: Regularly washing your car with a slightly alkali car shampoo helps remove contaminants that can contribute to water spots on ceramic coating while protecting your investment. Our best bet would be Ecoclean Blizzard that foams up and acts as a pre-wash to remove and lift the contaminants.  ​
• Filtered or Distilled Water: When possible, wash your car with filtered or distilled water. Hard water, with its high mineral content, is a major cause of water spots on car surfaces. Using softer water can reduce this risk​.  However, if you do not have access to filtered water, use a quick detailer after a wash,
• Park in the Shade: Parking your car in shaded areas reduces the likelihood of water spots forming from rain or sprinklers, especially in direct sunlight where evaporation is accelerated​. 
• Avoid Parking under Cement Ceilings or Roofing during rain: Amazingly car owners with parking spots under cement slabs or cement roofs tend to have worse water-spotting issues than those without. This is possible due to the water that comes into contact with the cement or concrete, pulling minerals away and depositing them onto the car. You’d also want to avoid the water drops at indoor car parks that can cause more damage to your vehicle over time. 

Final Thoughts to Get Rid of Water Spots on Car

Water spots on paint can be a persistent challenge, especially for those who have invested in a ceramic coating. However, with the right methods and preventive measures, you can effectively manage water spots and maintain your ceramic coating’s integrity. Whether you’re using a vinegar solution, baking soda paste, or a commercial water spot remover, addressing water spots promptly is key to preserving your car’s finish.

By incorporating these tips into your ceramic coating maintenance routine, you can ensure that your vehicle remains protected and looks its best throughout 2024 and beyond.

Revamp Your Car’s Look with IGL Coatings Advanced Automotive Care Formulas!

IGL Coatings, a pioneer in sustainable and high-performance coatings, continues to set the standard in the US industry. Their latest offerings, such as the Ecocoat Elixir and Ecocoat EZ, showcase their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Ecocoat Kenzo Graphene, our signature graphene-reinforced coating, offers unparalleled durability and shine. Tested by TUV Rheinland and recognized as a leader in the industry, Ecocoat Kenzo provides a warm glow and exceptional protection, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking the best in ceramic coating technology​ (SEMA Show).

Ecocoat Elixir provides excellent water spot resistance, improved hydrophobic properties, and enhanced slickness. Making it a top choice for both professional detailers and DIY enthusiasts. With a reduced curing time of just two hours, it’s perfect for those who need quick yet effective results.

Ecocoat EZ is designed for easy application, making it ideal for beginners. This one-layer, all-surface coating offers up to a year of durability, combining ease of use with outstanding protection and shine.

For more information about IGL Coatings and to explore their full range of products, visit IGL Coatings. Join the community of automotive enthusiasts dedicated to achieving unparalleled shine and protection.

About IGL Coatings

IGL Coatings has rapidly ascended to become a leading name in the automotive detailing industry since our establishment in 2015. Originating from Malaysia, we have achieved international acclaim for our innovative surface protection solutions, which emphasize sustainability and advanced technology. IGL Coatings is renowned for our commitment to research and development, creating high-performance coatings offering exceptional durability and enhanced aesthetics. 

Our global reach extends to over 50 countries, where we support a network of more than 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs. Our global presence is bolstered by strategic partnerships and a robust distribution network, facilitating our recognition as the highest growth manufacturer in Malaysia. Also as one of the top 500 high-growth companies in the Asia Pacific.

IGL Coatings: Industry Recognition

Our dedication to quality and innovation has also been recognized through various awards, including the prestigious SEMA Media Award and the IDA Detail Supplier of the Year award. 

These accolades reflect our commitment to excellence and our role as a leader in the industry. Our continuous innovation and adherence to high standards have made us a trusted name among professionals and enthusiasts worldwide​.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok