What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we've all been there, you wash the car on a 35-degree arvo and before you can even grab the drying towel, the sun has cooked the minerals onto the paint. I once spent six hours chasing spots on a black LandCruiser that had been parked near a bore-fed sprinkler; it was a total dog of a job. This checklist is for when a normal wash just won't cut it and you need to bring out the chemical or mechanical big guns.
The Kit You'll Need
What You'll Need
Check This Before You Start
What You'll Need
While you're here...
The Removal Process
Test Spot
Always try a small, inconspicuous area first. Some Aussie trim pieces are sensitive to acids, so make sure it doesn't dull the finish.
Apply Remover
Chuck some water spot remover onto your applicator. Work in a small 40x40cm area. Give it about 30-60 seconds to dwell, but don't let it dry.
Agitate Gently
Use light pressure in a circular motion. You're letting the chemistry do the hard work of breaking down the calcium and magnesium.
Wipe and Neutralise
Wipe the area clean with a damp microfiber, then follow up with your distilled water spray to make sure any remaining acid is gone.
Clay the Surface
If the paint still feels rough, hit it with the clay bar. This picks up any leftover mineral 'grit' the chemical didn't fully dissolve.
Polish (If Needed)
If you can still see 'ghosting' where the spots were, they've etched the clear coat. You'll need a light hand polish to level the surface back out.
Re-protect
The chemicals have stripped your wax. Apply a fresh layer of sealant or ceramic spray. This stops the next rain shower from sticking so easily.
The 'Mate's Assessment' (Final Check)
What You'll Need
A Few Truths
Watch Out
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