User 121523

My car was parked outdoor at the body shop for several weeks while it underwent repairs from an accident. I noticed water stained on the front windshield after I picked up the car, and tried to remove them first using water, then using Invisible Glass, then doing a full carwash with particular attention to the area, but the stains are still there. The stain is only visible in direct sunlight and isn't bad enough to distract from driving, but still quite annoying.

Any tips on how to remove the stain?

M K S

Is it on the paint too, or just the window? You could try something more abrasive, like rubbing alcohol. Or if you didn't want to go that route, a clay bar may work.

User 121523

I just washed and waxed the car over the weekend, and the paint does feel a bit rough, but I can't remember if it was like this before the shop. Since my car is white, I wouldn't be able to see any stain anyway, so I'm not as worried.

I'll give rubbing alcohol a try. Thanks!

pqn628

If its a water stain, you can buff it out with a high speed buffer and some rubbing compound. I did it to my cousins accord a couple weeks ago.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Sounds like they may have gotten respray on the car try a clay bar as someone said if not some vinegar on the glass only not paint.

User 121523

ah, that makes sense. I was wondering what kind of "water stain" it was to have survived all the methods I tried. I'll try this weekend to see if I can get it out. Thanks!

Mike_1GO

iTrader: (2)

looks like the body shop got overspray on your paint since youre saying it feels rough. try claying it, if that doesnt help then use some paint thinner on a microfiber towel and wipe it over the paint.

User 121523

It sounds like clay bar is the consensus. I've never used clay bar before. Is there a brand you recommend? I figure I'll try rubbing alcohol and vinegar tonight since I have those. Paint thinner and clay bar over the weekend if needed.

deadbolt67

Steel wool works great on window glass. However, never use it on a side mirror, as it will most likely scratch. Stay on the safe side and use 0000.

XxGoKoUxX

no.... don't do alcohol/vinegar, alcohol won't do anything to the paint (overspray) besides clean it of contaminants (not take the overspray off). You risk damaging paint surface with vinegar and paint thinner, even the fumes are still dangerous to the paint's surface. water spots is water spots, i doubt it's paint. liek the other guy said.... either use some elbow grease with a cheap pad, or buy a high-speed buffer and buff your front windshield/windows and the water spots will dissapear. (with the use of a rubbing compound of course).

Any cheap speed clay will do, for your application though, if you're in a pinch, get the meguir's off your local store's counter. If not then order any clay bar online (as it's cheaper) and a big bottle of spray lube.

I use these two products (I purchased the giant container as it suits my needs for all the cars in the fam).

http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-clay-lube-128.html

http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-speed-clay-bar.html

This should last you about 20+ sessions if i remember correctly.

User 121523

Ordered some clay on Amazon yesterday. ETA Wed.

Do I need to do a full wash before the clay if I plan to apply to the paint surface as well?

Will try it out this weekend.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Not the paint the glass, claybar for paint!

burny

what would you use to remove tree sap stains that are on the roof and hood?

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Well you might think this wouldnt work but best way is to grab a wooden spoon and some hand sanitizer and some flat cotton *****. Basically you scrub it a little and it takes the sap off. I didnt believe it but tried it myself, and it got rid of the sap. Look on youtube and you will find some videos on it.

XxGoKoUxX

FYI burny, did you happen to purchase clay lube along with the clay bar? If you don't it will not work.

http://www.autogeek.net/tree-sap-remover.html this also works.. I didn't go on this site to find it, i kind of googled it, but I've heard this stuff's boss

That'a amazing btw bigblack, does this work for grease-stains?

I know, but you know how it is when you start doing the process, you'll end up getting vinegar on the vital parts (like paint and plastic) so it's better to be safe than sorry . for me, i'd just stick to some good ole clay bar, hand polishing on the glass, seal and wax for long term beading action.!