I have a Black 08 IS350, and I have noticed on the trunk lid there are water spots that will not wash off, and I think this from what they call etching of the paint from acid rain, I have only noticed on the trunk lid and not anywhere else. I am thinking about using clay to remove these spots, I was wondering if anyone has used clay on their car and will it cause scratches in the surface. I have heard that when using clay that you should not apply too much pressure as this will result in scratching the surface. If anyone can give me any help I would appreciate it

 

How old is you car? Have you tried anything else? It shouldn't scratch if you do it right (lubricate, light pressure, etc.). Don't know if it will remove the water spots though.

 

my car is only 6 months old, but I think these spots developed when it rained and on this part of the trunk is where the water does not run off, so then the sun gets the car hot and it dries in the sun and leaves an outline of where the water was sitting and it will not wash off

 

A light paint cleaner should do the trick. Purchase a cleaner wax such as Zymol HD-Cleanse. Typically I have found that Clay will not remove these types of etchings... In addition, you should probably put a good sealant and/or wax on your paint afterwards. I'd recommend Zymol Titanium as an entry level carnauba. Check out FMINUS's details on this forums for some great tips and product recommendations.

http://www.autobarn.net/zymol-hd-cleanse.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=353045

 

When I treat my car to a pro detail. I always pay extra for the clay wash.
removes most contaminants that collect on the paint safely. When you rub your hand on the surface after a clay wash the paint feels silky smooth. As I understand from the detailer. The clay they buy is very expensive. But a unique way of washing the car with great and safe results. After the wash I notice no water spots or residue in fact, the detailer mention to me that he needs nothing after the clay wash to apply wax. Try it and see if it works for you.
PS: when I watch him using it. I see no special methods other than normal washing strokes. I think you dont have to worry about messing up on using the clay. Good Luck!

 

If done correctly, you shouldnt scratch the paints finish with clay. Clay is suppose to pretty much glide over your paint with a liquid. So just use enough lube and everything should be okay. I clay my car when i wash it because i always get little spots that dont come out with a mitt. It makes the paint shinny and smooth as a babys bottom!


If not try to clean the area with a quick detailer or just scrub harder with your mitt with you next car wash.

 

once you clay your trunk you'll want to clay the whole car! you'll notice the difference it'll be smooth like glass.

 

Interesting that you say this. I have a BLK IS also and only on the lower trunk lid and the bumper I have this also now? I used a cleaner/wax and that did not work for me. I was wondering if it was from the salt/winter in Chicago? Now that you are seeing the same thing makes me wonder. You really think its from acid rain??

I should have my car professionally detailed soon and will have them claybar the whole car amongst other things. I can post info after that to see how it goes. If you find something that works please do post for us.

Thanks and good luck!

 

When I try the clay I will let you guys know. I think it is from what they call acid rain, the air has pollutants in it and dust and grime settle on the car, when it rains this stuff becomes wet and if it is not dried off and the car is in the sun the surface of the car heats up, and the sun shines on the car it removes the moisture from the water that is sitting on the car, as the moisture is removed the effects of the pollutants are intensified. It is especially visible in the direct sunlight, it looks like a water mark on the car. My paint is still smooth when I was it, it is not rough, and my car is parked in the garage at home and at work, so it is hardly outside. One product that I have used and it seems to work pretty well is the Turtle Wax ICE, it is very easy to apply and take off, it is also a synthetic so it last longer than regular wax like carnuba, but it does not shine as well

 

Clay does not remove water spots but fallouts, rough contaminants on the surface of your car. If you want to remove water spots you will need to either buff your car or just bring it to a detailer.

If you want to do it yourself there is a good website that you might want to check out.

http://www.properautocare.com/

They have some good products and guides you can read.

Also going back to clay bar one of my fav's would be the zymol clay bar.

http://www.zymol.com/zymollehmklayiii.aspx

Its just a personal choice but just make sure when you buy clay it can be used on dark color surface. Majority of the clays in the market can be use for dark surface but check to make sure.

 

That's what she said...

 

I posted a CL deal last week on a clay kit. Check it out!