1968 GMC C2500; how to get rid of water spots

[gmc396]

I believe my '68 has the original paint from the doors back. The hood and front fenders have been sprayed at some point, and it looks like enamel. The truck is my everyday decent weather ride, and it goes in the garage for the winter. I wax it every winter.

The water spots after washing seem to be getting worse. I wash it in the shade and avoid hot days (we don't have many up here). I dry it off before the water evaporates. We have well water that is softened. This is the 3rd time I washed it and you can see the water spots in the pic.The enamel paint is fine; shows no spots.

I used a cleaner and then wax over it, and it looked great after I was done. But by the end of the summer and a few washes it is full of spots.

Should I try a ceramic coating? Or any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ken

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by gmc396

I believe my '68 has the original paint from the doors back. The hood and front fenders have been sprayed at some point, and it looks like enamel. The truck is my everyday decent weather ride, and it goes in the garage for the winter. I wax it every winter.

The water spots after washing seem to be getting worse. I wash it in the shade and avoid hot days (we don't have many up here). I dry it off before the water evaporates. We have well water that is softened. This is the 3rd time I washed it and you can see the water spots in the pic.The enamel paint is fine; shows no spots.

I used a cleaner and then wax over it, and it looked great after I was done. But by the end of the summer and a few washes it is full of spots.

Should I try a ceramic coating? Or any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ken

Attachment 2430863

Clay Bar is the only way I know of to get that spot free slick as satin surface.

[Fbks_Cruiser]

Not sure how to get rid of the spots, but perhaps in the future try adding a bit of dishwasher rinse aid like “Finish” when you wash?

[57taskforce]

Id bet there’s something in your water softener that’s causing it. Once they form try a machine machine polis with finishing compound a glaze/wax pad to easily clean it up. That’s the most effective way I’ve found. Detail sprays that are marketed for spot removal normally contain acids to remove the minerals left behind from the water that cause the spots. That’s a hard no for me. Fine print on the bottles will say not to leave it in the surface for more than X amount of time or surface damage will result.

Ceramic might help with getting rid of the water more effectively but I’d bet the spots will still form in time. Strange that they are forming even after you drying it, you might try a different water source next time and see if that helps.

[Mid-Pack]

Start with wash and clay. If spots remain, use polishing compound. I would step up to a sealant to protect the finish. It applies like a detailing spray, very easy. It`ll last 3 to 6 months, depending on the environment. If you use a sealant or ceramic coating, you need to use a pH neutral car soap.
You can PM me if you have any questions.

[PbFut]

That appears to be spotting from not drying after washing. Always wash in the shade and dry before the water evaporates. Normal for my area that has moderately hard water. It will build up as water from future washing will be attracted to the mineral spots and additional minerals will attach. You may need something more aggressive than a clay bar. For home level detailing I found Maquiers polishing compounds worked really well. Clay bar is great for cleaning already fairly decent shape paint. If the spots are new, they will was off. Older will need polishing.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

Spray bottle of distilled water and a microfiber rag?