Water Spot Removal
Mineral deposits removed from paint and glass, with polishing where they have etched.
Water spots are mineral deposits left behind when water evaporates on the surface. Sprinkler overspray onto a street-parked car is a frequent cause, along with fog and drizzle that partly dries in place, and washing in direct sun.
There are two stages: deposits sitting on top of the paint, and etching where the deposit has already eaten into the clear coat.
Treatment by severity
- Surface deposits: mild acidic treatment and a decontamination wash
- Bonded deposits: clay treatment after chemical decontamination
- Etched spots: machine polishing to level the affected clear coat
- Glass: dedicated glass polish, which also improves wiper performance and night visibility
Preventing them
Dry the car rather than letting it air dry, avoid parking directly in line with building sprinklers, and keep a protective layer on the paint so deposits sit on the coating instead of the clear coat. See our water spot guide for what you can do yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Are spots on my windshield removable?
Usually yes, with glass polishing. Long-standing deposits on glass can take real effort but generally clear.
Will a coating stop water spots?
It reduces bonding and makes removal easier, but no coating prevents mineral deposits entirely if hard water dries on the surface.