Hard water spots or something else?

[brady_f]

What exactly are these? Look like hard water spots however they seem to be almost baked into the paint. Won't rub off by hand. Haven't tried taking the Flex to them yet....??? Any suggestions on how to take them off?

[brady_f]

Hmm...doing a little reading and they may be below surface water spots that have etched the paint. One user said that hydroflauric (sp?) acid would do the trick with a simple wipedown. Any comments on that?

[mbkite]

What helps me with paint defects is a 30 dollar radio shack microscope
their are 2 models if you decide you want one
i have both but would get the least powerful one.
the stronger one will not work.
this microscope light up and you can rely see whats going on.

[RTexasF]

Use the Flex?

[brady_f]

Use the Flex?

Yeah planning on it, however the entire truck was already 95% corrected before the water spots showed up. Just trying to see if there was another way to remove them without having to use the rotary on it.

[Setec Astronomy]

It's really hard to tell from those pictures what you are talking about. It looks like really small pinpoint spots which would perhaps indicate acid rain damage rather than water (mineral) spotting.

If they are not etched in, a chemical method would be indicated, however, that would NOT be hydrofluoric acid, one of the decon systems that uses oxalic or other acid would be. However, if they are etched in the only way to remove them will be to mechanically level the surface.

[Rob T]

Is this your vehicle? Are you familiar with the vehicle? When did these spots show up? How old is the vehicle?

Bigger pics would also be helpful.

[Dubbin1]

Have you tried to do a test spot with clay?

[jsgntulok]

Considering they might be water spots, mineral deposits, have you tried white vinegar? Not overly agressive and just might work.

[tuscarora dave]

Do you have any Pro Polish? If they are just deposits PP will remove them rather easily with the Flex and a white pad.