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Water spots after ceramic coating

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by qcTRDct, Sep 15, 2022.

  1. Sep 15, 2022 at 8:29 PM
    #1
    qcTRDct

    qcTRDct [OP] New Member

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    Hey guys, I am curious about who might have knowledge or experience with an issue I am having. I bought my 4Runner brand new a couple weeks ago. Brought it right down to get ceramic coated, and picked it up earlier in the week. I paid a sh1t ton and had SystemX Pro put on.

    I had been driving in a dusty area yesterday, and decided to give it a quick rinse off after I got home last night. When I left to work this morning, the water had dried and covered the whole vehicle in minerally water spots. I couldn't even get them off the windshield with just washer fluid and the wipers.

    I thought getting the ceramic coat would keep the 4runner looking better between washes, but now I am freaking out considering that any time it gets wet and I don't chamois it off instantly, it will get these aweful spots. Sorry I don't have pics ATM, but will add some tomorrow.

    Should I expect this to be a nightmare maintenance issue for the next 5 years? Definitely feeling regret about doing the coating. I know my water is hard, but never had this happen on another car that just got a wash/ wax.
     
  2. Sep 16, 2022 at 11:58 AM
    #2
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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  3. Oct 4, 2022 at 5:30 AM
    #3
    qcTRDct

    qcTRDct [OP] New Member

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    I managed to get rid of the spots, but still curious if there is a problem with my ceramic coat.

    EDIT: These spots are etched in.
    55936516-2289-4368-BB32-0C572A522FB0.jpg
    924B6247-CAF0-4C0C-84B3-7D7DFD3C37B3.jpg
    8E1B5387-4117-4E36-8074-5AFCFBD3EF7C.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2022
  4. Oct 4, 2022 at 5:50 AM
    #4
    LakeEffect

    LakeEffect New Member

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    There is nothing defective with your ceramic coat. If you let the water stand on the ceramic coat without drying off the truck, you are going to get water spots every time. Ceramic coatings will prevent water spots from penetrating into the lower paint layers and causing permanent damage. The only way to prevent it is to rinse off the road grime, wash it, and dry it every time. Hope this helps! Your truck looks great!
     
    Ironguy and qcTRDct[OP] like this.
  5. Oct 4, 2022 at 5:52 AM
    #5
    Math1840

    Math1840 New Member

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    Rinsing your truck with water... After a dusty ride.. wondering why the spots? I mean .. seriously, what were your expecting, some magic?? Ceramic coat ain't that, yes it's hydrophobic.. water is beading like droplets on the surface.. if your truck is covered in dust when it dries it will only let the dust in the same shape as the water droplets were on the surface.. ceramic coat is not a once applied, never touch it again. You need to take care of your ceramic coat as much as you would take care of your paint WITHOUT ceramic coat. Think of it as a long lasting wax. You still have to do complete shampoo, and dry it out completely if you want it to last/look good.. it's NOT a no maintenance option.
     
  6. Oct 4, 2022 at 6:09 AM
    #6
    Daddykool

    Daddykool Photography enthusiast

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    I've done this one time to my non-ceramic-coated Nautical Blue 4R. After wash and rinse, I used a stepladder and jugs of distilled water as a final rinse. I let it air dry afterward. It really did a great job at reducing spots, but is kind of a PITA. You could try this and decide if it's worth the effort.
     
    qcTRDct[OP] likes this.
  7. Oct 4, 2022 at 6:26 AM
    #7
    canadian.bacon

    canadian.bacon H9 halogen is the best led bulb

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    I got mine in white, no more visible spots :D
    Learned the lesson from my last black car...
    Is there hard water in your area? This could be the issue.
    Do you have a water softener in your house? if so, get a bucket or so from a faucet that is connected to the water softener system. Your exterior hoses and kitchen sink/fridge line are not connected.
     
    qcTRDct[OP] likes this.
  8. Oct 4, 2022 at 7:11 AM
    #8
    qcTRDct

    qcTRDct [OP] New Member

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    Thanks to everyone that provided constructive comments. At least one person didn't read or understand my post before a snarky response. In case it wasn't clear, the water spots etched into the ceramic coat, and required an acid based cleaner to remove. So really the question is whether that is normal, or if there's a problem with the ceramic coat. The guy that did the job said he hasn't seen that, and wants to redo the ceramic. Before getting into that I was hoping to hear if others have had this problem.

    @canadian.bacon I have been thinking if soldering in a softened water cock next to the untreated one outside, just to have the water available for car washes.

    The Chemical Guys water spot remover did a great job taking out the etched spots, and they say it is safe for ceramic coatings.

    Also, that Superior products spray wax, when sprayed onto the wet car before drying is supposed to prevent water spots. We'll see in the long run, but I do like what I've seen from it so far.
     
  9. Oct 4, 2022 at 7:30 AM
    #9
    Math1840

    Math1840 New Member

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    I assume I'm the snarky response... I'm sorry, didn't mean to be THAT guy.. didn't want to sound rude or anything.. I apologize, have a nice day!
     
    WiscoJimbo and qcTRDct[OP] like this.
  10. Oct 4, 2022 at 7:32 AM
    #10
    qcTRDct

    qcTRDct [OP] New Member

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    @Math1840 The written word sometimes comes across different than how we meant it. No worries.

    Again, I didn't expect a no maintenance magic fix, but the etched water spots are a problem I had not had with non-ceramic coated cars in the past. That's why I need to know if this is normal or a problem with my application, (which I paid over a grand for).
     
    4runningMan likes this.
  11. Oct 4, 2022 at 10:25 AM
    #11
    Math1840

    Math1840 New Member

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    Best way to maintain mine that I found on my last two vehicules is to dry it thoroughly and good after each wash. I got myself a good drying towel and a quick detailer, spray some quick detail on my towel and on the surface of the truck, makes it way easier to get water off and leaves no water mark
     
  12. Mar 28, 2023 at 10:11 AM
    #12
    Sejin

    Sejin New Member

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    Try some rubbing alcohol on a microfiber towel after washing your car
     

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