2007 Civic LX etched H2O spots

[mfisher1967]

I have H2O spots on my hood, roof and trunk lid. Last weekend I clayed these areas and determined that the spots have etched the clear coat. This really troubles me because I have waxed the car every 2-3 months (NXT 2.0, Rejex, Prima) and wash it every 2-3 weeks (NXT wash) between wax applications. I should mention that this car is my daily driver and is kept under a carport at my home, or in a lot at my place of employment. As this is the case, I cannot run outside and dry off the car whenever it rains. I really don't feel like using a cover either. Perhaps spots are the norm for my situation and I should just learn to live with them?

I am thinking of trying ScratchX, but wonder if a machine polisher will yield better results. My concern is that I have no experience with machine polishers, so there is a risk of further damage due to my inexperience. I have also read that Klasse AIO removes spots fairly well when applied by hand, but have not used the product.

Any recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your replies to this post!

[atp1559]

...rain water typically does not etch automotive clear coat unless the pH is abnormally low (acid rain); it sounds like your car was exposed to fresh water (sprinkler, etc.). Carry a moist Water Sprite (in its container) in your trunk and wipe off fresh water ASAP. Some inconsiderate person sprayed my car with their sprinkler and I used Scratch X followed by Liquid Glass and topped with NXT; all the water spots are gone. If it is the rain that is etching your paint, you should polish and wax your car every month to prevent recurrences. Above all, DO NOT USE a machine polisher if you are inexperienced; professional detailers can do magic with them, but they belong in their hands. Hope this helps.

[kenchan]

scratchx should work. use a foam pad, not cotton pads. will take some work if you
do it by hand. would recommend a random orbital.

if you use mild polish like scratchx random orbitals are pretty much a
fool-proof system.

wax afterwards.

[jonesthewine]

acid rain ftl...one of many benefits of urban life.