white spots

[nsxheat]

Hi all,
Today after I washed my car, it was a nice day outside so I decided I would go ahead and polish/wax her too. The car turned out great as a whole...except for the mirrors. There are white "spots", looking similar to water spots?, (only on the mirrors) that I wasn't able to remove, even after some elbow grease. I searched the FAQ and didn't see anything relating to it. Looking for advice on what to try next without damaging the paint? Has anyone had this happen before? Thanks in advance.

94 Red/Black

 

[steveny]

It may be hard water spots. Try a little vinegar on a soft cloth.

 

[nsxheat]

thanks steveny, I'll give it a shot and let you know how it turns out

 

[Nsxotic]

Try Meguire's Scratch X swirl remover. Great stuff with a mild abrasive. Wax after and you'll be all set!

 

[nsxtasy]

Just to clarify - I think steveny's advice is good if you're talking about the reflective surface of the mirror, and Nsxotic's is good if you're talking about the painted surface of the mirror housing.

 

[Nsxotic]

Well, given this statement, Ken:

Looking for advice on what to try next without damaging the paint?

I'd say he meant the mirror housing.

 

[nsxtasy]

You're right. When I read steveny's advice, it made me think of the reflective surface. My bad.

I would suggest first trying Meguiar's #9 Professional Swirl Remover 2.0:

rather than their Scratch-X Swirl Remover:

While they sound like they're for the same purpose, I suspect that the Scratch-X is more abrasive (based on its appearance on their website in Step 2 Surface Prep, whereas #9 is in Step 3 Polishing). Similar product, but it's generally best to try the mildest product first, and then go to the more abrasive product if the milder one doesn't work. Also you might find that the #9 is easier to find in stores. Just a thought; either one will probably work fine (no pun intended).

 

[nsxheat]

Thanks for the advice nsxotic and nsxtasy.

I tried the Meguire's #9 and it seems to have removed most of the "spots". I'll re-check it again when its not as overcast outside and I have better light. If they are still there, I'll move to something slightly more abrasive as you suggested.