how to remove water spots

[patriot68]

ive got a set of budniks and cant get the water spots off. ive tried polishing them and using window cleaner. whats the secret??
scott

[astroracer]

Window cleaner is not the thing to be using on your aluminum rims. Most of them are ammonia based and ammonia does not like aluminum... Get yourself a GOOD aluminum polish (Mothers Billet Polish is about the best I have used) and a lot of elbow grease. You have some work cut out to remove the stains. What was on the wheels to cause the spots? Just plain water won't do that so what have you been using on the wheels?
Mark

[patriot68]

ive tried using soap and water, mothers polish and, non amonia window cleaner

[LS1-IROC]

If the spots are from hard water you have some work ahead of you. Hard water spots on bare aluminum can be a real chore to remove. The quickest way I found if to use the small powerball with polish..it takes a while but they will come off. If you want them gone quicker you will have to start with 2000 grit wet paper and then polish it out with compound.

[dhutton]

I usually use diluted vinegar to remove water spots on paint but I am not sure if it is aluminum safe. Maybe try it on a hidden surface first.

[tflyboy77]

I had the same problem and ended up taking the wheels off the car (for access) and using different grades of polish with the power ball. It took me most of a day with lots of elbow grease.

[patriot68]

elbow grease is the answer. i assumed the chip foose powerball special would work. tossed it and used my hands. thanks for the replies

[astroracer]

Yes Sir, good job!

[sanman]

1600 grit wet paper then polish, Easily remove any blemish w/o damaging the wheel.

[JayR]

I've heard WD-40 works on water spots too and would be a little curious to try that and the vinegar solution. The 1600 grit sandpaper tip is a good one too and knocks it down a lot quicker than polish alone but is so fine, it polishes back up quickly. Griot's Garage also sells wheel cleaning clay just like you use on paint but a little more aggressive for use on the aluminum and powdercoat on a wheel. A heavy coat of wax after you polish will help protect the newly polished finish the same way it does for paint and you can keep it up with a "Wax as you Dry" type product.

[3elco's]

Has anyone tried using a glass spot remover like the kind you use in the dishwasher? something like jet dry?? i dont know if this would work, but if it can remove water spots off glasses why cant it work on other surfaces??? Im not sure how harsh it would be on a wheel's finish so be careful if you attempt this.

[gak68]

I will get you the name of a cleaner I use on some slotted mags I have, it has a very weak acid and a super fine abrasive, it takes water spots right of then if you hit it with some polish you will not believe the shine. only works on uncoated wheels though.

[Quickboat]

I've heard Marvel Mystery Oil works well on Aluminum??
edit..
Tried it, mystery busted...cleans, shines and darkens the spots. No replacement for elbow grease!

[regal454]

The only thing that has worked for me is MAAS metal polish. Works like a charm!!