Water Spot Removal Kit
Complete Water Spot Removal Kit – Safe, Fast & Effective
This kit gives you everything you need to safely remove most surface water spots from paint, glass, chrome, and polished metal surfaces.
It’s quick, effective, and much easier than machine polishing.
The included Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover chemically dissolves and removes most mineral deposits commonly found in New Zealand water, while the included Autostolz Quick Detailer & Clay Lube safely neutralises the acidic residue afterwards.
We’ve paired it with premium Korean-made Rockcar microfiber applicators and cloths to make the process safer, easier, and more effective.
Important To Understand
This kit removes mineral deposits.
It does not remove etching.
Etching is when minerals have sat on the surface long enough to physically erode into the paint or glass itself. In that situation, the minerals may still be removed successfully, but the damaged surface underneath will remain visible.
Etching requires machine polishing or glass polishing to permanently correct.
Water spot removers are a tool — not a magic fix for every situation.
In our experience, this kit works extremely well most of the time, especially on fresh or moderate water spotting, but realistic expectations and proper use are important.
What Are Water Spots?
Water spots are minerals left behind when water evaporates.
These minerals are often alkaline, such as lime or calcium, but can vary depending on your water source and environment.
Water spots can come from:
- Tap water
- Bore or tank water
- Rain
- Sprinklers
- Road spray
- Mineral-rich dust and pollution mixing with rainwater
As the water dries, the minerals remain bonded to the surface.
If left long enough, they can begin etching into paint, glass, chrome, and ceramic coatings.
How This Kit Works
The Chemical Guys Water Spot Remover is a mild acidic gel designed to dissolve mineral deposits sitting on the surface.
Once the minerals are dissolved and wiped away, the included Autostolz Quick Detailer & Clay Lube is used to neutralise any remaining acidic residue and safely clean the area.
The included Rockcar Show Starter applicators and Roadie microfiber cloths make the job easier, safer, and more controlled.
The result is a fast, easy system that often removes water spots before you’d even have your polishing machine plugged in.
How To Use
- Work on a cool surface out of direct sunlight
- Clean the area first
- Apply a small amount of water spot remover onto the included applicator
- Work a small section at a time using light pressure
- Wipe away residue using one of the included microfiber cloths
- Spray the area with Autostolz Quick Detailer & Clay Lube
- Wipe clean and dry using the second microfiber cloth
- Repeat if necessary
Always test in a small inconspicuous area first before full use.
Important Usage Notes
- Do not allow the product to dry on the surface
- Always neutralise residue after use
- Work on cool surfaces only
- Use caution around delicate trims and plastics
- Use caution on mirrors and specialty-coated glass
Some automotive mirrors and modern glass surfaces can have delicate anti-glare or specialty coatings which may be damaged by acidic cleaners.
We generally recommend avoiding mirrors unless you are confident the surface is suitable and have tested first.
Not recommended for matte or wrapped surfaces unless you have performed your own testing first.
What It Will Remove
- Most surface mineral deposits
- Fresh and moderate water spotting
- Mineral residue on paint, glass, chrome, and polished metals
- Many water spots on ceramic coated vehicles
What It Will Not Remove
Etching
If minerals have physically etched into the surface, machine polishing will be required.
Ceramic Coating Failure or Bonding
In some cases, ceramic coatings may have been applied over existing water spots, or minerals may have fused into the coating itself.
In these situations:
- The coating may need to be machine polished off
- The water spots corrected
- Then the coating reapplied
Extremely Resistant Mineral Deposits
Some minerals may resist acidic cleaners.
In over 8 years supplying professional detailers across New Zealand, we have rarely encountered this — but it is possible.
If this occurs, machine polishing or more advanced correction methods may be required.
Real-World Testing – St John Ambulance Christchurch
Water spots are not just ugly — they can become a visibility and safety issue.
In the photo below, you can clearly see the difference between the treated and untreated sections of glass on this St John Ambulance vehicle.
The left side has been treated and visibility restored. The untreated side still has heavy mineral spotting.
This is a great example of how effective proper chemical removal can be when the minerals are still sitting on the surface.
Kit Includes
Chemical Guys Heavy Duty Water Spot Remover – 473ml
One of the strongest and most effective water spot removers we have tested.
This mild acidic gel is designed to chemically dissolve mineral deposits commonly found in New Zealand water.
Fast acting and easy to use.
Autostolz Quick Detailer & Clay Lube – 500ml
Used to neutralise and safely remove remaining residue after water spot removal.
Also leaves the surface slick, clean, and easier to wipe down safely.
Rockcar Show Starter Applicators – 2 Pack
Premium 70:30 microfiber applicators made in South Korea.
These provide a safer and more controlled way to apply the water spot remover evenly without the product soaking through onto your hands.
Soft, durable, and ideal for controlled chemical application.
FREE Rockcar Roadie Microfiber Cloths – 2 Pack
Premium Korean-made 70:30 microfiber cloths.
Our pick for an everyday high-quality detailing cloth.
Soft, safe, absorbent, and ideal for residue removal and neutralising wipe-downs.
These make the job noticeably easier and safer compared to cheaper cloths.
Colour of applicators and cloths may vary depending on availability.
Microfiber Care
- Wash separately from cotton towels and lint-producing fabrics
- Wash at 30–40°C
- Avoid fabric softeners
- Tumble dry low or air dry
- Use dedicated microfiber detergent where possible our pick is Fireball Towel Cleaner
For full microfiber washing and care instructions, read our complete Microfiber Care Guide.