Relatively new to car caring

[rivaladversary]

Hello everyone. I own a BLACK 2010 Acura TSX. I've had the car since July 2010. I use only autogeek.net products on my TSX: Optimum No Rinse, The Bone, Pinnacle Foam Pads, Opti-seal, Optimum Spray Wax, 2 Waffleweave Guzzler towels, 3 Miracle Towels, Grit Guard, 303 Aerospace, etc. Using these products have made my car absolutely fantastic.

However, for the first 7 months of the car, my dad was the one who took care of it because I was too busy with life (3 jobs, studying for teacher exams, and applying for teaching credential programs). Since he has owned cars for over 25 years, I figure that my car would be safe with him. It was not. I have been caring for the car for the last 2 months but the damage has been done. There are swirl marks all over my car and some type II waterspots. I have read about waterspot thread and I think I am going to have to use a paint cleaner. However, with all the swirl marks, I was wondering if I should just polish the car; I think the polishing will get rid of the waterspots, possibly skipping a step.

My question is this: Will the slight swirl marks and type II waterspots destroy my paint if I leave it there? I have already paint sealed and waxed with Optimum products. My friends say that the damage is not that bad, as it is only noticeable if you're up close to the paint under sunlight. My car still looks absolutely stunning from two feet or more away. Should I get it polished off ASAP or can I just leave it there for now?

Thank you so much,

B.W.

 

[cobalt9123]

It will be fine for now. The scratches/waterspots ARE the damage that has occurred from improper care--but they are not progressive, they are stagnant.

As far as skipping the paint cleaner, I believe you should. It is likely unnecessary as long as you have clayed properly.

 

[rivaladversary]

It will be fine for now. The scratches/waterspots ARE the damage that has occurred from improper care--but they are not progressive, they are stagnant.

As far as skipping the paint cleaner, I believe you should. It is likely unnecessary as long as you have clayed properly.

i have tried claying it off. it doesn't work. i then used scratchX and that did not seem to work either.scratch X left a thin film of residue on the paint. i could not get it off. i waxed over it and hoped that it would disappear the next day. it did lol.

 

[cobalt9123]

i have tried claying it off. it doesn't work. i then used scratchX and that did not seem to work either.

Claying won't remove scratches or etched in water spots

I meant you'll need to make sure that before polishing the car's paint, you prepare it by claying the paint to get rid of any bonded contaminants that will not come off with washing. That way, you are much less likely to induce additional marring while polishing it up rops: