[sygfrid]

It sounds like the water spots have etched on the clear coat or your could've drove onto some chemicals that have stained it. Distilled water-vinegar solution usually takes care of hard water spots. But if they've already etched into the clear, you'll have to do compounding & polishing.

I highly suggest that you checkout the master detailers Pan the Organizer, Apex Detailing, & AMMO NYC on YouTube for pro solutions to that persistent problem.

Originally Posted by Sam86

Thanks I will try that exact combo next time. It’s been a bit over a year since I last clay barred (hesitant to do it again as it caused marring and scratches last time as I wasn’t aware you had to follow it with a polish).
That would explain the rough surface sticking the water to the rest of my car, but not the sideskirts which had been painted 2 days before being placed on the car and theoretically should be as slick as possible as it hadn’t been exposed to any water or elements yet.

After taking that photo I thoroughly washed the car and removed all water spots and dirt from every part but the sideskirts which still have faint water spots I couldn’t remove- I tried detail spray, APC, being heavy handed with a micro fibre and none made any difference.
Never had this much trouble removing water spots so I don’t know what they are. Side skirts were flawless before that 15 minute drive to work in light rain, then sitting in the parking lot.