DIY: How to Remove Water Etching / Calcium Deposits Off Plastic Trim

[CJ26]

I've been dealing with this issue ever since we bought our 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. It was evident at some point that it was hit by a sprinkler on the front fascia as well as the passenger front wheel. I finally got around to finding a solution that I thought I would share with anyone that is interested or is undergoing this very issue. Full disclaimer, please be kind in the comments. I'll probably come off as a pretty boy by not getting his Jeep dirty. I know they're made to go off-road and get filthy in the process but that still doesn't mean we shouldn't take care of them either.

I watched a tutorial on Youtube that specifically demonstrates how to remove water etching off of plastic trim. Finding this type of video is tricky considering there's countless videos on removing it from paint but not on plastic.

This is the magic stuff. Thankfully I happened to have a full bottle under the sink. You soak the product on a microfiber pad and do not let it sit for more than a minute. Then, rinse it off with water, dry, and the etching should come off. Although it worked, it does make the finish look a little dull. So I went ahead and put a coat of this on shortly after...

I've experimented with many products over the years and this is by far the best trim restorer I've ever used. It applies evenly and easily, doesn't feel oily to the touch and it doesn't run/wash off after heavy rain. Just as advertised. To anyone who has the full plastic fender flares, which I know is a lot of you, I would seriously give this a try if you haven't already. It'll do wonders for your Jeep's appearance. It'll make it look almost new again. Here's some before and after shots, using the plastic trim under the parking lights as an example.

Before:

After:

This is after applying it to the front bumper. I forgot to take a pic of the before but imagine what you saw under the parking lights but all over the front bumper.

Then after hitting it with the 303 Aerospace...

It's still not perfect by any means but a drastic improvement. There's still some noticeable etching tucked in the very back of the bumper underneath the grille as shown above. It was a bit stubborn under there but I didn't want to obsess too much over it. I was more concerned with the very front of the bumper and fender flares. I'm very happy with the results.

I have this video to thank...

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[Willys41]

Looks like calcium from hard water.
I don't dare wash my jeep with the hard water we have with out towel drying.
White vinegar can dissolve calcium.
Also apple cider vinegar will completely remove rust.
I have been using apple cider vinegar for years to remove rust on pieces and parts.
Be careful with cast iron and don't soak for to long. It will eat cast iron.

 

[GATORB8]

Have you gone through a full cycle with the Graphene yet? Be interested to see the longevity.

 

[CJ26]

Have you gone through a full cycle with the Graphene yet? Be interested to see the longevity.

My dad has with his Ford Transit work van. He applied it several months ago and has been through countless downpours and it still doesn't have runoff. It is very durable stuff. This is my first time applying it to the Jeep after decontaminating it. When I used it before applying the soft cleanser, the water etching just bleeds right through. This will solve it permanently.

 

[GATORB8]

My dad has with his Ford Transit work van. He applied it several months ago and has been through countless downpours and it still doesn't have runoff. It is very durable stuff. This is my first time applying it to the Jeep after decontaminating it. When I used it before applying the soft cleanser, the water etching just bleeds right through. This will solve it permanently.

Thanks. It looks like Graphene has really penetrated the market since I initially heard about it. At that time Lithium had brought it out, and it was basically one time use wipes that were expensive.

 

[CJ26]

Thanks. It looks like Graphene has really penetrated the market since I initially heard about it. At that time Lithium had brought it out, and it was basically one time use wipes that were expensive.

I wouldn't say these are inexpensive either. You can find it at most auto parts stores (Advanced Auto Parts in my case) and it costs about $17 a bottle. But, you get your money's worth. Like I mentioned in my post, I've experimented with many trim restorers over the years and this is by far the best one.

 

[ObiMatt87]

Thanks for sharing this. Great info, and appreciate you taking the time to capture your experience.

 

[The Fixer]

Definitely need to find time on a weekend to do this with our JLs! They're 6 years old now, so I've been noticing more water spots and the fenders and trim just looking dull. To be fair, we don't regularly wash them...probably only a few times a year.

 

[Greenjeepthing]

Try Turtle wax spray. It's been keeping my black trim and bumpers looking great. I apply back to black once or twice a year.

 

[Pinion]

I use Barkeeper's Friend on all kinds of things, but you need to be careful. There's abrasive in it. The spray might not, but the stuff in the picture does.

 

[pablo_max3045]

I don't know if you can get it in the states or not, but here they sell 25% vinegar in every grocery store. Spray it on, wait about 15 seconds and water marks will wipe off.
It's the same if you use it to clean your shower. Literally wipes away anything on the glass or walls with no effort.
Just be sure to rinse it well and open a window.

 

[Joe98]

This is not waxed. I just want to add another mojito to this thread

 

[Joe98]

 

[Greenjeepthing]

Off subject but they report our mojito is returning for 2025. I was hoping to keep it a 2 year run.

 

[flyer92]

Thanks for sharing, OP! Makes we wonder if CLR might also be a good remedy for this situation, as the "C" is for calcium. It easily eats through calcium deposits on/around water faucets, shower heads, etc. but seems to be gentle on finishes. Anyone have experience with it for this application?

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