Foam sprayers

[Cotty]

I have been looking at the threads and some of you guys seem to be using foam guns. I was just wondering what you used.

The only good one I can find on www.cleanyourcar.co.uk is Gilmour Foamaster II at £49.95

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-a ... d_329.html

They do a group buy thing where the price comes down if you order multiples.

I thought it would go well with this shampoo Dave linked to in another post

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-d ... d_322.html

[d6dph]

I use a foam lance that attaches to my Karcher pressure washer, This is the only way to get proper foam imo.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-a ... d_371.html

In action





And that was on a real weak mixture. I can set it to make a think shaving foam style mix for a longer dwell.

[Cotty]

I dont have a pressure washer but I do have a lot of mains pressure. I can fire water at least 50 foot just from the hose.

[320stu]

This may be a stupid question, so Im sorry if it is,
I want to get one of these foam lance things, (ive only got a cheapy presure washer though)
Q1. What is the stuff you put in the tub? car shampoo, or something specal?
Q2. Once the car is coverd in foam.. then what? just rinse it off?

Sorry if it seems a stupid question but Im un-sure!

[d6dph]

I dont have a pressure washer but I do have a lot of mains pressure. I can fire water at least 50 foot just from the hose.

It's a combination of pressure and flow rate that helps with a gillmore.
You will not get the sort of foam I do from anything other than a pressure washer powered lance.

This may be a stupid question, so Im sorry if it is,
I want to get one of these foam lance things, (ive only got a cheapy presure washer though)
Q1. What is the stuff you put in the tub? car shampoo, or something specal?
Q2. Once the car is coverd in foam.. then what? just rinse it off?

Sorry if it seems a stupid question but Im un-sure!

Not stupid questions at all mate.

Autobrite can supply connections to fit most brands of washers, Email them and they should be able to help

Q1: I modified my pickup tube to allow me to use a 1000ml bottle rather than the std 500ml bottle, It means I can lay a thicker layer on and not have to stop and refill the bottle.

I put 60ml Snow foam (a foaming agent) and 30ml of meguiars shampoo plus in, then top up with warm water. This is enough to put a fairly thick layer on the E30 with some to spare.

Q2: You leave the foam to dwell for a few minutes. The way it works is it lifts the dirt into the bubbles of the foam, it then slides down the car and minimises the risk of scratching during washing.

After about 5-7 minutes (All depends on thickness of foam and if it is a sunny day) you rinse the car off and crack on with washing.

[Cotty]

I use a foam lance that attaches to my Karcher pressure washer, This is the only way to get proper foam imo.

Would the little Karcher be up to the job "maximum 100 bar pressure and 330 litres per hour is provided by the powerful 1400 watt universal motor"

http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=115

[DanThe]

Does that foam stuff really do the job Dave?

I mean my car is absolutely cacked in motorway crud after the 1000 miles I did last week. Is it going to pull the crap off so I can wash as normal with a microfibre rag?

[d6dph]

It does work Dan, Especially if the car has a wax/sealant on it as it allows the foam to slide down the panels easier.

There is a theory that in the summer you can do a "touchless wash", Using a foam blanket to remove the dust and then filtered water to rinse, this can then be left to drip dry without touching the car. Not 100% convinced myself.

If you do not want to make the investment in a foam lance/pressure washer, it may be worth looking at a citrus degreaser. Spray it on, Have a cuppa and then rinse the car down and most of the grime should be loosened.

Neither a foam lance or a prewash is going to leave you a clean car with out mitt washing at this time of year, but it will make life easier.

[DanThe]

But surely a citrus degreaser will remove the wax/sealant?

[agreen]

will the £30 pressure washer i have from halfords be ok dave

and what cheapish lance would you recomend then mate

[d6dph]

Not if it is mixed to the correct dilution ratios Dan. There are a few that are wax safe.

I'll do some research for you.


Arron, can you find the spec of your pressure washer?

[d6dph]

Here you go Dan, Only comes in 5ltrs but should last ages.

http://www.valetpro.co.uk/Products/TFR+ ... e+Pre+Wash

I'm tempted to buy some myself if you want to buy 1ltr off of me that is cool.

[DanThe]

Go for it Dave

[d6dph]

Ordered some today Dan, Pm send also.