Car Wash question - Snow Foam
Discussion
Just wondering the best process for doing snow foam?
I've read Neil's thread httphttp://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h... which was a help, though I could do with couple fine details more (if your going OCD, really go for it!!).
Do I really need special “snow foam” soap? I’ve been just using Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo in the foam lance and it gives a good “lather”. Do the specific snow foam soaps do a much better job at shifting dirt at the pre-cleaning stage?
Then do I take it I should wait a bit, then power wash off the “foam” and then just use dual bucket system with good soap in one, I’ll probably get some Swissvax Car Bath, or should I snow foam it a second time as well?
Is the idea then to do a panel or two and rinse? Is it fine to just use normal water while rinsing (keeping the rest of the car wet) and then do a finishing rinse with Aqua Gleam 0ppm De-ionising Water Filter OR just rinse with the water filter water as you go?
Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated
Greg
I've read Neil's thread httphttp://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h... which was a help, though I could do with couple fine details more (if your going OCD, really go for it!!).
Do I really need special “snow foam” soap? I’ve been just using Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo in the foam lance and it gives a good “lather”. Do the specific snow foam soaps do a much better job at shifting dirt at the pre-cleaning stage?
Then do I take it I should wait a bit, then power wash off the “foam” and then just use dual bucket system with good soap in one, I’ll probably get some Swissvax Car Bath, or should I snow foam it a second time as well?
Is the idea then to do a panel or two and rinse? Is it fine to just use normal water while rinsing (keeping the rest of the car wet) and then do a finishing rinse with Aqua Gleam 0ppm De-ionising Water Filter OR just rinse with the water filter water as you go?
Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated
Greg
You can get actual snow foam and see how it compares to your current mix. It's not very expensive.
The snow foam, when left to dwell for about 10 mins will help lif the dirt and dust from your paintwork. These will put swirls/scratches on your paint work.
It's fine to rinse off with 'normal' water and then carry in with your wash. If you wash your car with the foam still on then you will be wiping the dirt and grit into your paintwork.
Have a look here to various snow foams in action.
http://www.detailingworld.com/forum/showthread.php...
How do they compare to your mix?
Watch out the site can be addictive and empty cash from your pockets at a great rate.
The snow foam, when left to dwell for about 10 mins will help lif the dirt and dust from your paintwork. These will put swirls/scratches on your paint work.
It's fine to rinse off with 'normal' water and then carry in with your wash. If you wash your car with the foam still on then you will be wiping the dirt and grit into your paintwork.
Have a look here to various snow foams in action.
http://www.detailingworld.com/forum/showthread.php...
How do they compare to your mix?
Watch out the site can be addictive and empty cash from your pockets at a great rate.
Personally I use the proper PHneutral snow foam (ValetPro) which is not expensive and goes a long way.
Cover the car, then do the wheels by hand with a third bucket of water while the snow foam does it's work. Jet wash the whole car inch by inch to wash it off, then I apply a second snow foam but light covering this time. Using the two bucket method wash the car using a Wookies Fist ( yes really!) . I put the second snow foam covering on to act as a lubricant while washing the car.
Then I pat the car dry using a micro fibre towel, never rub it dry.
That's proper OCD for you! But, over three years on and the cars bodywork is still swirl free, high gloss finish. And the snow foam lasts ages.
Cover the car, then do the wheels by hand with a third bucket of water while the snow foam does it's work. Jet wash the whole car inch by inch to wash it off, then I apply a second snow foam but light covering this time. Using the two bucket method wash the car using a Wookies Fist ( yes really!) . I put the second snow foam covering on to act as a lubricant while washing the car.
Then I pat the car dry using a micro fibre towel, never rub it dry.
That's proper OCD for you! But, over three years on and the cars bodywork is still swirl free, high gloss finish. And the snow foam lasts ages.
The foam I get with a ph neutral snow foam and a proper snow foam lance is much better than the foam I got with the cheaper of the two karcher shampoo lances (the one without the yellow air control knob) twinned with autoglyms bodywork shampoo. I also tried the autoglym shampoo in my foam lance to see how it compared with thevnow foam and the foam wasn't as good as with proper snow foam.
Snow foam. Leave for 5 -10 mins. Rinse off, I use the pressure washer, but with pressure turned right down. If very dirty then snow foam again. After rinsing, wash car using two bucket method. Rinse off using normal water.If all clean then final rinse with filtered water.
I still then dry with micro fibre towels.
I still then dry with micro fibre towels.
Hi Swiss_Toni
Where would you use the snow foam in Switzerland - isn't it illegal to wash the car with any kind of product in your driveway?
When I lived in the UK and in the US, I always washed my cars in front of the house, but now in Switzerland I have to drive to the self-wash stations... but no foam there
And when I start using my own buckets other people complain since I am not paying while using stationary water plus according to them "I am taking too long" because "other people would like to use the spot"
Switzerland is a great country, but not for petrolheads like me...
How do you you wash your car? it's a bit of a dilemma for me.
Where would you use the snow foam in Switzerland - isn't it illegal to wash the car with any kind of product in your driveway?
When I lived in the UK and in the US, I always washed my cars in front of the house, but now in Switzerland I have to drive to the self-wash stations... but no foam there
And when I start using my own buckets other people complain since I am not paying while using stationary water plus according to them "I am taking too long" because "other people would like to use the spot"Switzerland is a great country, but not for petrolheads like me...
How do you you wash your car? it's a bit of a dilemma for me.
Araantonak said:
Hi Swiss_Toni
Where would you use the snow foam in Switzerland - isn't it illegal to wash the car with any kind of product in your driveway?
When I lived in the UK and in the US, I always washed my cars in front of the house, but now in Switzerland I have to drive to the self-wash stations... but no foam there And when I start using my own buckets other people complain since I am not paying while using stationary water plus according to them "I am taking too long" because "other people would like to use the spot"
Switzerland is a great country, but not for petrolheads like me...
How do you you wash your car? it's a bit of a dilemma for me.
It no problem at all to wash the car in your driveway in Switzerland, it's just Sunday that you're not suppose to do it. I on a rare occasion I do it on Sunday but you have to keep it quite (power washer)and have understanding neighbours.Where would you use the snow foam in Switzerland - isn't it illegal to wash the car with any kind of product in your driveway?
When I lived in the UK and in the US, I always washed my cars in front of the house, but now in Switzerland I have to drive to the self-wash stations... but no foam there
And when I start using my own buckets other people complain since I am not paying while using stationary water plus according to them "I am taking too long" because "other people would like to use the spot"Switzerland is a great country, but not for petrolheads like me...
How do you you wash your car? it's a bit of a dilemma for me.
The big problem is with the MFK (MOT), they are just stupid!!! I had a friend take is classic Ferrari to have his MFK done and they failed it be cause the standard, though granted not new, exhaust was 2db over the limit on the type certificate, 2 bloody db!!!
I agree with you on the MFK! It is also crazy how it differs between Kantons and even the tester you get on the day... I had imported a Bentley when when I was showing it in Fribourg at the MFK they told me I "should have it crushed as it will never be able to be homologated" (not kidding, the guy told me to CRUSH my Bentley) - went to Zurich then for the MFK and had no problem !!!!!
I was always told you could not wash the car in Switzerland except on a spot with specialized filtration system to separate oil and filter detergents... I will have to ask at the comunal counsel! I am building an 8 car garage and want to make sure I can wash my cars in front of it!
I was always told you could not wash the car in Switzerland except on a spot with specialized filtration system to separate oil and filter detergents... I will have to ask at the comunal counsel! I am building an 8 car garage and want to make sure I can wash my cars in front of it!
Swiss_Toni said:
Great, thanks for the tips.
I just have to find where to get the snow foam soap here in Switzerland as for some reason I don't think they'll allow a 5 litre jug as carry on when I next fly to the UK!
Greg
I am in the UK for 5 days end of May with my Vantage - I can bring you a jug of anything (legal) on the way back if you like. Just PM me with what you would likeI just have to find where to get the snow foam soap here in Switzerland as for some reason I don't think they'll allow a 5 litre jug as carry on when I next fly to the UK!
Greg
paddy328 said:
Thank you for your advice Neil, that must have taken you a while. Think it needs updating now though lol.
Glad you took notice of all my work. 
To update it I need male hand model to hold the products up to the camera and to a bit of cleaning. Now where can I find such a person?
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