Foam Gun Tips??

All:

I'm reaching out for help using my autogeek.net foam gun. Since I've had it, I've had inconsistent results producing foam, and at times alarming use of soap. I am certain I'm doing something wrong.

I searched on here for some basics but found nothing.

Been using Meguiar's Gold Class wash. A forum member here who's way more into detailing than I am (an who has been exceedingly patient in helping me out!) suggested it and swears by it. I'm just not getting a good foam that clings to the car like I see in some of the videos.

Any pointers, tips or reading I can do? Thanks!

I would not expect you to get thick clinging foam using just a "car shampoo" product. Most of the video's you will see use a dedicated "snow foam" and probably for visual effect are heavy handed with the quantity!

My suggestion (and what I do, as I don't want another product to use) is put a cap of "APC" in with the "car shampoo" (as I always have APC for various tasks), the APC foams up and cling to the paint work, I expect any APC will do but I use Meguiar's.

Interesting. I have P21s. I worry that would be harsh on the sealant coat (Wolfgang).

gold class is ok but a few are much better - look at ultima wash, chem guys glossworkz or max sudz II - put 2 oz in the gun and make sure the mixer switch is straight upo and down...I get plenty this way

all wax friendly...

Originally Posted by Glen E

gold class is ok but a few are much better - look at ultima wash, chem guys glossworkz or max sudz II - put 2 oz in the gun and make sure the mixer switch is straight upo and down...I get plenty this way

all wax friendly...

Put 2 oz in the gun and then what with the water? Fill it? how much? And do you spray it in hard and let it foam or put it in gently?

I had Ultima wash but felt like I was using so much, the bottle lasted me no time at all.

It's all about water pressure. If your water pressure is too strong than no matter how much soap you add to the reservoir, it's not going to matter because the mixture will not come out in a consistent manner that is conducive to foam.
Solution. Shut off valve and quick disconnect.

*******>********>Connect two hoses and increase water pressure!


This single hose connector can be used to connect two standard hoses, or as a quick on-off switch to your hose. The swivel connector gives you maximum maneuverability with the hose by allowing the hose to turn where it connects to the spigot. This valve can also be used as an inline shut-off valve. A quick turn of the valve shuts off the water flow so you can turn the water on and off as needed for jobs that don’t require constant water flow. Constructed from brass, the shut off valve can withstand hot water and high water pressure.

• Single shut-off valve controls water flow
• Heavy-duty brass construction
• Extra large handles for easy grip and turn
• Easy-on swivel connector prevents hose kinks by allowing hose to turn
• Withstands hot water temperatures

* Use this valve with your Foamaster foam gun. Connect the valve between the hose and the foam gun to increase the water pressure as it enters the gun. If you need to remove the foam gun, turn the valve to the off position to restrict water flow.

Two "Must Have" Car Washing Tools - The Brass Shut-off Valve & Brass Quick Connector




P.S. - I use Gold Glass Shampoo 3-5 oz in the gun resevoir then fill remainder with water. Then shake the mixture like a martini. I turn the water pressure way down with the valve and the foam is so thick that I don't bother with a 2 bucket method, I only have a rinse bucket.
Also, you can buy all of this at Home Depot for like 5 bucks.

Hey man. Yeah, I've got the valve, perhaps I'm just not shutting it enough?

What setting do you use the gun on?

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Hey man. Yeah, I've got the valve, perhaps I'm just not shutting it enough?

What setting do you use the gun on?

Yeah the flow should be turned way down. I have the foam setting to max, so all the way to the left. The amount of foam is insane. If it doesn't look like this you're doing something wrong.

Yeah, I get that much foam, but it runs through FAST. It also doesn't cling like it does in most videos...

It won't cling because your car has wax on it. A lot of times you will see this done to cars that have been neglected.

you could also get a pressure washer, but if you're only washing a couple cars, it seems like kind of a waste, but I'm sure it will be fun. Does a better job at laying down a thin uniform soap pattern.
http://www.autogeek.net/autogeek-foam-cannon-hp.html