Foam Cannon - Do's and Don't

[KiwiTrev]

Having watched numerous foam cannons on You Tube, I have finally had one shipped from AG to the bottom of the world here in New Zealand.
Have never seen one here, so hopefully some of you can help me with some basic knowledge like:
Is it best to foam onto dry car or after a pressure wash down first?
Is there a best way to layer foam on - eg bottom to top?
What is a good adjustment for the top mixture knob.
What is a good mixture rate ( to use DG902 )
Would you foam multiple times during a wash?
Is there an optimum pressure washer psi and flow rate to get the best from the cannon?

[AnthonyGXP]

I generally rinse car prior to foam, but it really doesn't matter unless you're going straight into the washing process prior to rinsing foam.

1.Rinse vehicle
2.Foam top to bottom or bottom to top, and side to side
3.Begin washing or rinse foam then begin washing.( Some will foam twice then wash, or spray foam into mitt while washing.
4.Rinse
5.Dry

As for the adjustment, just adjust as you see fit. You'll get a feel for it. 2-3oz. of soap, fill with water, shake, and spray.

It's really not an exact science, so don't overthink it too much!

Do things to you're comfort level or desired results, and you really can't go wrong.

[RFrommann]

Make sure you take bottle off and run water though cannon when done using it.

Don't want the soap sitting in the line and connections until you go to use it again.

[lawrenceSA]

Is it best to foam onto dry car or after a pressure wash down first?
I HP rinse first to try and remove as much dirt as I can. Then I foam allowing it to dwell so it can help soften the bond of more of the remaining dirt, then HP rinse away again.

Is there a best way to layer foam on - eg bottom to top?
I go bottom to top so that each portion of paint is receiving a clean mix of foam, not the dirty stuff that has run down from above

What is a good adjustment for the top mixture knob.
I think this will depend on how you mix up your foam product

What is a good mixture rate ( to use DG902 )
Haven't used it do can't comment

Would you foam multiple times during a wash?
I typically only foam after the initial HP rinse, however, I do sometimes throw another layer of foam over the car mid-wash on hot days where the shampoo may be drying out quicker. Using the same logic I also sometimes foam after spraying an iron remover on the car, in an attempt to increase the dwell time.

Is there an optimum pressure washer psi and flow rate to get the best from the cannon?
I am currently using a Karcher K7 which runs at 160bar and 600l/hr - I have noticed with the lower end models (K1,2 and 3 series) that the foam isn't quite as thick.

[GSKR]

I generally rinse car prior to foam, but it really doesn't matter unless you're going straight into the washing process prior to rinsing foam.

1.Rinse vehicle
2.Foam top to bottom or bottom to top, and side to side
3.Begin washing or rinse foam then begin washing.( Some will foam twice then wash, or spray foam into mitt while washing.
4.Rinse
5.Dry

As for the adjustment, just adjust as you see fit. You'll get a feel for it. 2-3oz. of soap, fill with water, shake, and spray.

It's really not an exact science, so don't overthink it too much!

Do things to you're comfort level or desired results, and you really can't go wrong.
Ditto and don't drop them.

[Mike Phillips]

From our Marine31Online.com boat detailing discussion forum....


How to use a Foam Gun to wash your boat! (http://www.marine31online.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38)

Foam Guns are cool tools to help you get your boat cleaner safer. The Marine 31 Foam Gun together with the Marine 31 Gel Coat Wash & Wax with Carnauba create tons of foamy suds that cling to the side of your hull give the cleaning agents time to dissolve, loosen and emulsify dirt, grime and scum off your boat's hull.

The luxurious suds also hyper-lubricate the surface to help make washing new boats and painted boats safer by helping to reduce wash-induced scratches.


Lets take a look as Nick shows us how to use the Marine 31 Foam Gun with Marine 31 Gel Coat Wash & Wax with Carnauba.


Step 1
First fill the container with water to just a few inches below the top...


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_001.jpg




Tip: Fill container with water first and then add your soap. If you add your soap first you'll create so many suds you'll end up with a container of suds instead of soap solution.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_002.jpg



Step 2
Next add 3-4 ounces of Marine 31 Gel Coat Wash & Wax with Carnauba.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_003.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_004.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_005.jpg


Step 3
Secure the lid to the soap solution container.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_006.jpg



Your Maine 31 Foam Gun should look like this when filled and assembled.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_007.jpg




Step 4 - Choose how much suds you want

How to adjust the metering slide bar
Your Marine 31 Foam Gun comes with a metering slide bar that allows you to adjust the concentration of soap solution to water.


6 hole stops on the top of the metering bar
Looking at the metering bar from the top you'll see 6 equal sized holes. These are "stops" that lock the metering bar into position with the use of a spring loaded check ball inside the mixing chamber.

You can twist the metering bar sideways to push it in or out of the mixing chamber when choosing a solution level and then twist it back to the upright position to lock it into place.


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_008.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_009.jpg




5 graduated holes on the bottom of the metering bar
The smaller the hole the less soap solution that can be drawn into the mixing chamber and thus the less foamy suds. Just behind Nick's finger, opposite of the hole stops on the other side there is no graduate hole, this is last section is solid to enable you to switch to just water for rinsing.


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_010.jpg


The larger the holes the more soap solution that can be drawn into the mixing chamber and thus more suds will be created.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/508/Marine_31_Foam_Gun_011.jpg



Step 5
Rinse any loose dirt off side of hull with a strong blast of water.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_010.jpg



Step 6
Attach your foam gun to the included spray nozzle specially fitted for the foam gun.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_011.jpg


Using two fingers, grasp the slide lock and pull it back while at the same time sliding the nozzle over the water inlet fitting of your foam gun.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_012.jpg


IMPORTANT
After pushing the nozzle all the way onto the fitting, next use your same to fingers to lock the slide lock onto the fitting by pushing it forward till it locks. If you don't ensure the slide lock is secure, the first time you pull the trigger on your water nozzle the pressure from the water will eject the foam gun off the nozzle and onto the ground.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_013.jpg



Step 7
Foam your boat!

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_014.jpg


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_016.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_017.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_018.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_019.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_020.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_020a.jpg


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_021.jpg



Step 8
After one side or one section of the hull is slathered with foam, wash this area using a mitt, sponge or something like the Boar's Hair Brush on an extendable handle.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_022.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_023.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_024.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_025.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_026.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_027.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_028.jpg



Step 9
Rinse. To rinse your boat, remove the slide lock on your water nozzle by using your fingers to pull the slide lock back and thus releasing it's grip to the water inlet on the foam gun.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_029.jpg

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_029a.jpg


Rinse the suds off this section and then continue working around your boat. Always rinse suds off the section you've washed before they can dry.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_030.jpg


http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_031.jpg



:)

[Mike Phillips]

Is it best to foam onto dry car or after a pressure wash down first?



Start at the top and work your way down.

Note I always wash wheels and tires first so I don't have rinse water drying on body panels potentially causing water spots.





Is there a best way to layer foam on - eg bottom to top?



Just keep it simple. In the real world, foam the roof, maybe the side glass and wash and rinse. Then foam the hood and trunk lid, wash these panels and rinse. Then foam one side of the car, wash and rinse. foam the other side, wash and rinse. Then the front and then the back.

Foam will drip to the ground, it's called gravity. So while pictures of cars completely covered with foam looks cool and I do it in the real world you want to be washing, that's moving your wash mitt over the panel, while there's foam on the panel so work section by section.

After rinsing the car off THOROUGHLY I then re-foam the car and use a clay mitt to mechanically decontaminate the paint while the car is still wet.

Teach this in all my 3-day ACR classes and practice it on my own cars.






What is a good adjustment for the top mixture knob.


Look at the pictures I posted above and use the LARGEST Hole for tons of foam. (That's what I do you can use less if you want but I find the largest hole works best)





What is a good mixture rate ( to use DG902 )


I use the glug-glug method but around 4 ounces per 32 ounce jug, or 28 ounces of water and then add 4 ounces of soap.





Would you foam multiple times during a wash?


See the part above about keeping it simple.

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF WASHING A CAR IS...

DON'T SCRUB THE PAINT

Just make a few passes to loosen the dirt and then rinse. Do a Google search for my article called,

The Aggressive Wash Method by Mike Phillips

Use the above for cars you're prepping to buff out. Use the gentle approach, (not scrubbing paint), for cars you've already buffed out or paint in excellent condition.

I have a video on our Roku Channel showing both methods.





Is there an optimum pressure washer psi and flow rate to get the best from the cannon?



More is better....


:)

[Paul A.]

I certainly can't add anything more than Mike's post other than you are going to love that thing KiwiTrev! I use the 2 bucket method still...one clean rinse bucket on each side of the car. I also use 902 and like it a lot.

After a thorough wash and rinse, I also foam sections a second time and use the foamy 902 as my clay/nanoskin lube. And, yes, definately fill the canister up with water first! I then like to shake it up real well.

[KiwiTrev]

Thanks to you all for the tips

Saves me all that trial and error

Been keen to get a cannon for a while, now full of anticipation. I do a lot of miles in a week and like to have my motor looking sharp when visiting clients. This will be perfect for a mid week spruce up.

Any other suggestions always appreciated.

Cheers KiwiTrev

[Mike Phillips]

This is the MOST IMPORTANT tip so be aware!



IMPORTANT
After pushing the nozzle all the way onto the fitting, next use your same to fingers to lock the slide lock onto the fitting by pushing it forward till it locks. If you don't ensure the slide lock is secure, the first time you pull the trigger on your water nozzle the pressure from the water will eject the foam gun off the nozzle and onto the ground.

http://www.marine31online.com/gallery/data/507/Marine_31_Boat_Washing_013.jpg



If the slide lock is NOT fully locked onto the fitting... when you squeeze the sprayer trigger it will BLOW OFF the jug and lid onto the hood of your car and you'll be left standing with the sprayer in your hand.

Don't ask me how I know...


:D

[mc2hill]

Another tip:
If you find yourself using a foam cannon or foam gun often, save some time and pre-mix your foam solution. Take a gallon container and mix the solution at your preferred rate. When you need it, just shake it up well and pour it in the foamer. If you want a more foam, just add more shampoo.

[KiwiTrev]

Another tip:

If you find yourself using a foam cannon or foam gun often, save some time and pre-mix your foam solution. Take a gallon container and mix the solution at your preferred rate. When you need it, just shake it up well and pour it in the foamer. If you want a more foam, just add more shampoo.


I can see the merit in your suggestion of pre-mixing. Also will give me a place to empty any un-used in the cannon container, before washing out.
Got my new pressure washer arriving Monday. (Water Blaster is the Kiwi term for them here)