When using a foam gun, is the two bucket wash method still required?

[AliMusa]

Do I still use the two bucket wash method when using a foam gun, or do I only have to use a rinse bucket?

[zmcgovern45]

Depends on your exact process.

Typically a foam gun or foam cannon is simply used for a pre-wash soaking to help loosen and remove dirt and contaminates from the vehicles surface. Once the foam has dwelled, it should be rinsed from the vehicle. At this point it is most common to proceed with a standard 2 bucket method. You do have an option, however, to add more foam to a section and wash it rather than having a bucket of soapy solution. In this instance, you would only need a rinse bucket.

Method 1:
Rinse
Foam
Rinse
Two Bucket Wash

Method 2:
Rinse
Foam
Rinse
Foam a section
Wash with mitt
Rinse mitt in rinse bucket
Foam another section
Wash another section
Rinse mitt in rinse bucket
... repeat until car is clean. (make sure to rinse foam as needed so soap does not dry on car)

-Zach

[eddiec312]

Depends on your exact process.

Typically a foam gun or foam cannon is simply used for a pre-wash soaking to help loosen and remove dirt and contaminates from the vehicles surface. Once the foam has dwelled, it should be rinsed from the vehicle. At this point it is most common to proceed with a standard 2 bucket method. You do have an option, however, to add more foam to a section and wash it rather than having a bucket of soapy solution. In this instance, you would only need a rinse bucket.

Method 1:
Rinse
Foam
Rinse
Two Bucket Wash

Method 2:
Rinse
Foam
Rinse
Foam a section
Wash with mitt
Rinse mitt in rinse bucket
Foam another section
Wash another section
Rinse mitt in rinse bucket
... repeat until car is clean. (make sure to rinse foam as needed so soap does not dry on car)

-Zach

I had the exact same question. Thanks for your response.

[Christopher.Brown]

zach,

no PREFOAM with few min work time, before initial rinse to help loosen up initial topical contaminants?

I would have given GOOD odds that you were in that camp

[zmcgovern45]

zach,

no PREFOAM with few min work time, before initial rinse to help loosen up initial topical contaminants?

I would have given GOOD odds that you were in that camp

It sounds like you and I are saying the same thing...

Typically a foam gun or foam cannon is simply used for a pre-wash soaking to help loosen and remove dirt and contaminates from the vehicles surface. Once the foam has dwelled, it should be rinsed from the vehicle. At this point it is most common to proceed with a standard 2 bucket method.

I had stated that I foam the car and let it dwell several minutes prior to rinsing and then proceed with a standard wash... is that what you are referring to as a 'Pre-Foam'? ... I did mention a "rinse" prior to foam, but I simply just spray some water on the car with the hose prior to foaming... no real rhyme or reason to it... I just feel it helps the foam slide off of the car when the surface is damp compared to a dry surface - it probably makes no difference though?

[Christopher.Brown]

It sounds like you and I are saying the same thing...


I had stated that I foam the car and let it dwell several minutes prior to rinsing and then proceed with a standard wash... is that what you are referring to as a 'Pre-Foam'? ... I did mention a "rinse" prior to foam, but I simply just spray some water on the car with the hose prior to foaming... no real rhyme or reason to it... I just feel it helps the foam slide off of the car when the surface is damp compared to a dry surface - it probably makes no difference though?

LOL my bad zach.... its right there in plain engrish!

i just read the listed method #'s first.... was impatient and didnt read the block.....

So i would have won my hunch bet!

[HateSwirls]

If the car isn't very dirty I don't see a need for a two bucket wash after foaming and rinsing.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using AG Online

[zmcgovern45]

If the car is dirty at all, there is always need for the 2 bucket method.

Why wouldn't you use it? It's not like it takes any more time than a "1 bucket method".

[Bunky]

It's not like it takes any more time than a "1 bucket method".

That is a truism other than filling the bucket with water.

[Robert8194]

If the car is dirty at all, there is always need for the 2 bucket method.

Why wouldn't you use it? It's not like it takes any more time than a "1 bucket method".

If the car isn't that dirty, is there really a need for the foaming pre-wash? Of course, to be totally safe and kind to your finish, foam and two bucket are recommended. What can it hurt?