European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

[CarbonBlack]

Why do so many European detailers use foam-guns, and American detailers don't?

I have been noticing this for quite some time, and haven't found the answer.

(all this is from my perspective, and it may be totally false)


Is it a law?
Is it a trend?

or, is my perception off?

anyone else notice this.

thanks in advance
-Nick

[CAShine]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

Maybe they are cheaper in Europe.

[RaskyR1]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

I think it's just something that took off in Europe and is now starting to make it's way into the US. I have been thinking about getting one myself.

[Fischer]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

I have been thinking about getting one myself.

As am I.

But I agree, alot of people use a foam gun overseas for some reason.
What are the benefits of using a foam gun anyways?

[TimG]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

As am I.

But I agree, alot of people use a foam gun overseas for some reason.
What are the benefits of using a foam gun anyways?

The foam will cling to loose dirt and drag it down. Therefore when you start with you normal washing regime (ie: 2 bucket method), you'll "minimize" the chances of loose dirt marring the car's surface.

Plus, it looks cool when you neighbors watched in awe and thought you put shaving cream on your car


Sure the other guys would chime in

Tim

[imacarnut]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

while the foam cannon/lance (the ones used with a pressure washer) does produce thicker clinging foam, i like to use the foam gun (the one that attaches to the garden hose) as you can use it to pre-soak AND use it while washing (serves as two purposes). you can't do both with the foam cannon/lance.

[gb387]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

I have looked at them many times... if I could find one (a quality one) a little cheaper I would get one but as of yet have not found it to be a necessity even more so not knowing if I would really use it.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

I use a foam gun for the reasons that "imacarnut" mentioned, and the fact that I usually operate via mobile detailing from my Focus hatchback...no room for my pressure washer.

[Murr1525]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

I use it all the time.....

But I dont often worry about pre-soaking, I just wash with it. Maybe one or two pre-soaks in winter, but thats about it.

I ordered mine direct from Gilmour a few years back.... saved a few bucks, but I am sure the price has changed by now.

[gb387]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

I use it all the time.....

But I dont often worry about pre-soaking, I just wash with it. Maybe one or two pre-soaks in winter, but thats about it.

I ordered mine direct from Gilmour a few years back.... saved a few bucks, but I am sure the price has changed by now.

Murr... do you skip the buckets then -or- still use buckets in combo with the foam gun?

[Murr1525]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

At first I still used two buckets, one water, one with some soap.

But I soon found I never needed the soapy water bucket, so I just use one rinse water bucket+grit guard now.

[gb387]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

OK, huh... never really thought of eliminating a bucket... how about soap use with the foam gun the same or more (vs. bucket)?

[Murr1525]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

Well, if I recall what I did at the time... I believe I found that if I put 5 ounces of soap in the mixing bottle, then filled with water, then put it on the highest setting, I get about 128:1 ( I think thats the normally desired ratio) of soapy water. I should recheck my math sometime....

Then I usually use about 1 bottle for a car wash. So maybe I use 5 ounces of soap instead of 4 to wash.

Of course pre-washing would raise that amount, and I admit to putting a little extra in if the car is super dirty.

[gb387]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

Thanks Murr... You may have changed my mind on a foam gun. I like the idea of not needing the wash bucket, well of course unless the vehicle is extra dirty.

[Murr1525]

Re: European detailer stereotype (foam gun)

Try to give Gilmour a call... they might still be cheapest.