School me on Foamers

**ShakingHorizons** · 01-07-2016, 03:11 PM

I am intrigued by the whole foamer idea and would like to know more. I am looking for a foamer that has really "sticky" properties, not the ones like the car wash where they seem watered down and just drip right off. Most of the vehicles I detail are filthy and need something on them before I can touch the paint with my mitt.

I have a gas 2700psi pressure washer, but I also have a booster pump for my sink that I could use as well.

Thanks in advance!

**ShaneB** · 01-07-2016, 03:29 PM

What type of pressure washer? What PSI? The MTM foam lance is probably what you are looking for. They make 2 types, one mixes with air and is for lower PSI pressure (electric) washer, the other is for the higher PSI or gas pressure washers. Choose accordingly. I use mine on every detail. I use a 1800psi electric Karcher model. Got the low pressure lance, works beautifully. Foam clings for a few minutes. Great tool to have. Especially since you can mix up your solution based upon what`s on the car. I`ll add the water/soap, then maybe add some APC or even some PB bug squash if their is a lot of tar or bug build up. Works wonders

**ShakingHorizons** · 01-07-2016, 04:04 PM

Updated first post with pressure washer details.

Thanks Shane.

**donbeezy** · 01-07-2016, 04:57 PM

foam cannon/foam lance = hooks on pressure washer, really thick foam

foam gun = hooks to just garden hose, medium to watery foam

i have a foam cannon, and while its fun and looks cool. its a pain to pull out the pressure washer every time to use it. plus you use more soap. i normally do 2-3 oz in the foam cannon, then another 2 oz in the bucket. burns a lot of soap.

**ShakingHorizons** · 01-07-2016, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by donbeezy

foam cannon/foam lance = hooks on pressure washer, really thick foam

foam gun = hooks to just garden hose, medium to watery foam

i have a foam cannon, and while its fun and looks cool. its a pain to pull out the pressure washer every time to use it. plus you use more soap. i normally do 2-3 oz in the foam cannon, then another 2 oz in the bucket. burns a lot of soap.

I understand that it burns through soap quickly, but I use a pressure washer regardless - so pulling it out isn`t painful for me.

**donbeezy** · 01-07-2016, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by ShakingHorizons

I understand that it burns through soap quickly, but I use a pressure washer regardless - so pulling it out isn`t painful for me.

foam lance/cannon sounds perfect for you, go for it!

**JSFM35X** · 01-07-2016, 06:30 PM

It`s good for a crusty car. Loosens dirt. I have both a foam gun. And a foam lance. Lance does its job better. But it`s more rinsing too.

Truth is I think it`s a cool look in write ups. Not so critical unless you have a soft dark car. IMHO. It`s more of a pita to rinse car and driveway.

I hardly use mine.

**donbeezy** · 01-07-2016, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by JSFM35X

It`s good for a crusty car. Loosens dirt. I have both a foam gun. And a foam lance. Lance does its job better. But it`s more rinsing too.

Truth is I think it`s a cool look in write ups. Not so critical unless you have a soft dark car. IMHO. It`s more of a pita to rinse car and driveway.

I hardly use mine.

do you use your foam gun much? I`ve been thinking about getting one for quick washes. I`m not big on waterless / rinseless products.

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**jrock645** · 01-07-2016, 08:39 PM

Wish I had a house and a driveway to be able to foam the car. Looks fun

**Accumulator** · 01-08-2016, 12:46 PM

Regulars here know that I use my foamguns (yeah...plural) every time I wash, but IMO they aren`t gonna do what most people expect/want them to. It`s more of a "sudsy output"
than "genuine foam" and presoaking/etc. is of very limited value IME.

ShakingHorizons- Yikes, those must be awfully nasty vehicles you`re working on if that PW (by itself) isn`t sufficient! Reminds me how tough it can be for Pros...

**ShakingHorizons** · 01-08-2016, 04:06 PM

I do work on some nasty vehicles, but the vast majority are well kept, which keeps my interest in this hobby!

It sounds like the consensus of this thread is to thoroughly pressure wash the vehicle (maybe even add in some soap to the PW unit) and continue with the way I currently clean. Reminds me of the old adage "Don`t break what`s not broken".

Thanks everyone!

**ShawnF350** · 01-08-2016, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by ShaneB

What type of pressure washer? What PSI? The MTM foam lance is probably what you are looking for. They make 2 types, one mixes with air and is for lower PSI pressure (electric) washer, the other is for the higher PSI or gas pressure washers. Choose accordingly. I use mine on every detail. I use a 1800psi electric Karcher model. Got the low pressure lance, works beautifully. Foam clings for a few minutes. Great tool to have. Especially since you can mix up your solution based upon what`s on the car. I`ll add the water/soap, then maybe add some APC or even some PB bug squash if their is a lot of tar or bug build up. Works wonders

Shane, I have an MTM foam lance. I retired my gas washer and own an electric. Do you have links to the two different models. Whatever one I have doesn`t really foam much now with the lower psi electric.