Looking for foam gun

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I have no plans on buying a pressure washer. But I would like to use something like a foam canon but from what I understand I'm looking for a foam gun. I do have a compressor and I've think I've seen foam guns in videos that appear to attach to both your hose and a stand alone compressor (I have one of those). Does anyone know where to find one of these? Are they any good? My car wash routine is going to be Rinse, Foam, Rinse and then a 2 bucket wash. I realize I probably won't get the coverage with a gun as you would with a canon but I'd like to get one with the best coverage.
 
Why do a two bucket wash when with a foam gun you can safely distribute the soapy water all over the paint while whisking with the mitt?

I don’t think you need a compressor to foam your vehicle, just the gun that attaches to a hose which is available on Autogeek
 
That’s the kind I’ve been using over the years. As long as I have decent water pressure it produces plenty of soapy solution for me.
 
And I like just using the IK Foam 12 with Reset instead of using more water. Gives plenty of lubrication. I can also use it as a prerinse if my car is really dirty but it never is. Plan to use it with a foaming rinseless this winter.
 
dgage said:
And I like just using the IK Foam 12 with Reset instead of using more water. Gives plenty of lubrication. I can also use it as a prerinse if my car is really dirty but it never is. Plan to use it with a foaming rinseless this winter.
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Is it a certain tip that is used that makes it foam?

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the foam guns that AG carry are the ones you want (gilmour branded), they have a sliding brass dilution pin/bar (just like the one pictured below). i wouldn't recommend the one with the plastic dial that are currently being sold elsewhere..
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Bill D said:
Why do a two bucket wash when with a foam gun you can safely distribute the soapy water all over the paint while whisking with the mitt?
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I had been reading that this was a preferred method for some people. Although they did agree that the foaming and rinse before the 2 bucket wash wasn't necessary.


BTW: Is a specific foaming soap necessary or can I use my Griots brilliant finish soap? Basically, can I use any OTC car wash soap in it? I understand that depending on the protectant that has been laid down might benefit from a specific brand of soap, but in general, any car soap will work?
 
Honda Fan said:
BTW: Is a specific foaming soap necessary or can I use my Griots brilliant finish soap? Basically, can I use any OTC car wash soap in it? I understand that depending on the protectant that has been laid down might benefit from a specific brand of soap, but in general, any car soap will work?
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Any soap will make suds. Some will way out perform most.

It all depends on your goal for your foaming step.

If you deal with traffic film on a regular basis, then you would ant a soap that is on the higher side of the ph scale so it assists in the breaking down of said film.

Your run of the mill otc car soaps will not do that.
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opie said:
Any soap will make suds. Some will way out perform most.
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Like you said, true foam soaps would likely use less product to produce the same amount of suds though.
 
If you want the best around look into Lafferty. Rolls Royce of foam guns.

I have the brass gilmour. Was going to splurge on lafferty but then I found the gilmour for $32 and can’t pass up on a deal. Works well wish it foamed a little more.

If I had to do again would probably just buy this or Adam’s premium foam gun.

I do rinseless and bucket washes as well as just use this foam gun.

If it were all I was using I would spring for a Lafferty.


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My experience with the foam guns is less than stellar, at least the two I have tried(an orange one and a green one). I never got foam even remotely close to being worth it. Just used a lot of product that was slimy at best and it all immediately ran off the car onto the ground. I use one for spreading lawn treatment now, works well in that roll. If it were me I would invest in a cheaper Greenworks pressure washer or something and get the real deal. IMHO.
 
I think a lot of it comes down to the expectations for the foam. If you're looking for a nice thick lather all over the vehicle a foam cannon is the only way to get it from what I understand. If you OK with a wetter, sloppy solution on the vehicle a foam gun might be OK.

I'm OK with a more sloppy foam because I hate having to drag out the power washer every time I want to wash my car. It takes longer to set up than the actual wash job itself. With that in mind, I'm in the hunt for a foam gun to try out the whole foaming technique.
 
I just want a slick soapy solution that I can constantly flow over the paint while I wash. The foam gun provides this. If I had boosted water pressure I bet the foam would be "more foamy"
 
Desertnate said:
I think a lot of it comes down to the expectations for the foam. If you're looking for a nice thick lather all over the vehicle a foam cannon is the only way to get it from what I understand. If you OK with a wetter, sloppy solution on the vehicle a foam gun might be OK.

I'm OK with a more sloppy foam because I hate having to drag out the power washer every time I want to wash my car. It takes longer to set up than the actual wash job itself. With that in mind, I'm in the hunt for a foam gun to try out the whole foaming technique.
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The main advantage of the cannon is for pre-wash. You don't get the dwell or "pull-down" affect from a slimy runny solution that just runs off the paint right away. Some pre-washes go as far as to say it needs to be used with a foam cannon, not gun. Touchless specifies.
 
Bill D said:
I just want a slick soapy solution that I can constantly flow over the paint while I wash. The foam gun provides this. If I had boosted water pressure I bet the foam would be "more foamy"
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I know this has been your preferred wash method for years

I’m curious; can you get through a complete wash of an average car with one load of soap solution or do have to stop and reload?


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chilly said:
I know this has been your preferred wash method for years

I’m curious; can you get through a complete wash of an average car with one load of soap solution or do have to stop and reload?


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I use quite a bit of soap so I find myself reloading once on an average size car. I carry mixed up soap solution in a gallon jug and quickly refill. Takes about a minute. No soap on the car dries or anything like that
 
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