Review - Ultima Elastrofoam Paint Cleaning System - Garry Dean - Tampa, FL - Premium Custom Detailing

Garry Dean

Garry Dean

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I was in Bradenton, FL yesterday at the Premium Finish Care facility shooting some video for them when I go my hands on this product for the first time.

Immediately, I was amazed at how easily and well this clay bar alternative works.

I got some time yesterday to do some detailing on my work truck and shot a video review of the system. I accidentally turned the vivid option on on my camera so be ready for over bright colors. It was also shot in HD 720p.

Check out the video and share your thoughts.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnTgFU25Xac]‪Ultima Elastrofoam Paint Cleaning System Review‬‏ - YouTube[/video]

Thanks for watching!
 
Very nice video Gary. My thoughts are the same as yours about the incredible quality of the Ultima Products. however, my thoughts about the product are.

1. How does it leave dark colored paint such as black or dark reds?

2. Does it scratch the surface from the contaminates rolling around under it making it only good for use before correctiong paint?

3. Will it last as effectively as a clay bar would using one third of a bar each time claying a vehicle.

I am a believer in the Ultima line for sure and am sure I will try this product out as well as it really looks like a big time saver as are all Ultima products.

Thanks for sharing this with us. TD
 
I notice that the "Cleaning Lubricant Gel" isn't sold individually (at least not on AG). However, the Elastrofoam foam block says it's good for up to 20 vehicles. How many vehicles would you guess can be cleaned using the one bottle that comes in this kit?

Hopefully you don't have to buy the entire kit each time you need more cleaning lubricant as that would make it not very cost effective.
 
tuscarora dave said:
Very nice video Gary. My thoughts are the same as yours about the incredible quality of the Ultima Products. however, my thoughts about the product are.

1. How does it leave dark colored paint such as black or dark reds?

2. Does it scratch the surface from the contaminates rolling around under it making it only good for use before correctiong paint?

3. Will it last as effectively as a clay bar would using one third of a bar each time claying a vehicle.

I am a believer in the Ultima line for sure and am sure I will try this product out as well as it really looks like a big time saver as are all Ultima products.

Thanks for sharing this with us. TD
Click to expand...

1.) I have only used it on two silver vehicles, but I will try it out on a black car tomorrow and let you know if any marring occurs.

2.) It seems to push them around versus grinding contamenants into the paint. If you think about it even clay will rub the contaminants it traps into the paint until you kneed it. The Gel packaged in the kit with the foam bar is very thick. PFC says the Elastrofoam works best with their Cleaning Lubricant Gel.

3.) It should last much longer than a large clay bar. It is washable and reuseable.

Per my conversations with the fine people at Premium Finish Care the Elastrofoam bar wont scratch the paint and should last a very long time.
 
SRTSean said:
I notice that the "Cleaning Lubricant Gel" isn't sold individually (at least not on AG). However, the Elastrofoam foam block says it's good for up to 20 vehicles. How many vehicles would you guess can be cleaned using the one bottle that comes in this kit?

Hopefully you don't have to buy the entire kit each time you need more cleaning lubricant as that would make it not very cost effective.
Click to expand...


You can pretty much use any quick detailer or clay lube, but obviously PFC recommends you use their Gel.

The Gel is very thick and the lubricity is very high.
 
I remember on another forum people talking about their biggest disappointments and listing the Elastrofoam being the top. Said it marred like crazy and was worse than using the most aggressive clay.
 
Rei86 said:
I remember on another forum people talking about their biggest disappointments and listing the Elastrofoam being the top. Said it marred like crazy and was worse than using the most aggressive clay.
Click to expand...

Well, I have not had that experience. I will be using it on some darker vehicles in the days to come and I will report back.
 
thanks for showing this product garry. this product is perfect for me and my messed up hands.
i have 1 question. since you don't have to kneed it like a traditional clay bar. do you need to rinse it before moving onto another panel? or can you just treat one panel then move onto another?
 
I may have to put this on my next order. If it works as good or better than claybay, it may be the best and most affordable alternative.

Thanks for the review.
 
So I'm confused. Do you like the product and bar? Jk. Seems like an awesome product. I'll be interested to see how long it holds up and how it does in different color cars. GREAT review by the way. Would expect nothing less from you Gary.Thanks!
 
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I've used CG clayblock which is the same thing on my metallic blue pearl paint and sure it did marr the clearcoat a bit. But I purposely used that as I was gonna polish it out!

If I have to remove and reapply another LSP, I'll use a soft clay!
Clayblock only for pre-polish de-contamination!

btw great review Garry! :xyxthumbs:
 
I have been using this for about 2 yrs on white car with no signs of marring. Just rinse in soap and water after each panel.
 
kingofsorrow said:
thanks for showing this product garry. this product is perfect for me and my messed up hands.
i have 1 question. since you don't have to kneed it like a traditional clay bar. do you need to rinse it before moving onto another panel? or can you just treat one panel then move onto another?
Click to expand...

I just sprayed the surface of the block with the gel before going to the next section.
 
Is there any chance this foam is made from melamine foam? I've seen posts on this forum where people mention using Magic Erasers. Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam which is abrasive. I would never use a Magic Eraser unless I was polishing coroded metal or something like that. I'm curious if this Elastrofoam is similar and could cause marring or worse if misused.

Look up Melamine Foam on wikipedia and you'll see what I'm talking about.
 
Garry, thanks for the review and the videos. I always appreciate seeing some of these products that are less known / reviewed getting proper exposure.

I watched it full screen @ 720 and the video looked good
 
kingofsorrow said:
thanks for showing this product garry. this product is perfect for me and my messed up hands.
i have 1 question. since you don't have to kneed it like a traditional clay bar. do you need to rinse it before moving onto another panel? or can you just treat one panel then move onto another?
Click to expand...
I just wipe it off on an MF before going on to the next panel. I used it on a Xenon Blue XLR and a Charcoal Gray Expedition with no marring.. I have used other lubes with it and had no issuess. It makes quick work of contamination especially on large planar surfaces! Doesnt replace a clay bar on angles and intricut areas.
 
feds27 said:
Is there any chance this foam is made from melamine foam? I've seen posts on this forum where people mention using Magic Erasers. Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam which is abrasive. I would never use a Magic Eraser unless I was polishing coroded metal or something like that. I'm curious if this Elastrofoam is similar and could cause marring or worse if misused.

Look up Melamine Foam on wikipedia and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
It is not at all similar.
 
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