Detailing chat

micks_address · 04-10-2016 08:32AM

leupold90 wrote: »

After seeing some posts on line I got some BH Auto-Foam and a spray bottle to try using it as a pre-wash. I generally just spray the bottom half of the car and let it dwell while getting buckets, hose etc. set up.
It doesn't seem to make a whole lot of difference to the dirt on the car - although I assume it loosens it a bit but what I did notice was that it definitely makes it easier to remove dead bugs and flies..
My 2 cents.

So i have been using BH Auto Wash as my 'snow foam' its fine but would i get more foam with the Auto Foam?

Curran · 04-10-2016 09:01AM

One issue with snowfoam is also people not quite using the correct ratios...and it can be a bit confusing as manufacturers will give dilution ratios, but is it in the bottle or actually on the panel (PIR or Panel Impact Ratio)

Bilt Hamber Auto Foam, for example tell you that the ....for very good cleaning ability, you need 4-5% at the panel, not in the detergent reservoir. And maximum cleaning ability, around 7%.

The offset to that is, that you use quite a lot of product to achieve maximum cleaning ability....so do you want something that will do quite a good job at a lower ratio, as you'll have to clean the car with the 2BM anyways, or do you want the expense of maximum performance for a as close to touch-less washing (touchless being un-achievable in reality)

So, how do you work out the % at the panel....
The power and flow rate of your machine will vary this quite a lot, so the easiest way to calculate it is...
You need to fill you detergent bottle full of plain water. Turn the detergent feed on full then discharge the lance into a container - keep going until the detergent bottle is empty of water. Measure the total amount of water collected. Work out 5% of that - this is the amount of product you need to use in your reservoir.

Curran · 04-10-2016 09:08AM

leupold90 wrote: »

I got some BH Auto-Foam and a spray bottle to try using it as a pre-wash

Yeah, works quite well like this too!

Easier to work out dilution ratios too, as there isnt the factor of added water from the pressure washer mixing / watering down the ratio....your bottle product will last longer this way too!

leupold90 · 04-10-2016 10:24AM

Curran wrote: »

Yeah, works quite well like this too!

Easier to work out dilution ratios too, as there isnt the factor of added water from the pressure washer mixing / watering down the ratio....your bottle product will last longer this way too!

I use 5% so 25ml Auto-foam to 500ml of water. I checked how many pumps of container gave me 25ml (or as near as) and I use this method to measure it rather than decanting 25ml

padyjoe · 04-10-2016 12:03PM

Dear Curran, if you are around could you make a list for me of what to get, please? (PM me and I'm going to order off that 'Shed' site.)

I want to learn detailing, so complete noob. I have already buckets (no mitts though) and tar remover. Don't want to spend a fortune on it as starting off, just some basic kit I can get a good results with. (I usually wash the car with a brush usually and nothing else.) The car is compact size and brighter yellow colour (VW stable). It has steel wheels and brake discs all around, so there's a brake dust. I'd need a glass treatment as well, hate dirty windows.

THANK YOU!

Curran · 04-10-2016 12:36PM

Dear padyjoe,

No problem...PM enroute

Curran

edburg · 04-10-2016 12:44PM

My opinion on the snow foam (or at least how I see it) is its a pre wash or part of process, it will lift away the main top layer of dirt fairly quick and then soften/raise the remaining dirt to allow for a quicker easier main 2/3 bucket wash.

I would only use the snow foam on a proper mucky car to(2-3+ weeks worth), cars with with a top protection coat and minimal 3-7 day amount of dirt I would by pass the foam part of process.

Curran · 04-10-2016 12:59PM

I suppose everyone is different...

2-3 weeks of no washing - snowfoam, rinse, snowfoam, rinse, 2BM
1 week of no washing - snowfoam, rinse, 2BM
Minimal soiling (light dust) - snowfoam, wash with mitt and rinse bucket

And where everyone is different is how the perceive the condition of their paintwork and the possible damage they are inflicting. In one person's eyes, damage is a scratch caused by a shopping trolley, for example. In another persons eyes, damage is swirling...some people dont even take notice of this, and perhaps thats down to the fact that its so common place.

The whole thing about detailing / caring for your paintwork, is to limit the risk of ever inflicting any damage to it.

Every step in a full process is to help remove the risk of causing swirls. Its a combined effort - snowfoam, slick shampoo, wash mitt, soft plush drying towel.
Prevent swirls is impossible, but it is very easy to keep your paintwork in very good condition, but washing with a good mitt, good shampoo, and good drying towel. Adding in snowfoam, de-iron, protection (especially ceramic coating), it is possible to keep your paintwork in very close to the condition it left the showroom in. And 'vectra' on here has proven that.

edburg · 04-10-2016 01:11PM

I used to be snow foam every time to, but I spent to much time cleaning car lol, injury circumstances mixed with a feeling I should spend more time rallying around in car than cleaning meant I modified my process to a damn good mega session twice a year with careful considered wash's in between.

Snow foam is great tool to have still.

Foxhole Norman · 04-10-2016 05:17PM

Bought this today in Halfords, perfect for cleaning my wheels!

ronnie3585 · 04-10-2016 07:59PM

Foxhole Norman wrote: »

Bought this today in Halfords, perfect for cleaning my wheels!

...and Halloween!

edburg · 04-10-2016 11:25PM

Looks like the hand of the green muppet that live's in a bin on sesame street. Grouch???

Cheensbo · 04-10-2016 11:31PM

Feck it anyway

Foxhole Norman · 05-10-2016 12:35AM

Cheensbo wrote: »

Feck it anyway

Happened with my dry me crazy too :pac:

Curran · 05-10-2016 08:18AM

Less likely to get strange looks when using it now - Ive gotten strange looks from passerby's, thinking I was using a brand new bath towel to dry the car!

shietpilot · 05-10-2016 09:28AM

Curran wrote: »

Less likely to get strange looks when using it now - Ive gotten strange looks from passerby's, thinking I was using a brand new bath towel to dry the car!

You can never avoid strange looks when people see you drying a car! Sure why bother, it will dry itself ya tool ya!

Cheensbo · 05-10-2016 09:36AM

Feck the haters, disappointed though because ireally enjoyed how brilliantly white it was.

Wonder if detailing shed are getting more in? *cough

Curran · 05-10-2016 12:20PM

Cheensbo wrote: »

Wonder if detailing shed are getting more in? *cough

Let me help you out with that!!

Yeah, they are getting more in...just getting back on their feet, post a sale! They've 3 orders en route and will be ordering MM this week, so in middle of next!

MetzgerMeister · 05-10-2016 02:14PM

Curran wrote: »

will be ordering MM this week

I have your purchase order here

Curran · 05-10-2016 04:05PM

Yeah, Ive got the cash!!
Show me the goods...........we'll swap on 3, 2, 1!!

MetzgerMeister · 05-10-2016 09:48PM

Curran wrote: »

Yeah, Ive got the cash!!
Show me the goods...........we'll swap on 3, 2, 1!!

I'd be banned if I did that :P

MetzgerMeister · 05-10-2016 10:20PM

OK so here it is:

All those boxes are full of waxes, polishes, tape, cloths, applicator pads etc. Can't bear to throw them away

micks_address · 06-10-2016 08:05AM

Hi curran, do detailingshed have any good snow foam in stock? Im thinking bilt hamber autofoam for collection... or anything as close to that?
Thanks,
Mick

Curran · 06-10-2016 08:59AM

Yeah, Bilt Hamber Auto Foam is about the best all rounder.

micks_address · 06-10-2016 07:00PM

Curran wrote: »

Yeah, Bilt Hamber Auto Foam is about the best all rounder.

Do you have it in stock? Might swing by tomorrow afternoon.. What time do ds close at Fridays? I dont suppose detailing shed take one for all vouchers?

Curran · 06-10-2016 07:33PM

Its currently out of stock, on order, but have no definite date of arrival...might be tomorrow, but cant be sure!
No, dont take One 4 All vouchers! Sorry

micks_address · 06-10-2016 08:00PM

Curran wrote: »

Its currently out of stock, on order, but have no definite date of arrival...might be tomorrow, but cant be sure!
No, dont take One 4 All vouchers! Sorry

Thanks let us know if it arrives tomorrow

Mister Jingles · 07-10-2016 05:59PM

Metz is that shelving unit just cheap one from ikea ?

Looking to pick this up tonight.

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/storage-furniture/outdoor-organising/hyllis-shelving-unit-in-outdoor-art-00278578/

MetzgerMeister · 07-10-2016 11:23PM

Mister Jingles wrote: »

Metz is that shelving unit just cheap one from ikea ?

Looking to pick this up tonight.

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/storage-furniture/outdoor-organising/hyllis-shelving-unit-in-outdoor-art-00278578/

Nope! It's a cheap one from Aldi

It was about €30 I think.

micks_address · 08-10-2016 05:30PM

Hi folks,
Do you wash micro fibre cloths and drying towels? I just stuck on a hot wash of all mine... Was thinking the drying towel getting a bit grubby... Drying with a dirty towel probably not the best idea?
Thanks
Mick

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