Snow foaming

[dubber36]

I'm not sure if I was expecting too much, or am I not doing it right?

My car was not especially dirty, but had been drive in the rain a couple of times, so had some grime up the sides and on the tailgate. The wheels also had a little brake dust on them. Anyway time to try the new pressure washer and foam lance. I mixed up the solution like it said to on the container with warm water and sprayed merrily away. The car was covered in a thick foam, just like the pictures in the detailing threads. I left it to dwell for at least 5 minutes before rinsing off with the pressure washer.

Whilst it had shifted some of the dirt, there still seemed to be quite a lot left. I fully intended to hand wash it afterwards anyway, but didn't expect it to look not much different from before I foamed it.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[sch01]

I have the same issue, I think it depends on the foam you use. I currently use valet pro orange clean. It's wax safe & leaves a lot of dirt on the car. I realise it is only a prewash though & always use the 2 bucket method after. I have heard magifoam is really good & perhaps this will give a better clean. Almost used all the orange clean & will be trying magifoam next

[MonkeyP]

I used to have this problem when i used Valet Pro.

I now use Bilt Hamber Auto Foam and it removes a lot more grime. its not as thick as most but in the end it removes a lot more dirt.

heres a link which shows the it working against some favourite brands.

[Dan J]

Most of the standard snow foams are purely removing surface particles which could cause marring during the contact wash, they won't remove bonded contaminants.

[dubber36]

Most of the standard snow foams are purely removing surface particles which could cause marring during the contact wash, they won't remove bonded contaminants.

So rather pointless on a cleanish car then? I was hoping that foaming would be a safe way of washing in the summer when all the car had on it was dust to minimize contact. Perhaps it will come into its own in winter when the car is hanging?

[JC]

snow foam, all about the wow factor for photos and customers 

direct quote from a website of a supplier says it all

COLOURED FOAM         
A range of dyes to produce coloured foam to enhance customer appeal.

 

[Ginge 35Edition]

I normally blast mine off with the pressure washer and then cover it in snow foam while I go and run my buckets, then blast that off and get rid of a fair bit but perhaps not as much as thought it would. I'm happy with that though to be honest, at least for now.

[Dan J]

Most of the standard snow foams are purely removing surface particles which could cause marring during the contact wash, they won't remove bonded contaminants.

So rather pointless on a cleanish car then? I was hoping that foaming would be a safe way of washing in the summer when all the car had on it was dust to minimize contact. Perhaps it will come into its own in winter when the car is hanging?

No not intirely, as I said above it will help remove loose surface dust particles which could cause marring during the contact wash, its a safer way to start a wash in the summer but won't replace contact washing.

[Booth11]

Most of the standard snow foams are purely removing surface particles which could cause marring during the contact wash, they won't remove bonded contaminants.

So rather pointless on a cleanish car then? I was hoping that foaming would be a safe way of washing in the summer when all the car had on it was dust to minimize contact. Perhaps it will come into its own in winter when the car is hanging?

I think the dirtier the car, the more impact you'll see. 

I snow foam every time as a pre-wash but definitely get the benefit more when car is filthy.  It's so routine now, I wouldn't skip it and like ginge, I leave it to dwell whilst filling up the buckets for the two bucket wash.

Currently use Megs Hyperwash which seems to do the job, but will try Magifoam once that's finished. 

[dubber36]

At least I'm not doing anything wrong then.