Foam Cannon recommendation

[SlippyFist]

Anyone have a favorite foam cannon for car washing? the ol mitt-in-a-bucket days are gone for me lol. I'd prefer one that's compatible with a garden hose, as i have access to a pressure washer but it's not mine so i'd have to bother with it or buy my own. i was browsing amazon and ArmorAll has one that has an adapter for a garden hose so you can use both on it, though i suspect that is probably the case with most of them.

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[nawfoo]

Pressure washer is the most efficient in getting a lot of foam and washing power. The water hose method is more like a gimmick. Black Friday is in a few weeks, time to pick up a pressure washer.

 

[Integra23]

I have a MJJC Foam Cannon and use it with my electric Sun Joe power washer. Works pretty well.
https://mjjc.com/collections/foam-cannon-pro/products/foam-cannon-pro-1-4_quick_connector

 

[SlippyFist]

Pressure washer is the most efficient in getting a lot of foam and washing power. The water hose method is more like a gimmick. Black Friday is in a few weeks, time to pick up a pressure washer.

i understand, i'm just REALLY nervous about pointing a pressure washer at my car lol

 

[Integra23]

i understand, i'm just REALLY nervous about pointing a pressure washer at my car lol

No worries just select a wide nozzle, I think I use the 45 degree or 60(Gray) on my Sun Joe. Then swap the nozzle for the foam cannon

 

[SlippyFist]

my car is almost out of the PPF shop with a full Kavaca PPF job so i also need to know what cleaning routine/maintenance that will entail as well

 

[Clark_Kent]

I started with a low pressure foamer (re garden hose compatible) when I got into detailing many years ago and it's a waste of time. It essentially negates the benefit of why you use a foam cannon in the first place. You'd be better off with the 2 bucket wash set up that you mentioned.

I highly suggest the MTM PF22 (or 22.2) paired with a Mosmatic high pressure gun. Of course you will need a pressure washer to use these items; however, you can buy a cheap pressure washer for under $200 if you're not interested in shelling out the money for a high(er) end unit.

 

[nawfoo]

If youre concerned about the PPF then you have to hand wash it.

 

[Clark_Kent]

i understand, i'm just REALLY nervous about pointing a pressure washer at my car lol

If you use the thing properly, there's nothing to be nervous about. If you hit the paint with a straight stream at 2,000 psi at close range, yes, you will run the risk of damaging the ppf and/or paint, but that's improper use. You will want to use a pressure washer spray nozzle with a pattern (i.e., 15°,25°, and 40° nozzles) and you'll be fine.

 

[ThunderPigeon]

I agree, hose foam cannons are a waste. You need a pressure washer for the benefit of a foam cannon.

I don't think the foam cannon is as important as the pressure washer. The little electric ones work OK, but can't hold a candle to a decently powered gas unit. I was using a SunJoe for a bit. It did an OK job. It didn't foam all that well and had a substantial pressure drop. The cheap pump quickly started leaking and I started using my gas unit that I use to clean the house, fence driveway etc. It was a night and day difference. You don't need to run it long and it doesn't really use much gas.

I use the green nozzle or 25*. Have not damaged any paint or trim. I don't get too close.

A good soap also makes a big difference, currently using Adams Mega Foam. I use half as much of that as the Chemical Guys soap I was previously using in the same setup.

I currently use this foam cannon with my pressure washer.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WPKHFA6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[SlippyFist]

If youre concerned about the PPF then you have to hand wash it.

even to just apply the soap?

 

[Integra23]

even to just apply the soap?

Foam cannon is pretty gentle coming out of my pressure washer.
I have taken my car through a touch less car wash a dozen times and no issues with the ppf

 

[nawfoo]

even to just apply the soap?

Should be fine. The foam cannon has the same amount of pressure as you putting a thumb over a hose. But you still have to hand wash the car or use a car brush after foaming it anyways.

 

[5thHatchback]

I recommend using a foam cannon that belongs on the end of a pressure washer. You will have much better results than if you were to use a garden hose type of sprayer. If you are wary and do not want to go down the detailing rabbit hole, you can purchase a product such as the iK Foam Pro, which is a a hand pump based foamer. It works but isn't as efficient as a foam cannon on the end of a power washer.

I currently use The Boss Foam Cannon made by Griots Garage. It does an excellent job and produces incredible foam. A power washer is required. If you are the type who enjoys the best of things, I would recommend browsing, obsessedgarage.com. Matt and his team do an incredible job of curating products. The Youtube Channel does a great job of discussing the process for proper vehicle cleaning. The Facebook page is a decent community of people who are looking for the best products in all aspects of life.

Concern: A pressure washer will not hurt or damage ppf when using a 25 or 40 degree tip. Green and white respectively. The only issue I could fathom is egregious user error where they are point blank on the ppf edges and/or point blank on a ppf defect which would cause water to potentially get underneath. Proper distance when using a power washer is roughly 12inches from surface. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I can talk detailing all day long along with yard care. My two other hobbies.

 

[creaturemachine]

Foam cannons are fun but not necessary. They use lots of product so get a big jug of whatever you use or else you'll have to keep buying more. Don't get duped by the expensive name-brand cannons either. They're essentially all the same.

For pressure washers look for an induction motor electric. Induction motors supposedly last longer than the cheaper electrics and run quieter too. I also have a gas one but I'd never use it on a car. It's fine for the patio but too much pressure for a car, all while being annoyingly loud.

Another game changer is a short spray gun to replace the giant wands that typically come with pressure washers. They make it much easier to aim down on roofs and inside wheel wells.

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