[blau3er]

Originally Posted by Bianchi Dave

Bilthamber foams are excellent, but I no longer use them on my ceramic coated car, after reading they may deteriorate it, with regular use over time.

As my ceramic is Carpro CQuartz, I've now entered their 'ecosystem', using Reset shampoo, Reload sealant/topper and about to buy Lift snowfoam (this thread reminded me!).

It is far cheaper to buy snowfoam in bigger quantities. You'll find you might only get about 8-10 pre washes out of a litre, at best.

I usually put around 100 to 150ml in a 1 litre foam cannon but YMMV depending on amount of soiling on the car.

Re cannons - the bundled ones with powerwashers are garbage, but there's no need to spend a fortune. I have this one for my Nilfisk powerhose and its been brilliant -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V3DYT...sin_title&th=1

Interesting regarding your concerns about BH being a risk for your coatings, whats the source of said info?

[Bianchi Dave]

Originally Posted by blau3er

Interesting regarding your concerns about BH being a risk for your coatings, whats the source of said info?

A few threads on detailing world, but in particular post 5 in this thread alarmed me, due to my car having CQuartz -

https://www.detailingworld.co.uk/thr...g-lsps.423565/

I would caveat I'm no chemist, but don't want to take the risk

[HeebieJeebies]

Originally Posted by Bianchi Dave

A few threads on detailing world, but in particular post 5 in this thread alarmed me, due to my car having CQuartz -

https://www.detailingworld.co.uk/thr...g-lsps.423565/

I would caveat I'm no chemist, but don't want to take the risk

So this one post, that a doesn't discuss the fact that ALL cleaning/shampoos/snow foams/quick detailers etc, etc, in time fill the peaks and valleys of a Ceramic coating, which in effect, flattens it, doesn't discuss that a Ceramic coating needs, from time to time, decontaminated and re-ignited has put you in a position of alarm?

[Bianchi Dave]

Originally Posted by HeebieJeebies

So this one post, that a doesn't discuss the fact that ALL cleaning/shampoos/snow foams/quick detailers etc, etc, in time fill the peaks and valleys of a Ceramic coating, which in effect, flattens it, doesn't discuss that a Ceramic coating needs, from time to time, decontaminated and re-ignited has put you in a position of alarm?

Alarm is probably too strong a word, but I'd rather use a snow foam recommended by my coating manufacturer, just to be safe.

Like I said, I'm no chemist and this is a minefield

[Bianchi Dave]

Another interesting read on BH Autofoam -

https://www.detailingworld.co.uk/thr...&sortby=oldest

I wonder if those who claim their ceramic was diminished are using too highly concentrated solution resulting in a high PIR.

Very detailed explanation of how to calculate the correct ratios in the review linked, for powerwashers and hand sprayers.

I'd like to keep using Autofoam as it's brilliant stuff and I've never noticed any of my previous non ceramic coatings being diminished.

Historically, following a full spring decon I've used Blackfire Wet Diamond products in summer (top coat being a sealant), then Collinite 476s wax to see me through the winter. Regular autofoam use (more so in winter) has never been a problem.

This is the first time I've had a ceramic coating, and given the cost want to make sure I'm not inadvertently doing anything to degrade it.

I'll admit I'm probably using too much solution myself - 100-150ml in a litre bottle, which I then entirely empty onto the car via my Nilfisk PW, going round it a few times with multiple passes. It's clear I don't need to do that!

If anything my solution is also on the weak side, but it does clean very well.

I have our Mini to do this morning so going to revisit my technique.

[HeebieJeebies]

Yeah panel impact ratio is relatively important (PIR), thers no doubt some use too much. Then there's the dwell time, I've seen some neighbours put on snow foam then go inside for a cup of tea

But it can be used neat, decontamination maybe twice a year is just as important to maintain a coating, once in the autumn and again after winter.

[paulockenden]

This reminds me of a high-end hi-fi discussion. If you know what I mean.

[HeebieJeebies]

Originally Posted by paulockenden

This reminds me of a high-end hi-fi discussion. If you know what I mean.

I'm sure it does

[Bianchi Dave]

Originally Posted by HeebieJeebies

Yeah panel impact ratio is relatively important (PIR), thers no doubt some use too much. Then there's the dwell time, I've seen some neighbours put on snow foam then go inside for a cup of tea

But it can be used neat, decontamination maybe twice a year is just as important to maintain a coating, once in the autumn and again after winter.

You've now got me watching Pan!

He gives a good explanation of the various snow foam alkali levels and when / how often to use them. Interestingly he rates the BH ones and Carpro Lift as only really suitable for occasional or monthly washes and too harsh for weekly use. I was ALARMED 🤣.

I think for regular washes I'll try the GTechniq W4, as he suggests (along with Koch Chemie +1 other).

Koch Chemie is expensive but W4 can be had for about £34 for 5 ltrs.

I note he's also using Reset as his shampoo, which I already use.

I like the idea of the 2nd application of foam to use as a lubricant for the contact wash, so will give that a go next time. I'm still going to use 2 buckets though!

[HeebieJeebies]

Originally Posted by Bianchi Dave

You've now got me watching Pan!

He gives a good explanation of the various snow foam alkali levels and when / how often to use them. Interestingly he rates the BH ones and Carpro Lift as only really suitable for occasional or monthly washes and too harsh for weekly use. I was ALARMED 🤣.

I think for regular washes I'll try the GTechniq W4, as he suggests (along with Koch Chemie +1 other).

Koch Chemie is expensive but W4 can be had for about £34 for 5 ltrs.

I note he's also using Reset as his shampoo, which I already use.

I like the idea of the 2nd application of foam to use as a lubricant for the contact wash, so will give that a go next time. I'm still going to use 2 buckets though!

Yours, like my wallet must be taking a pounding!

[Bianchi Dave]

Originally Posted by HeebieJeebies

Yours, like my wallet must be taking a pounding!

And who knew 'off gassing' of the interior even existed 🤣

[HeebieJeebies]

Originally Posted by Bianchi Dave

And who knew 'off gassing' of the interior even existed 🤣