Foam Cannon and Air Compressor Recommendation

[AdamHLG]

Hi all,

I want to purchase a foam cannon and air compressor online that are compatible with each other and produce the best foam car wash experience possible, i.e., foam application, thickness, adhesion to the vehicle, etc.

Can anyone post product names or Amazon links to this combination of equipment you may be using? I researched the issue but its more complicated than I thought. I assume I would want an electric compressor that "mates" properly to the "foam cannon" to produce the best experience. Some are saying to get a gas compressor but I have a Model X. This seems counter-intuitive. If I need any additional hardware to mate the equipment, I'll need to know that as well. Some of these cannon / compressor combinations, as my research is uncovering, is not ideal due to required adapter tips on the compressor that will not work ideally with a foam cannon.

Also, what is the best foam product to purchase to go along with this to produce the best results?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Don TLR]

Nota a compressor but I love this pressure washer, the canon fits right on and works fantastic, plus I use it for so many other things now around the house..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPGMUXW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[AdamHLG]

Nota a compressor but I love this pressure washer, the canon fits right one and works fantastic, plus I use it for so many other things now around the house..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPGMUXW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am using the terms compressor and pressure washer interchangeably but perhaps they're different things (?) Hence my confusion and need of help! Thanks I will check this out.

Edit: This is the one I was going to buy. However in the comments / questions of that product there are some people saying that this model is not ideal to foam cannons due to the tips required. There are references to the Chemical Guys foam cannon which was the product I would get to mate to this. But it was at this point, due to the customer questions and responses, that made me pause and ask here.

 

[Don TLR]

The Chemical Guys Canon fits right on the end, nothing else needed. We're heading to an art show now and I plan to wash the car later this afternoon so will snap a few pictures for you. Let me know if theres anything specific you want and will be happy to oblige..
I've use mine weekly on the car since September when I got it and love the setup.

 

[RDoc]

I am using the terms compressor and pressure washer interchangeably but perhaps they're different things (?) Hence my confusion and need of help! Thanks I will check this out.

Edit: This is the one I was going to buy. However in the comments / questions of that product there are some people saying that this model is not ideal to foam cannons due to the tips required. There are references to the Chemical Guys foam cannon which was the product I would get to mate to this. But it was at this point, due to the customer questions and responses, that made me pause and ask here.

Compressors and pressure washers are completely different devices. Compressors pump air to higher pressures and have holding tanks, pressure washers pump water at higher pressure out their hoses.

I use my foam cannon all the time when washing our cars and really like it a lot.

 

[Rockster]

I use this one that attaches to the end of my hose. It’s been working great for years. http://a.co/izxd6K4

 

[AdamHLG]

The Chemical Guys Canon fits right on the end, nothing else needed. We're heading to an art show now and I plan to wash the car later this afternoon so will snap a few pictures for you. Let me know if theres anything specific you want and will be happy to oblige..
I've use mine weekly on the car since September when I got it and love the setup.

I'd love to see a few pics thanks! What foam product do you use? The product that comes from Chemical Guys with the cannon?

 

[Xenoilphobe]

I use this pressure washer, which is the same one the pros used at the detail shop near my home: http://a.co/fJMp57d

foam cannon - http://a.co/3acckna

use this for old chlorine buckets from our pool: http://a.co/jcWgQjT

line the bottom of the bucket with this: http://a.co/36QprSy

these brushes for the wheels: http://a.co/61EzpUu

wheel cleaner chemical: http://a.co/5zRVJT3 which is safe for my PVD coated wheels

this soap: http://a.co/g0UHTis

microfiber mitt: http://a.co/dBLy4Zt

How to use the foam cannon:

Use the two bucket method (you have to with a black Tesla) --

Blow dry with a handheld leave blower - http://a.co/cz9Z6Yh

Finally dry with Microfiber towels that have been washed without any fabric softener - I add 1/2 cup of vinegar to keep them soft just like the pros - the fabric softener sheets leave a film on the car... How To Use Microfiber Towels: A Practical Guide

Also never wash you car when it has been sitting in the sun, try to wash it when it is in the shade, garage or an overcast day.

Grab a six pack, about an hour plus, and enjoy..

 

[scsmx]

I use a Karcher K2 power washer and Autopia Car Care Pressure Washer Foam Cannon HP Kit with McKee’s 37 Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo. I use a boar's hair brush, squeegee and a micro fiber towel. Works great.

 

[Don TLR]

I do the same process as in those videos but find the electric pressure washer more than enough for MY needs..

 

[benjiejr]

I have the following and they work great for me...

MTM Hydro Foam Cannon/Lance - I've tried a cheaper version and it stunk!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GNZYY4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sun Joe 2030 - Electric power washer. Connects to foam cannon without any special adapters.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX8Z03K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

CR Spotless Deionized Water System - I have hard water so I also use this to prevent hard water spots.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056HDCUM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Car Shampoo - Creates great foam and smells great! Honeydew also works just as well.
Chemical Guys - Mr. Pink Super Suds Shampoo & Superior Surface Cleanser (16 oz)

Here's a quick viddy I did that shows these products. I usually do a two bucket method, but I was testing to see how well all these products would work for a "touchless" wash.

Good luck!

 

[AdamHLG]

These are great and really informative posts and pics. Thanks everyone!

 

[Xenoilphobe]

I do the same process as in those videos but find the electric pressure washer more than enough for MY needs..
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You need to water your grass.

 

[Don TLR]

You need to water your grass.

Arizona = Never having to say the word Lawnmower again, we call it desert landscaping

 

[AdamHLG]

,

I have the following and they work great for me...

MTM Hydro Foam Cannon/Lance - I've tried a cheaper version and it stunk!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GNZYY4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sun Joe 2030 - Electric power washer. Connects to foam cannon without any special adapters.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LX8Z03K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

CR Spotless Deionized Water System - I have hard water so I also use this to prevent hard water spots.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056HDCUM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Car Shampoo - Creates great foam and smells great! Honeydew also works just as well.
Chemical Guys - Mr. Pink Super Suds Shampoo & Superior Surface Cleanser (16 oz)

Here's a quick viddy I did that shows these products. I usually do a two bucket method, but I was testing to see how well all these products would work for a "touchless" wash.

Good luck!

@benjiejr you won the design-build RFP. I want the Sun Joe 2030, MTM cannon, and CR Spotless Deionized water system because I do have a water spot issue with hard well water and I didn't even know this spotless product existed. And thanks to everyone else for the pics and comments as well!

I feel like I am building a professional car wash system (I guess I am), but after reading and researching about all this stuff, lots of comments on the CR Spotless water system are favorable and talk about saving that product for the final rinse only to prolong the filter life. So now I am designing piping and connectors such as Gardena hose connectors, valves and Y couplings to quickly select the type of water feed into the pressure washer without disconnecting hoses, i.e., a non-bypass valve for hose water to the pressure washer for foam and initial rinse, and then a bypass valve into the deionizer system for final rinse. Maybe I am in too deep but this project is becoming quite the nice little garage car wash system. At least in my Amazon cart. I keep telling myself that I will make up the money by doing my own washes for the next few years. I will post pictures when the project is complete.

 

[benjiejr]

@AdamHLG I’m honored! Lol

That’s exactly my setup. I have quick connects on everything and only use CR Spotless for final rinse. Works amazingly well esp considering how hard our water is here.

Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Daniellane]

Considering getting a Simple Chuck - Portable Spotless Deionized Water Filter System
Anyone have or know anything about this product?

Simple Chuck - Portable Spotless Deionized Water Filter System

 

[Struja]

Love this thread. Well done to all of you. I have a Karcher pressure washer and I've always just used the Karcher attachments seen here: https://www.amazon.ca/Karcher-Dispenser-Electric-Pressure-Washers/dp/B003GBCM1A

I have found that when I use a "high foam" soap, I get a great foam over my car.

 

[Xenoilphobe]

Also another tip -- wash the microfiber towels in hot water with 1 cup of vinegar, then run them again with 1/2 cup of baking soda... here is why - Recharge Your Towels | Get Inspired Everyday!

 

[AdamHLG]

Because of you guys I was able to post these before and after pics today. I think I purchased every product on this page. Good riddance last winter storm of the season. Did the wheels first (that little red chair on wheels is amazing!) and then the foam cannon to loosen up the dirt, then the 2 bucket method, then the wireless big green air blower which is awesome, then a final water less wax wipe down. Pics of my new residential car wash also attached... brought to you by the always dangerous combination of late night forum watching and Amazon.com.