Snow foam has surged in popularity in recent years thanks to it's ability to lift dirt and grime off the surface of a car. This is thanks to detailing enthusiasts searching for most effective techniques to achieve a showroom shine.
But does snow foam actually work? Or is it just another trend?
At Chemical Guys we offer a wide range of snow foam shampoos and equipment to transform your car washing experience. But it's crucial to cut through the noise and get down to the facts.
Whether you're a seasoned detailer or an enthusiast wanting to get great results, below we'll try to show you how snow foam is crucial to keeping your ride in a pristine condition.
What is snow foam?
Snow foam is essentially a pre-wash. Unlike other car wash shampoos, snow foam is designed to cling to the surface of your car. This process is designed to both soften and lift dirt and grime from the paintwork without you actually having to touch it at all. It prepares the paint for a more effective and safer contact wash.
Snow foam works to breakdown dirt particles to allow you to effortlessly rinse them away before a deeper wash. This significantly reduces the risk of scratching the surface during further washing stages.
Applying a pre-wash like snow foam leaves a smoother surface. Scratches are easily caused by dirt particles being rubbed into the paintwork. By removing the majority of these you reduce the risk of inflicting damage.
The right snow foam equipment makes a difference
The perfect snow foam application isn't just about the right shampoo, you need the right equipment or accessories to deliver it. The effectiveness of snow foam relies on it's ability to cling to the surface, and for this it needs mixing and applying at high pressure.
Chemical Guys foam cannons and guns are engineered to perfection. These tools mix the snow foam concentrate with water to create luxurious foam. Some, such as the Big Mouth Foam Cannon, are adjustable so you can easily control the thickness and spread of the foam. If precision is what you need that the Torq Snubby Gun features a short handle allowing to reach even the hardest to clean areas. All can be attached to a pressure washer to effortlessly produce thick snow foam suds.
The Chemical Guys advantage
The Chemical Guys approach to snow foam is not just about cleaning cars, we want educate and provide comprehensive car care techniques. All products have been engineered alongside meticulous research to produce products that are ideal for both professional detailers and car enthusiasts alike.
We understand that every vehicle and your expectations will vary. This has lead us to design a range of snow foam formulas to meet different cleaning needs. From Honeydew Snow Foam that's gentle yet effective, to Clean Slate Surface Cleanser that removes exiting wases and sealants to leave stripped back paintwork ready for new layers of protection.
How to apply snow foam - quick guide
Achieving a pristine finish starts before the main wash. Here's a quick guide on how to apply snow foam effectively:
1. Choose the right snow foam shampoo
The actual snow foam product you need depends on your cleaning requirements. Chemical Guys offer a wide range that includes gentle cleaning solutions for regular washes, through to shampoo to tackle heavier grime.
2. Prepare your equipment
Attach your chosen foam cannon to your pressure washer and fill the cannons reservoir. For most Chemical Guys snow foams you should be looking to dilute the solution on part shampoo to five parts water, but this can be flexible to meet your needs.
3. Pre rinse your vehicle
It's a good to remove the biggest and loosest dirt first. This leaves the surface with only deeper lying dirt and grime for the snow foam to tackle.
4. Apply snow foam
Cover your vehicle in a thick layer of snow foam. Start from the bottom and work up in sections to ensure complete coverage.
5. Let it sit
The snow foam should cling to the surface and let it sit for at least 5 minutes and up to 10 minutes. During this time the foam will penetrate the dirt to make it easy to rinse away. However, avoid letting the foam dry on the surface as this will likely lead to a streaky finish or water spotting.
During this stage you could use a exterior detailing brush to clean hard to reach areas such as badges, door handles and grills.
6. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse your vehicle thoroughly with clean water, starting from the top and work down. Ensure all foam is washed away before proceeding with further detailing stages.
By following these steps and using Chemical Guys' snow foam products and equipment, you can achieve a deep, safe clean that preserves your car's finish and enhances its overall appearance.
