Do Foam Cannons Really Work Or Are They Just A Trend? 2 Year UPDATE!

Do Foam Cannons Really Work Or Are They Just A Trend? 2 Year UPDATE! Foam cannons are everywhere in the detailing world... and I have to ask the question, are they worth the money, or do they just feel cool and professional? Whether we call them foam cannons, snow guns, snow cannons, or foam guns, they are all BASICALLY the same. Use foam cannon soap to completely cover the car you are detailing, let the foam run off the car, and you are left with a car that has minimal surface dirt. This is all in an effort to minimize scratching and marring done to the car as you manually wash the car. Are they really worth it?
Foam Cannons I suggest less expensive to most expensive:
Tool Daily Foam Cannon: amzn.to/2WZ8V8u
MATCC: amzn.to/3dRTghQ
MTM Hydro: amzn.to/2AxQS1C
Foam Cannon Soap I suggest:
Jax Wax: amzn.to/2Z6Dpbb
AM Details: bit.ly/3fT17h5

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

I’m finding that with my many wash pads method and really high quality soap and the pad technique I use and a very thorough pre-rinse, I’ve retired my foam cannons. I get a better and faster wash without them!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

In a professional auto detailing business, I would suggest people do it this way 90% of the time. Love it.

[@just_a_guy13]

How many pads would you use? And would that be sustainable for a business? I seen in a earlier post someone suggested 1 mit per panel. So 11 mitts per car(4door) × how many cars you wash a day( say 3) × say 5 days a week = 165 mitts needed in that week. How do you feel about this ?

[@aesthetikauto8639]

@@just_a_guy13 I wash all my edgeless microfibers every night in fragrance free natural laundry detergent. No fabric softeners.. I have 30 edgeless cloths 10 Korean towels 70/30 and 10 window towels.. all microfiber of course.. So 50 towels total.

[@barrybij8079]

As an enthusiast i use a foam cannon often.. 1 reason i like using it is its fun..

[@wilsonautodetailing]

And that is totally called for :D A foam cannon is no doubt fun, and should be used because of it!

[@stephenhughes2775]

The problem with detailing is people think foam cannon, pressure wash off and car clean. it was never designed for that. it was designed to apply a foamy solution to encapsulate dirt and allow a lot of the dirty dirt to run off before washing. My method id real thick foam let it dwell for five minutes then power wash. I then foam again allowing a few minutes before washing using the second foam as extra lubrication. easy really.

[@TheCeki1982]

Voilà. The way you should wash a car.

[@jeremyfink537]

Same 💪

[@kevinyawgel4228]

time consuming? I doubt many detailers are wasting that much chemical / time in a busy workday

[@MahendraSingh-rp6er]

More importantly is the type of soap especially traffic film remover, I like how u added superclean to add cutting power I usually do that

[@teuvojormanainen6543]

Yeah things like CG honeydew doesn't do crap for cleaning. Snowfoam needs bite to work, Bilt Hamber auto foam is my favorite!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Definitely! Im waiting for the day when they make snow foam infused with heavy cleaners and surfactants, right now its more of a show than it is ultra effective cleaning

[@agonz91]

I like them for the speed.

[@joemegf1]

Damn, you did a great job on those vehicles. Impressive.

[@edubb2491]

I didn't get to see the dirty engine..you jus showed the clean verson? Should you be covering the batt terminals..and coils? Ty...nice vid

[@LSXperts72]

Not really it doesn’t matter I’ve done it on my cars and never had an issue just let it run for an hour it’ll evaporate

[@jaredstone9487]

Last time I sprayed my entire engine .. It wouldn't start.... I had to get my daughter from school lol smh. . PS: I GOT HER ON TIME

[@henryfreeman6113]

I wanted to share how I use the foam cannon if anyone is interested in hearing another use. I first pressure wash the car, then if needed I use a pre treatment, then I foam it down and use my bucket, with a dirt lock!! Two buckets IMO still has a lot of cross contamination... but before I put the mitt back in my bucket I use the pressure washer and knock off as much dirt as possible and that works very well!

[@livewoutlimit]

I'm constantly looking to improve wash technique & efficiency; your channel helped me along the way amongst other channels. I've put together a frankenstein of methods. My main wash would include pressure washer rinse, snow foam coat, 1-soaped-bucket - 4-mitt. I never bought into extreme hype of taking dirt off on its own; it's an incredible marketing created to buy more products & use more soap. However, I'm a believer in snow foaming due to higher lubrication during the contact wash, & as you had mentioned soap just gets to more places!

[@roebbiej]

80 percent of foams don't do crap, that's the real problem. Bilt hamber auto foam and valetpro actually work.

[@om3973]

Look money talks I dunno how much you charge to come to wash a car but if I have pay a 100 bucks for you come out wash clay wax my car or i dont know what that charge is i damn well better see a foam canon weather i have mom hauler or my Lamborghini

[@elliotserrano7333]

Foaming should be used when your car has been paint corrected and protected to minimize/reduce scratching. In some cases of mild dust/pollen I can foam and rinse and be done. No bucket/mitt needed. It is part of a process for maintaining your corrected/coated paint. For washing unprotected vehicles it's a waste of time in most scenarios.

[@eddiel7033]

I use Bilt Hamber Autofoam and I definitely see a difference on my black truck as far as breaking up surface grit and grime and reducing swirling. I used to use Griots and try Chemical Guys Honeydew. The Griots didn't break up grime as well, but lubricates well. The Chemical Guys seemed like just a waste of time and money, did nothing other than make pointless foam.

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

I find anything from Chemical Guys useless!

[@billkingham8943]

Eddie L bolt hamber products are good value for money and work as good as any other product. And there British. 👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@8trout]

What did you spray the engine compartment with after washing?

[@brettiansmith1758]

I love the foam cannon and the lovely suds that it gives me 👌

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Yep, suds are good!

[@VW.907]

I agree. You may be able to do a modified two bucket foam canon and mit mash and move on. At the end of the day you perform to the highest level of care you're being paid for.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Very true. Most detailers aren’t thinking this way, and I think many guys sacrifice profitability on the altar of moral virtue. And at the end of the day they lose money, and are just operating under some sense of false humility

[@VW.907]

@@wilsonautodetailing Something we all struggle with, managing ours and the customers expectations. Usually starts with not communicating.

[@sierrajsn1114]

I truly love my foam cannon

[@darrenmurray4720]

Never seen somebody contradict them selves more than you

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I’d love to explain more if necessary. Give me an example below of my contradictions if you will

[@darrenmurray4720]

Wilson Auto Detailing watch your no more two bucket video and then the video you have of the snow foam canon vid

[@rjmarin4889]

Wilson good video great job

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Thanks man!

[@jezlucas3878]

Think snowfoam alone doesn't lift a lot , better to use apc

[@perryking4180]

Because of the outbreak and soap helps kill germs i like using the foam cannon for my own safety so i use it more now.

[@edubb2491]

Ceramic coating protects from scratching correct?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

In a sense yes, and in another sense no. It's kind of a complicated question to answer shortly so think about it this way. If you put a thick winter jacket on before you go into a knife fight, your jacket might get cut in a few areas, but at least you didn't get sliced in the stomach right? Ceramic coatings protect the underlying clear coat and color coat more than anything else when it comes to protection, and if that means that the ceramic will get beat up before the actual clear coat, then so be it.

[@edubb2491]

@@wilsonautodetailing aww.yes..i see thank you!!!

[@Civicky]

Would never go back to the days before snow foam lol 😂

[@wilsonautodetailing]

hahaha it definitely adds a more dramatic flare to washing that's for sure

[@WelcomeToMyHead]

Thanks for all of your content! As a professional detailer, working towards opening my own business, I find your content to be super helpful, very informative, especially in regards to business-related info. Keep up the great work!

[@skzion2]

Dude, I "smashed the like button" immediately. That said, I wish I didn't see a reminder that I needed to lift the hood of my car to clean what's underneath. Every video I see shows me how awful my detailing of my car is. As I only have this one car I am becoming frantic. I haven't yet blamed you by name to my friends for causing my frenzies, but I expect I will do so in the next week. 😬

[@wilsonautodetailing]

hahahahahahaha this is detailing after all :D

[@saltwaterbae9270]

How much super degreaser do u add to foam cannon for engine bay

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I'd estimate around 4 ounces

[@saltwaterbae9270]

@@wilsonautodetailing Thanks

[@maddenautomobiledetailing]

Do you have preference for wash mits to minimize scratching during hand washing? Several types on market wonder what typw your using currently. Thank you for all uour great videos and information.

[@petermaidment1175]

woah ive never been first before!!!!!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Well today is your day!

[@fckjb284]

🏆❗ 🐧

[@adamj4695]

Instead of focusing on efficiency of my work, I would be thinking of how I can expand my company to serve more people the best quality of service.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Both are necessary to think of when building a business. It's like saying you should only think long term and never short term. I would avoid extreme ideologies. You have to think of both, and those that are able to make both work together well are the ones who come out on top. Efficiency is a necessary part of this business, just as quality of service is as well

[@seansean8008]

Being efficient in your time is how you expand your time to service more people. Being efficient doesn't automatically sacrifice quality of service. I could spend 6 hours on a car as a weekend warrior and not get near the results as an efficient pro detailer in 2 hours.

[@Jake-mm1cz]

Using a separate wash mit per panel will reduce the scratches tremendously .

[@midnightmystery544]

I want a foam cannon to spread soap for my agitation wash. Less bucket dunking.

[@crazybicboy]

Alright Graham Stephen! Love that guy! lol

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Hahaha I need to call out stuff like that more! I like the way he does it, gets people to take action!

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

I notice that you don't include the foam canon you use in your videos (Trinova) in your list of recommended foam canons. What's up with that?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

It's not listed on amazon right now so I linked up one that is exactly the same just under a different brand

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Wilson Auto Detailing Ah! Thanks for responding!!

[@weaverdetails4747]

Coating an f250 with paint correction would be all day! On my own vehicles I make a weekend out of it because it’s so tiresome.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Yep definitely at least an all day job!

[@mbrock5532]

I think the microabrasion issue is enough to use it on most vehicles simply because it increases customer satisfaction. One reason people don't like to take their cars to the automatic car wash is because of the scratching. How upset would they be if they're paying a bunch more money to bring it to a detailer and they start seeing scratches on their paint? Many might just figure they may as well save a ton of money and go to the automatic wash.

[@edubb2491]

Heres my steps..foam..rinse well..its clean..if u wax and wash every 2 weeks...no need to touch the car dirt comes off..means 98 percent no scratches

[@henryfreeman6113]

Why is the Detailing world so toxic?! (Hint hint- DPC) if you will😉😉 I love seeing other ways to detail, you just need to find the way that works for you!! I don’t always agree with Luke, but that’s fine!! He gets the job done!! I love suggestions and all but when people tell someone their way is the best and only way to do something and if u don’t do it ur a hack, that annoys me so much!!

[@razetw]

I was just thinking the same thing. Luke and DPC have the rudest comments and though they might be wrong or less right about xyz, they get the biggest haters come out in the comments at level 10. Relax guys, its just a video by a guy who will probably never touch your car and you're hating on them like they scratched your momma's car. Take a breath before you comment.

[@JohnThompson-ud7et]

So I’m sure you have a point (as a business) that NOT using the foam cannon on cars that aren’t in pristine condition saves times (as it could be seen as an extra step) and that you would be able to do more cars, etc. However, don’t you think that they do help to offer a better looking result? And what value would you put on that better result? Or more importantly, how much value do you put on that customer telling more people that they got an amazing deal/result vs. just getting an okay job (as they would describe it)?? Basically, you could be losing dollars to save dimes in that scenario. There are lots of benefits to the cannon in spreading soap to areas that you don’t hit with a brush/mitt/whatever. I think the possibilities of even a small/minor benefit to customer (or even your own) perception is worth the couple minutes (and small cost of product) to warrant the use of one. Of course, just my .02, worth-but I am the kind of guy (aka prick) that notices the small things as much as, if not more, than the big things! 😉. Great vids tho. I always learn a lot, and that why we watch these! I love the tips - especially the degreaser mix in this one!! 🙂

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Hahaha thank you for the honest input! I appreciate it! Yes I level with you entirely. And while this may sound a bit arrogant I certainly don’t mean it that way: By the time I was a freshman in college I had built up a detailing business around the greater Nashville area that consisted of hundreds of maintenance/regular clientele, as well as about 10-15 new clients a week, and you definitely don’t build up that big of a detailing clientele by providing sub par results. Having said that, as someone who has detailed MANY many cars, I can tell you there has never been a conversation between myself and a customer who said anything along the lines of “Hey Luke, because of your aversion to the foam cannon, my car has accrued more and more imperfections over the years and i gotta say... it’s disappointing to see you cut corners.” Actually quite the opposite. I can count on one hand the amount of negative interactions I have had with customers over the years. That being said, I make videos like this to highlight the importance of being a really good entrepreneur if you’re going to build a detailing business because It is not only true that most detailing businesses fail, but those that don’t remain barely profitable in many situations. I try to hit on that problem through things like this simply because other “social media detailers” really don’t talk about it. Makes you wonder if they actually own a detailing business doesn’t it 😬 Haha, that being said, I appreciate the input, and I understand the response based on the video 😆

[@JohnThompson-ud7et]

Wilson Auto Detailing Thanks for your response! (Of course, I wasn’t insinuating that you were having customers respond as such to your service level.). More of a position that people who are going to start up a business need to make sure they customer sees the full effort put in and those extra little touches go a long way for customer service. (But they do take time away from being able to do more work.). So maybe for a side-job/hobby it’s a different consideration than for a full fledge business where quantity is a driving factor? In any case, if the customer is okay with the service and the value, then that’s the right combination! 🙂 I do like all of the tips and tricks you share. I only do my own cars, so I learn a lot of ways to keep my cars looking (relatively) new from all of the great info!

[@razetw]

@@JohnThompson-ud7et I think the bigger underlying issue is having a conversation with the client. The client might have brought in a dirty car thinking he/she can't do a good enough job at home so he brings it to luke. This client might have an idea that he expect to see big fat foam at some point while he watches his car being detailed. Luke, however, might know from years of experience that a specific prre treat, or bug and tar remover or degreaser additive or a million other EFFECTIVE tricks work as good or better than busting out the foam cannon wasting time and money. Just like a client that thinks a spray ceramic wax/sealant doesn't work as good as old school paste wax that takes 40 minutes to hand apply. Luke's a smart enough guy Im sure he talks with reassurance if any of clients doubt his technique or choice of style in detailing.

[@nihilisticpunk24]

What are the exact steps when incorporating foam cannon? Do you spray on traffic film remover then pressure wash off and then foam and spray off again and then contact wash?

[@JWL-UK]

I hardly ever use a cannon or soap! My daily driver is coated with Fusso Coat and Sonax BSD (topper). My maintenance wash consists of spraying Built Hamber Surfex HD (a PH neutral degreaser @7%) leave it on for 3-5 minutes, rinse with a power washer and follow that up with 2-3 MF and BSD as a drying aid/rinseless wash. I keep a bucket with clean water to rinse the towels. That's all! Takes 20 minutes, car is kept looking great for longer so I can polish it every 18 months or so. I use an iron remover twice a year. I haven't had to clay the car in 2 years.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Fantastic! I love the process, and yes, here is my point. Not every situation is the same, and I think the social media detail world paints an overwhelmingly false picture when it comes to the use of things like foam cannons

[@stephenlouden480]

Foaming is it cool, yes is it fun, absolutely. it covers everything with ease, helps break up and carry away dirt and looks crazy awesome.. but it is ultimately completely unnecessary and takes time to prep and costs wayy more in soap.. As long as the car stays wet and you have adequate lubrication, use multiple new clean wash mits microfiber towels.. you don't need foam cannon at all. . I use the Canon when I'm detailing brand new or expensive cars so the client is dazzled by the thick suds and I also enjoy the process more because it's satisfying to use it but the majority of vehicles I maintain I use just my giant bucket and quite a few microbiber towels for every couple panels. To me it's just coming down to a time and profit issue breaking out the Canon and extra soap, laying out dwell etc. Without the foaming process I save time and a lot of soap allowing me to add extra time to upsell client on another service. I do, like everyone else like foaming but there's a time and place for it.. and that isn't on every single vehicle. Now I just foam whenever I want to or if customer asks to see it

[@clintsaines9274]

They do waste so much soap.

[@gregorybarber1679]

Word of advice. Don't get super clean on the paint, it is hard on the clear coat. It takes years but it does damage the clear coat, I have 2 vehicles with damaged clear coats where I let degreaser get on it.

[@clintsaines9274]

So don't use degreasers that is all

[@JoseAlvarez-rz6sl]

Thank my friend Luke for being always honest . That's why we all love you.

[@jaii1992]

Hello, sorry for random question but I was just watching your torture test for the ceramic coatings and I'm hoping you can help me answer a question? Seeing a lot of the nano ceramic coatings claim pH resistance of anywhere from 2-12, could it in theory resist damage from solvent based cleaners? Even acetone? I've looked everywhere for an answer to this, hope you might have some ideas. Thanks for the videos!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Hey there, so I think your question kind of has some other questions hidden in it that need to be answered. You’ll see the pH resistant sort of vocabulary a lot in the detailing world, and from a logical perspective that doesn’t mean a whole lot. Not because the ceramic coating doesn’t resist chemicals that are acids and or bases, but because it just doesn’t tell us what we need to know. Not all acids that sit around a 2 on the pH scale are the same strength in other areas, and the same with bases, therefore it really isn’t all that helpful to claim something like “resists 2-12 pH levels.” Really what they are trying to say with something like that is “resists most chemicals” just because rarely are you going to have a regular cleaning chemical or chemical of any kind that is actually outside the bounds of the previously mentioned pH. When it comes to laquer thinner... that is actually a great question that I might make a video of soon! Because I’ve never tried it, so I really can’t answer

[@jeremyd1005]

Yo try the CHEM X two stage touchless foams STARS AND STRIPES! They actually work!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Thanks Jeremy! will do

[@audreykoller8006]

How long did this whole detail take? Including the coating?

[@thesquirtlesquad842]

How did you dry the truck

[@99chev60]

I need to clean my engine, and have been searching everywhere for the best cleaner. What was your mixture for the degreaser? And what did you spray on it after for the gloss?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I actually prefer using the super clean degreaser that I used here full strength, but a simple 5:1 dilution should do you well

[@joshuakidd6180]

Totally do the same method!love your work!!

[@jeremyfink537]

would never spray bomb and engine bay with tire shine or whatever that greasy nonsense was 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@wilsonautodetailing]

It provides not only a fantastic visual appearance and uniform look after it dries, but it also serves as a sacrificial barrier between the dirt that will inevitably accrue, and the engine itself. That way next time it is ready to be detailed, the dirt practically slides off. Not only is it good for the customer to see, but it’s good for the engine

[@jeremyfink537]

Wilson Auto Detailing For years being the customer that had that done to their car...I hate it. When working on it everything you touch is greasy and attracts dirt. I've always used a low shine product like 303 or similar. Does the same thing without all the greasy feel. The wet look is nice but it's for a weekend driver or trailer queen. To each his own and if your customers like it....THAT... Is all that matters anyway. 👍🏽

[@razetw]

@@jeremyfink537 Theres plenty of water based trim dressings that wont dry/stay greasy including newer ceramic trim coatings that are even less so. I agree I wouldn't throw slap half a bottle of armor-all on it, but there's better products out there now where a detailer can please visually aswell as include practicality in the equation. I'm not a pro, but I like the idea of "investing" in the sio2 trim + maintaining throughout the year ideology.

[@edmeji6160]

How much do you charge for a basic wash on a truck like the Ford F-150

[@ericktapia5698]

I use the foam cannon to spread the soap as well. I’m a mobile detailer in California who does the microfiber towel method to avoid 2 buckets. Just fill up a bucket with water, some clean microfiber towels and use the foam cannon to spread the same. Fast, easy, no water spots if you use deionized water.

[@cameronstevenson5894]

Wouldn’t let this guy wash my bicycle tbh he’d scratch the hell out it

[@TannerBobbitt]

And how much money do you make detailing? His customers seem to enjoy his work, but they do have cars, not bikes.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Never detailed a bike 🧐 but I bet I could do it in 5 minutes or less without a foam cannon 😆

[@cameronstevenson5894]

Wilson Auto Detailing bet you could and charge $500

[@cameronstevenson5894]

Tanner Bobbitt plenty money I make and do it properly

[@wrbergner]

Luke, as to the question, I was not in agreement 2 yrs ago to use a foam cannon on virtually every car detailed. It didn't make sense both economically or time management. With that said, as you stated, I did see the positive aspect of it such as spread and coverage of product; density and longevity of product to allow you time to work on the car. For this reason, I wasn't opposed to the use of foam cannon's then either as the job dictated. Fast-forward, as you said it's a whole new ball game and with ceramic coating all the rave, consumers are demanding more and the use of foam has come of age in doing detail or maintenance washes. Great review and update Luke from your original video. Your voice sounded enthusiastic and alive once again!!!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Couldn't agree more with your perspective Bill! As always, thank you very much for the encouragement!

[@tiburonespr]

Hi Wilson, what did you have in your wash bucket?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

In which scenario?

[@tiburonespr]

Yea, I should have been more specific. While you're foaming and then speading the foam

[@jimmyqballs]

This time of year where I live, there is a ton of pollen build up. The foam really helps to safely remove that bond and free it from the paint

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Yep that is a great example of when I love it because that is the same where I live. Pollen is removed easily with a foam cannon, one of the few types of dirt I can definitively say gets removed with a foam cannon

[@DmDetails]

Good stuff man!!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Thanks man!