Pressure washer vs foam gun, what's better?

[Junkman2008]

It could be the most expensive paint job in the world and the same thing would happen. Nothing like experience to teach you the error of your ways. At least you learned from yours. A lot of people don't.

[v10CodeMonkey]

I usually start with a light bug/tar remover and get all the big chunks with the lowest pressure nozzle on my press washer. Then moving on to the foam blaster-2 bucket-rinse with purified water-master blaster. Is the pressure washer a no-no? The bugs usually never come with the mitt and i don't want to rub the mitt hard into the paint.

This. What's the best way to remove bug guts from the paint? I don't want to have to wash it everytime they get on there (which is all the time now). I usually use a QD w MF towel but have to apply alot of pressure on some of them which I know isn't good on the paint.

[Junkman2008]

... I usually use a QD w MF towel but have to apply alot of pressure on some of them which I know isn't good on the paint.

"Not good" is the wrong phrase. BRUTAL would be more accurate. Add to the fact that you are using a lot of pressure (and probably a Chinese made microfiber towel), and you would cringe in agony if you actually saw what you have done to your paint. The "flash test" would yield volumes if you took a look at what you have done.

You ask if you have to wash the car every time you get bug guts on it. The short answer is yes. However, the fact that you have to scrub the bug guts off the car tells me one of two things if not both. One, you are NOT immediately addressing your bug issue. You are allowing them to stay on the car for WAY too long, which allows the bug gut acid to seep into your clear coat. Two, you are not keeping wax on your paint if the bug guts won't come off with a solid blast from a garden hose. The only thing I have to do after driving around in the heartland of America at night, where the bugs are as big as B-52 bombers is to hit them with a washing wand from Walmart. This thing attaches to a garden hose. If you allow that crap to sit on your paint for ONE DAY (especially in the hot sun), you are asking for damage. The sealant, topped with a wax combination that I use keeps the bugs from sticking and their guts from etching DEEP into my clear coat.

So yes, upkeep is a pain in the butt but it's a matter of how much you care about the appearance of your car. For some, the damage is acceptable. I would pass out if my car looked like some that I have seen.

Here's a video that I did on the subject. I have since removed my front fascia and repainted it so all the paint chips are gone. I do that about once every 3 years. Call me anal, yes I am but I can't stand paint chips.

[Coloviper]

So trying to finalize in on the foam gun for me. My home water pressure sucks but I have a commercial-sized Spectrasoft and RO system for in house and all water spigots/sprinklers. So gravitating towards a pneumatic foam gun to produce most foam and have independent foaming from washing. I do have the two buckets, other equipment and have used Adam's products locally here in Colorado. Was thinking about adding a pneumatic Tornador Foam Gun for soaping and pneumatic Air Blower nozzle to blow off water afterwards. Anyone with experience?

Have a great new air compressor with okay sized tank but was worried about oils or other air compressor water coming through the pneumatic hose. I drain the air compressor tank after each use but is there a water/oil trap that can be added to ensure the air is 100% dry and clean.

I do have a pressure washer at home as well (Karcher 85M with adjuststable pressure up to 1,850 psi) and use all these things in my arsenal. Just have not added a foam gun but thinking it is time as these two Tornador products look okay?

[Junkman2008]

People think that water pressure has something to do with how the foam gun performs. My garage was built in 1890. That's right, over 120 years ago. My water pressure is no better than what anyone reading this has and you have seen my results. It's the product that I use in combination with knowing how to use my equipment that gets me the results that you see in my videos.

If you have a pressure washer, then get a foam cannon if you don't mind going through the hassle of setting it up every time you wash your car. Most people get lazy after awhile because if the hassle but as long as you are religious about it, go for it. Or, go with a foam gun and skip the hassle. You don't need any special water or pressure as long as you wash indoors. If you wash outdoors, get ready for the water spots because you will be dealing with them, especially on a hot or humid day.

You are correct with your concerns on using the air compressor. Your concerns are exactly why I don't use compressed air to dry my car.