A foam gun is a tool that attaches to a standard garden hose and has a spray nozzle and bottle. This bottle is where you pour your car wash soap or foam concentrate. When you turn on the water, the foam gun mixes the soap with the water to create a thick, sudsy foam that can be sprayed onto your vehicle's exterior.

One of the main advantages of using a foam gun is that it does not require a pressure washer, making it a cost-effective option for those who do not have a pressure washer or do not want to invest in one. Foam guns are easy to use and provide a convenient way to apply foam evenly on your vehicle, breaking down dirt and grime.

Foam guns can be adjusted to control the foam thickness and spray pattern, depending on the model, allowing you to customise the application process to your liking.

Additionally, foam guns are very portable so you can easily be taken on your road trip to keep your vehicle shining while on the road. They can also easily used for other cleaning tasks around your home, such as cleaning outdoor furniture or home exterior, making them a multi-purpose tool for your cleaning needs.

Overall, a foam gun is an excellent option for car owners who do not have a pressure washer or prefer not to invest in one, yet still want to enjoy the benefits of a foam applicator for their car wash routine to reduce swirl marks and scratches.

A foam cannon is a popular accessory used for car washing that attaches to an electric or gas pressure washer to create a thick layer of foam for effective cleaning. The main difference between a foam cannon and a foam gun is that a foam cannon requires a pressure washer, while a foam gun uses a regular water hose.

Pressure washers are known for their powerful water stream, which can be used to clean various surfaces, such as floors, walls, and driveways. However, when it comes to washing a car, the high pressure water alone is not enough. (Tip: be careful with pressure settings if it is too strong it may chip the paint and damage the body)

This is where a foam cannon comes in handy! Instead of using just water at high pressure, a foam cannon mixes the water with soap or foam concentrate to create a thick foam that clings to the vehicle's surface. This foam helps to encapsulate dirt and grime, lifting it away from the paint and reducing the risk of scratches during the washing process.

One of the advantages of using a foam cannon is that it allows you to adjust the soap to water ratio, giving you control over the foam thickness and concentration. This allows you to customise the foam application based on your personal preference and the level of dirt on your vehicle.

Using a foam cannon also provides a more efficient and time-saving way to apply foam to your car compared to using a foam gun with a regular water hose. The pressure from the pressure washer helps to cover a larger area quickly, making the foam application process faster and more effective.

In summary, a foam cannon is a powerful accessory that enhances the cleaning capabilities of a pressure washer for car washing by creating a thick foam that helps to lift dirt and reduce the risk of scratches. It provides a more efficient and controlled way to apply foam compared to a foam gun with a regular water hose, making it a popular choice for car detailers who own a pressure washer.

Adjustability: Both the foam cannon and foam gun come in adjustable versions. These allow you to control the foam thickness and concentration by adjusting the soap to water ratio, giving you more flexibility in customising the foam application based on your preference and the level of dirt on your vehicle. It also allows you to change the pattern of spray from fan to pin-point or vertical to horizontal. This all depends on the model so do your research to find the best one for you!

Functionality: Both the foam cannon and foam gun work by mixing water, soap, and air to create a thick layer of soapy suds on your vehicle. This foam helps to encapsulate dirt and grime, lifting and removing it for a scratch free finish.

Soap: Both applicators use the same kind of soap, which is a specialised car wash soap or concentrate designed to create thick and clinging foam for effective cleaning. There are loads of options out there from pH neutral to more powerful soaps, again make sure to dig around to find the best option for you!

Easy to use: Both applicators are easy to use and operate. They typically come with clear instructions on how to set up and adjust the foam concentration, making them user-friendly even for beginners. With just a few simple steps, you can have a thick layer of foam ready to be applied to your vehicle's exterior.

In conclusion, both hare several similarities in terms of their function, operation, and use of soap. Whether you choose a foam cannon or a foam gun, both options provide an effective and convenient way to apply foam onto your vehicle for a thorough and safe car wash.

Water source: One of the main differences is the way you connect to the water source. A foam gun can be used by simply connecting it to a regular garden hose, making it a convenient option for those who do not have a pressure washer or do not wish to invest in one. On the other hand, a foam cannon needs to be connected to a pressure washer, which requires additional equipment and setup.

Foam thickness: Foam cannons typically produce thick, foam that clings to surfaces for longer periods of time, allowing the foam to work on lifting dirt and grime. This is especially beneficial for your off-road vehicles. Foam guns, on the other hand, usually don't produce as thick a foam, making them a better option vehicles that get less dirty (or use in conjunction with a mitt for an extra helping hand).

Coverage: Foam cannons generally have a greater output and can quickly cover larger surfaces, thanks to the higher pressure of the pressure washer. This makes them more suitable for cleaning larger vehicles or multiple vehicles. Foam guns, on the other hand, may have a smaller output and may require more time and effort to cover larger surfaces.

Adaptors: Foam guns are specially designed to fix directly onto your standard garden hose outlet. However, each pressure washer is designed differently depending on the manufacturer and therefore an adaptor is required to connect your pressure washer model to the foam cannon. Keep this in mind to choose the right adaptor when you make your purchase.

In summary, the main differences between foam cannon and foam gun lie in their water source, foam thickness and coverage, as well as their connection. Depending on the size and type of your vehicle, and the equipment you already have, you can choose the one that best fits your car washing needs.