Bilt-Hamber Auto Balm

robbo51 · 11th June 2008, 18:51

I'm always on the lookout for a 'wax' product that gives value, durability and shine.
I found it initially in Collinite and have ecouraged many forum members to try it, with great success...
Now I have found another product, that just might be even better.
I am going to apply some this weekend for the first time and will report back.
Please post your experiences of the product here.

Robbieee · 11th June 2008, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbo51

I'm always on the lookout for a 'wax' product that gives value, durability and shine.
I found it initially in Collinite and have ecouraged many forum members to try it, with great success...
No I have found another product, that just might be even better.
I am going to apply some this weekend for the first time and will report back.
Please post your experiences of the product here.

Robbo where did you buy this from?

allan40alt · 11th June 2008, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbieee

Robbo where did you buy this from?

I got mine direct from Bilt-Hamber: Bilt-Hamber Laboratories - Polish and Wax - Auto-balm

Team · 11th June 2008, 19:25

I ordered some last week direct from Bilt and Hamber, turned up in a couple of days. I'm going to give try it out at weekend if the weathers ok. I'll take some pics so you can see the results..

Vet_2010 · 11th June 2008, 20:38

I ordered a tub of this after seeing Allan's photo in the reflection thread on Tuesday from 'glossmax' on eBay and it arrived today. I couldn't resist having a quick go at it and ended up giving the bonet of a 10 year old Laguna an early christmas present.

Turned out brilliant (minus the stone chips) for a 10 year old car that had been neglected up until a couple of hours ago!
I look forward to seeing some photos of Civics over the weekend after the Autobalm treatment, I don't think I'll get mine done for a couple of weeks yet. I would say it's not as easy to work with as Collinite, it takes a bit more effort to buff off but so far the results are very impressive! I couldn't really make a fair comparison until I've done my own Civic!

Colin

robbo51 · 11th June 2008, 20:54

I will be applying it over Collinite so hopefully that will make it a little easier to buff up. Just ordered the Bilt-Hamber Car shampoo too

IanG · 11th June 2008, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbo51

Just ordered the Bilt-Hamber Car shampoo too

The shampoo is great you hardly need to use any and get loads of suds and seems to leave a nice glossy sheen

I'll be trying their version of snow foam next

PJS · 11th June 2008, 23:12

I shouldn't laugh really, but what the heck! It's only taken you 8+ months to catch up, since I mentioned the product, etc.
Anyway, it isn't really that difficult to use - unless you're a buffoon.
Soak the provided applicator pad, and wring out. Have a spray bottle of water handy to keep damp.
Dab the pad into the jar 2 or 3 times, and that'll be plenty for the panel you're doing.
Do 1/2-1/3 of a panel before buffing. Any more, and you will let the product set up too much, and it takes more effort to buff. If you do, or the panel temperature/weather isn't on your side, then simply go over with the pad again, and buff almost straight away.
Otherwise, if it's cool/shade/etc you can wait 1-2 mins before buffing.
Do the chrome trim, wheels, black trim (doesn't stain since it's not a wax - it's a paste sealant), and glass.
Yes, in other words, bar the tyres, do the WHOLE car with it! Trust me, you WILL be astounded that one product does indeed do EVERYTHING.

This is precisely why I've been championing them on DW and elsewhere.

PJS · 11th June 2008, 23:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanG

The shampoo is great you hardly need to use any and get loads of suds and seems to leave a nice glossy sheen

I'll be trying their version of snow foam next

Point to understand before you do - it MUST be used under pressure. It will not work for those of us with Gilmours/Supersprayers, and you need to aim for 4-5% PIR (panel impact ratio) for it to be effective, and not stronger or it'll remove your wax (like any strong shampoo solution would).
Auto Balm users are fine up to about 8% strength.
So, unlike most other SSF's, the old 1" and warm water approach will likely be too weak, since you're looking for a 7-8 in dwell time, as well as a double cream/yoghurt consistency.

I've explained in another thread recently the maths needs to work out the amount of product in a 1L lance, in order to achieve the 4-5% PIR needed.
Please read and digest inwardly.
It's a one time process, unless you change your lance.

robbo51 · 12th June 2008, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJS

I shouldn't laugh really, but what the heck! It's only taken you 8+ months to catch up, since I mentioned the product, etc.
Anyway, it isn't really that difficult to use - unless you're a buffoon.
Soak the provided applicator pad, and wring out. Have a spray bottle of water handy to keep damp.
Dab the pad into the jar 2 or 3 times, and that'll be plenty for the panel you're doing.
Do 1/2-1/3 of a panel before buffing. Any more, and you will let the product set up too much, and it takes more effort to buff. If you do, or the panel temperature/weather isn't on your side, then simply go over with the pad again, and buff almost straight away.
Otherwise, if it's cool/shade/etc you can wait 1-2 mins before buffing.
Do the chrome trim, wheels, black trim (doesn't stain since it's not a wax - it's a paste sealant), and glass.
Yes, in other words, bar the tyres, do the WHOLE car with it! Trust me, you WILL be astounded that one product does indeed do EVERYTHING.

This is precisely why I've been championing them on DW and elsewhere.

Steady on lad....laughing on this forum is mandatory anyway

How about some of your pictures too?

PJS · 12th June 2008, 10:52

See the reflection thread - couple on it.

allan40alt · 12th June 2008, 11:06

...and this is my 'work in progress' . I did the bonnet (see photo in 'Reflections') and wings and today I've done the nearside and roof. Phew,

thought I'd have a break and a cup of tea!

The roof reflection is the garage ceiling with the door up.

PS: I can't wait to get a second coat applied.

allan40alt · 12th June 2008, 12:48

I know the reflection is great,

, but I still can't get over how 'slippery' the surface is.

I cut the supplied polishing cloth in half and after applying the Balm with the supplied application pad I used one half to buff-up the Balm (turning a couple of times whilst buffing) then followed up with the other half giving it a final going over. You almost slip sideways. It's amazingly smooth.

I did all the glass (not the front screen, of course) and frames. Incredibly slippery finish.

hgt · 12th June 2008, 12:55

Just got some this week carn't wait to try it this weekend

allan40alt · 12th June 2008, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by hgt

Just got some this week carn't wait to try it this weekend

Prepare yourself to be amazed!

A great recommendation. Thanks to the guys (IanG and PJS) that brought it to my attention.

PS: But you never said they don't include the elbow grease with the Balm!!

IanG · 12th June 2008, 21:24

You should try it on your wheels it's versatile stuff

PJS · 12th June 2008, 22:34

Get it on your windscreen, and put away the credit card for the Rain-X, you won't need it!
Have I been wrong so far?

Robbieee · 12th June 2008, 23:54

Looking forward to seeing a full wax with this stuff! Get buffing guys!!!!!!

robbo51 · 13th June 2008, 07:14

Well.
....If it doesnt rain!!
I shall give it a coat this evening after a wash of course.
The Yorks/Lancs Meet will get the first viewing tomorrow.

allan40alt · 13th June 2008, 09:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbieee

Looking forward to seeing a full wax with this stuff! Get buffing guys!!!!!!

Well, I've still got to apply a second coat and do the wheels; but it's not looking too bad so far!

PS: Can anyone recommend a good remedy for an aching back!

11th June 2008, 18:51	#1 (permalink)
robbo51 It wasn’t me! Civinfo guru Join Date: 1st July 2007 Location: Bingley, W.Yorks Posts: 3,429 Thanks: 57 Thanked 54 Times in 51 Posts iTrader: (0)	Bilt-Hamber Auto Balm I'm always on the lookout for a 'wax' product that gives value, durability and shine. I found it initially in Collinite and have ecouraged many forum members to try it, with great success... Now I have found another product, that just might be even better. I am going to apply some this weekend for the first time and will report back. Please post your experiences of the product here. Last edited by robbo51; 11th June 2008 at 20:54.

11th June 2008, 20:54	#6 (permalink)
robbo51 It wasn’t me! Civinfo guru Join Date: 1st July 2007 Location: Bingley, W.Yorks Posts: 3,429 Thanks: 57 Thanked 54 Times in 51 Posts iTrader: (0)	I will be applying it over Collinite so hopefully that will make it a little easier to buff up. Just ordered the Bilt-Hamber Car shampoo too Last edited by robbo51; 11th June 2008 at 21:02.

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Posted By	For	Type	Date


This thread is about: Bilt-Hamber Auto Balm, it's in Cleaning at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I'm always on the lookout for a 'wax' product that gives value, durability and shine. I found it initially in Collinite and have ecouraged many ...

11th June 2008, 19:25	#4 (permalink)
Team Valve Cap Join Date: 18th May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I ordered some last week direct from Bilt and Hamber, turned up in a couple of days. I'm going to give try it out at weekend if the weathers ok. I'll take some pics so you can see the results..

11th June 2008, 20:38	#5 (permalink)
Vet_2010 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 19th December 2007 Location: Northern Ireland / Glasgow Posts: 373 Thanks: 16 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader: (0)	I ordered a tub of this after seeing Allan's photo in the reflection thread on Tuesday from 'glossmax' on eBay and it arrived today. I couldn't resist having a quick go at it and ended up giving the bonet of a 10 year old Laguna an early christmas present. Turned out brilliant (minus the stone chips) for a 10 year old car that had been neglected up until a couple of hours ago! I look forward to seeing some photos of Civics over the weekend after the Autobalm treatment, I don't think I'll get mine done for a couple of weeks yet. I would say it's not as easy to work with as Collinite, it takes a bit more effort to buff off but so far the results are very impressive! I couldn't really make a fair comparison until I've done my own Civic! Colin

11th June 2008, 23:12	#8 (permalink)
PJS Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 27th May 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 452 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts iTrader: (0)	I shouldn't laugh really, but what the heck! It's only taken you 8+ months to catch up, since I mentioned the product, etc. Anyway, it isn't really that difficult to use - unless you're a buffoon. Soak the provided applicator pad, and wring out. Have a spray bottle of water handy to keep damp. Dab the pad into the jar 2 or 3 times, and that'll be plenty for the panel you're doing. Do 1/2-1/3 of a panel before buffing. Any more, and you will let the product set up too much, and it takes more effort to buff. If you do, or the panel temperature/weather isn't on your side, then simply go over with the pad again, and buff almost straight away. Otherwise, if it's cool/shade/etc you can wait 1-2 mins before buffing. Do the chrome trim, wheels, black trim (doesn't stain since it's not a wax - it's a paste sealant), and glass. Yes, in other words, bar the tyres, do the WHOLE car with it! Trust me, you WILL be astounded that one product does indeed do EVERYTHING. This is precisely why I've been championing them on DW and elsewhere.

12th June 2008, 10:52	#11 (permalink)
PJS Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 27th May 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 452 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts iTrader: (0)	See the reflection thread - couple on it.

12th June 2008, 12:48	#13 (permalink)
allan40alt Supporter Civinfo guru Join Date: 6th August 2006 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire. Posts: 2,255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts iTrader: (0)	I know the reflection is great, , but I still can't get over how 'slippery' the surface is. I cut the supplied polishing cloth in half and after applying the Balm with the supplied application pad I used one half to buff-up the Balm (turning a couple of times whilst buffing) then followed up with the other half giving it a final going over. You almost slip sideways. It's amazingly smooth. I did all the glass (not the front screen, of course) and frames. Incredibly slippery finish.

12th June 2008, 12:55	#14 (permalink)
hgt Supporter Wheelnut Join Date: 11th October 2007 Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire Posts: 69 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Just got some this week carn't wait to try it this weekend

12th June 2008, 21:24	#16 (permalink)
IanG Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 21st January 2007 Location: Durham Posts: 254 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader: (0)	You should try it on your wheels it's versatile stuff

12th June 2008, 22:34	#17 (permalink)
PJS Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 27th May 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 452 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts iTrader: (0)	Get it on your windscreen, and put away the credit card for the Rain-X, you won't need it! Have I been wrong so far?

12th June 2008, 23:54	#18 (permalink)
Robbieee The Talented Mr. Robbieee Rocketship door handle Join Date: 27th September 2007 Location: Glasvegas Posts: 1,162 Thanks: 41 Thanked 27 Times in 26 Posts iTrader: (1)	Looking forward to seeing a full wax with this stuff! Get buffing guys!!!!!!

13th June 2008, 07:14	#19 (permalink)
robbo51 It wasn’t me! Civinfo guru Join Date: 1st July 2007 Location: Bingley, W.Yorks Posts: 3,429 Thanks: 57 Thanked 54 Times in 51 Posts iTrader: (0)	Well. ....If it doesnt rain!! I shall give it a coat this evening after a wash of course. The Yorks/Lancs Meet will get the first viewing tomorrow.