Bilt-Hamber Auto Balm

[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...
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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

See the reflection thread - couple on it.

[allan40alt]

...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]

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]

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

[allan40alt]

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]

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

[PJS]

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]

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

[robbo51]

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]

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!