Saturday 14 July 2018

(Short) ideal flat-share

A clean and modern apartment that has excellent  natural light, a spacious bedroom on the3rd floor of a purpose built block,  fantastically located, close to the amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, theatre, park) of Finsbury Park, Crouch End, Highbury and Islington and offers excellent living space in a quiet residential street. 


The apartment is situated in a purpose built block in a quiet residential area, steps away from Finsbury Park and the Parkland Walk Local Nature Reserve. It boarders Finsbury Park, Highbury and Crouch End. It's ideally located in a quiet, private and secure neighbourhood located in wonderful leafy residential surroundings, situated on the 3rd (the top level) - it benefits from lots of uninterrupted natural light, with interesting green surroundings and has a pleasant view from any direction. It also benefits from being in a good position with no-one above you- it's quiet, light, away from traffic and feels private. There is also a small garden and well-maintained lawns. 

The ideal flat-mate would be a considerate, professional and responsible, independent 30 something looking for a comfortable and friendly home. Someone fun, clean and tidy, fairly social and friendly, who has their own life and interests.  

The flat is furnished to an unusually high standard, so looking for someone who will treat the place as their own. Just bring your suitcase. .  .

This two-bed flat-share is in a vibrant neighbourhood and the transport connections are unmatched for London, making it very accessible to every area day or night. The property is within a short walking distance to Finsbury Park station, which is a 10-minute walk away and connects you to every Londoner’s best friend - the Victoria Line, which runs every 90 seconds, making it the most frequent in Europe, and the Piccadilly underground lines, both these lines run a Night Tube service, there is also a National Rail station for the Great Northern service. Overground trains run from Crouch Hill Station, which is five minutes away. There are also six bus stands adjoining the station. 


The property is well served by a plethora of local shops, bars, and ethnic restaurants whilst the immediate area provides unequalled transport links. Great local shops, markets, pubs, places to eat, Finsbury Park green spaces are a five-minute walk away. ( boating lake, athletics track, tennis, basketball courts etc) Hampstead Heath is a short overground train ride away. Parkland Walk, cycling track and the Castle Rock climbing course is but a short bike ride away - you hardly need to leave the area on the weekend, but there are outstanding local transport links if you feel the need.

The bedroom is a quiet comfortable room that would be ideal for someone who is looking for a quality, peaceful place to stay in order to work or study; most tenants stay for 3+ years, so we must be doing something right! A sanctuary from the hectic outside world, with a unique feeling of personal space, without isolation. 

It's fully furnished with a large single bed, desk and chair, chest of draws, bedside table and built-in floor-ceiling wardrobe. With double glazing, fitted carpet, newly decorated and all new furniture; including a new Miracoil® Orthopaedic mattress (cotton bed sheets and duvet cover supplied as well as cotton towels if required) It has it's own TV and SKY Q mini box so you can watch TV programs  in your room independently from the lounge

More than ample storage space comprising, chest of six large drawers, fitted wardrobe with storage compartments and hanging space, under-bed storage, two drawer bedside table. And it also has a glass topped computer desk with two storage drawers, and a chair An ideal retreat to surf the internet, answer emails or just relax and re-energize

The lounge/dining area is complete with two comfortable leather sofas, which are great for watching TV, catching up on some reading or entertaining friends. The dining area has a large glass topped table and four chairs. This is by no means a party flat but you are more than welcome to invite friends over for dinner or coffee to relax and feel at home, to occasionally share a meal, watch TV, or good old Netflix and chill time.


The gourmet kitchen is equipped with two Fridge/Freezers (one brand new family sized for your exclusive use) as well as a coffee machine, food processor, microwave, fan-assisted oven, an electric hob and an extractor fan that is connected to the exterior, along with all the cookware you’ll ever need plus a washing machine. Complete with its own window-sill herb garden for those Jamie Oliver moments

Contract terms: No admin fees or hidden costs. Twelve- months agreement (provides long-term security, with no rent increases) with a six- months break-clause (so you're not locked into a long-term fixed contract), the required period of notice is 30 days. Up front costs one month rent security deposit (refundable as last months rent) and one month's rent 950 (payable in advance 1st every month) including bills 
If it would help your budgeting the security deposit could be made in two equal payments with the 1st and 2nd months rent

For a quality flat-share with all the amenities offered; a rent of 800 PCM / 200 PW is an exceptional value
Availability: January 2019

This is a superbly located flat-share with lots of interest shown and will go fast I would recommend an early viewing, so get in touch
 





















Monday 21 May 2018

Interested follow up

Hi 

Searching for a new place to live can be pretty stressful and I was just thinking that perhaps my email got lost in the shuffle at the bottom of your inbox (or heaven forbid junk mail). If you would still like to view the flat-share or have any questions feel free to let me know with either a call (0748 828 1254) an SMS or an email, whatever is best for you.

Regards

Jon

Monday 14 May 2018

Flat-Share Stroud Green,London N4

APARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
You may have just found your perfect flat-share. This is your opportunity to upgrade and share a superior apartment that you'll consider *home* (much more than just a place to stay). This may be a little biased, but I do believe this to be one of the best home shares on here.

OVERVIEW:
A clean apartment with a modern interior that has excellent natural light, situated on the 3rd floor of a purpose-built block, ideally located, with easy access to restaurants, bars, shops, theatre and transport links. Full shared use of the apartment and all its facilities, fully furnished and ready to move in. Close to all the amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, theatre and green spaces) of Finsbury Park, Crouch End, Highbury and Islington and offers excellent living space in a quiet tree-lined residential street; a designated conservation area

LOCATION: 
The apartment is situated in a quiet residential area, in one of Islington's Areas of Conservation, steps away from Finsbury Park and the Parkland Walk Local Nature Reserve. Bordering on Finsbury Park, Highbury and Crouch End. It's ideally located in a quiet, private and secure neighbourhood located in wonderful leafy residential surroundings, situated on the 3rd (the top level) - it has lots of uninterrupted natural light, with interesting green surroundings and has a pleasant view from any direction. It also benefits from being in a good position with no-one above you- it's quiet, light, away from traffic and feels private. There is also a small garden and well-maintained lawns.

FLATMATES: 
Welcome to your potential future home. this beautiful flat-share, with its contemporary art and interesting objects, would suit someone who will treat the place as their own, this is what makes it such a lovely place to live. Someone who is interested in having an interactive living atmosphere rather than a hostel-type living. I’m looking for a flat-mate, not an anonymous stranger looking for a temporary place to hang their hat, that's Airbnb's niche market.

A FLAT-SHARE REIMAGINED:
Looking for a place to live can be daunting but with a little dedication, realistic expectations, researching what’s available and investing time in finding the right flat-share, you’ll soon be settling into your new home.

Be cognizant that a flat-share only works if people are considerate and respectful of each other, a great apartment is only part of the equation, it’s the flat-mates that make or break a flat-share. Everyone's idea of the perfect flat-mate is different, so search based on what's important to you. Whether it is certain traits in your housemates, room furnishings, location or price. The social interaction, communication and trust aspect of living in shared accommodation are of paramount importance. You may have just found your perfect flat-share. This is your opportunity to upgrade and share a superior apartment that you'll consider *home* (much more than just a place to stay). This may be a little biased, but I do believe this to be one of the best home shares on here.

Be cognizant that a flat-share only works if people are considerate and respectful of each other, a great apartment is only part of the equation, it’s the flat-mates that make or break a flat-share. Everyone's idea of the perfect flat-mate is different, so search based on what's important to you. Whether it is certain traits in your housemates, room furnishings, location or price. The social interaction, communication and trust aspect of living in shared accommodation are of paramount importance.

When you live with the right people, you’re not just sharing a living space - you’re sharing a part of your life. It is at least as big a consideration as the quality of the accommodation

MY INTERESTS: 
the arts, music (Andrea Bocelli to Led Zeppelin) opera, ballet, reading, cooking (Italian) an enthusiastic cook/foodie, flying (licensed pilot) F1 motorsport, American football/baseball, watching quiz shows (Eggheads/University challenge) and cultivating my coffee addiction
My occupation: Engineering Special Projects Director (NASA)

FLATMATE:

 independent 30 something (male or female), looking for a comfortable and friendly long-term home. Someone fun, clean and tidy, social and friendly, who has their own life and interests. Someone that works traditional hours Monday to Friday.

I’m a friendly and very easy-going person and I like the idea of being able to share occasional ‘downtime' with my flat-mate over coffee, a meal or a glass of wine from time to time.

I consider myself to be tidy, clean, polite, outgoing, friendly and open-minded, and I respect others privacy and personal space.
I have a home in the United States that I now rent out, since returning to London I have rented a flat-share and now rent out my flat, so I have empathy for both points of view.

NEIGHBOURHOOD: 
This two-bed flat-share is in a vibrant neighbourhood and a much sought-after area, the transport connections are unmatched for London, making it very accessible to every area day or night. Two minutes away from a Tesco Express five minutes away from Sainsburys supermarkets

It's well served by a plethora of local shops, bars, and ethnic restaurants whilst the immediate area provides unequalled transport links. Great local shops, markets, pubs, places to eat, 

Finsbury Park 110 acres of green space is a five-minute walk away. (boating lake, athletics track, tennis, basketball courts etc. there are local gyms and a swimming pool Hampstead Heath is a short over-ground train ride away. Parkland Walk, cycling track and the Castle Rock climbing course there are also local gyms and a swimming pool is but a short bike ride away - you hardly need to leave the area on the weekend, but there are outstanding local transport links if you feel the need.

TRANSPORT: 
The property is within a short walking distance to Finsbury Park station, which has Thameslink connections to the city  only a few minutes’ away and connects you to every Londoner’s best friend - the Victoria Line, which runs every 90 seconds, making it the most frequent in Europe, and the Piccadilly underground lines, both these lines run a Night Tube service, there is also a National Rail station for the Great Northern service. Overground trains run from Crouch Hill Station, which is five minutes away.
Finsbury Park station is also a bus terminus that has several bus routes that go directly into the City. -W3, W7, 210, 4, 19, 29,106,153, 236, 254 and 259. Night buses – N19, N29, N253 and N279

Euston / Kings Cross 10 minutes, Westminster 30 minutes, Canary Wharf 40 minutes Most journeys to the West end, City or Central London take approx. 25 minutes, which is perfect for a professional who doesn't want a long commute or for discovering all that London has to offer. 24-hour bus/underground services available

APARTMENT: 
Photographs, however good can only convey so much; I would suggest you arrange a viewing, I’m sure it will exceed your expectations.
Full Spectrum Natural Daylight (warm white) lights are installed throughout the apartment

The double 125 sq. ft bedroom with optimum storage, and is a quiet, bright and comfortable room that would be ideal for someone who is looking for a quality, peaceful place to stay to work or study; most tenants stay for 3+ years, so I must be doing something right! A sanctuary from the hectic outside world, with a unique feeling of personal space, without isolation.

It's fully furnished with a large single bed (to be replaced with a double bed in December) chest of draws, bedside table and built-in floor-ceiling wardrobe. With double glazing, fitted carpet, newly decorated and all new furniture; including a new Miracoil® Orthopaedic mattress (100% cotton bed sheets and duvet cover supplied as well as cotton towels if required)

More than ample storage space comprising, chest of six large drawers, fitted floor to ceiling wardrobe with storage compartments and hanging space, under-bed storage (for suitcases), two drawer bedside table. And it also has a glass topped computer desk with two storage drawers, and a leather swivel chair, an ideal retreat to surf the internet, answer emails or just relax and re-energize

The shared lounge/dining area is complete with two comfortable two-seater leather sofas, which are great for watching Netflix or SKY on the 42" smart TV, catching up on some reading or entertaining friends. There is also a large glass topped coffee table. 

The dining area has a large glass topped table and four chairs.
This is by no means a party flat, but you are more than welcome to invite friends over for dinner or coffee to relax and feel at home or to occasionally share a meal, watch TV, or good old Netflix and chill time.

The gourmet kitchen is equipped with two Fridge/Freezers (one brand new family sized for your exclusive use) as well as a coffee machine, food processor, microwave, fan-assisted oven, an electric hob and an extractor fan that is connected to the exterior, along with all the cookware/tableware you’ll ever need plus a washing machine. 

The bathroom has an electrical power-shower and a glass screen splashback over the bath. It has an openable window so lots of natural light. You would only be sharing with one other person so no need to compete with a cast of thousands to use the facilities in the morning

AGREEMENT TERMS:
*No admin fees 
*No agency costs. 
*No hidden fees (no mid-term rent increases, making it easier for you to budget). 
Six months minimum agreement (short-term contract available at small extra cost) the required period of notice is 30 days. Upfront costs  one-month rent (£925) as a security deposit (to be used as final months rent)and one month's rent * £925 payable in advance on the 1st every month, including all bills, (£175 PCM) which covers the cleaning of communal areas inside/outside the flat, gardening, water, gas and electricity, internet, SKY TV and council tax. For a quality flat-share with all the amenities offered; a rent of 800 PCM / 200 PW is an exceptional value.
A written/signed agreement will be exchanged
*Please note the price shown is for single occupancy
This is a superbly located flat-share with lots of interest shown and will go fast I would recommend an early viewing, so get in touch



Monday 7 May 2018

Flat-Share Notes

Many rental properties these days are very clinical, a house turned into faceless hotel rooms, without character or individuality. Mostly let by agencies charging a substantial fee, working to fill flats with mass sharing anonymous strangers, looking for a place to hang their hat. You deserve better than that; dreaming of moving on from your cramped apartment into a proper home?

Looking for a place to live can be daunting but with a little dedication, realistic expectations, researching what’s available and investing time in finding the right flat-share, you’ll soon be settling into your new home.

Wondering if there's more to life than a shower, work, eat, sleep then repeat? This is your opportunity to upgrade and share a superior apartment that you'll consider *home* (much more than just a room) close to all the amenities and transport connections you’ll ever need.

A great apartment is only part of the equation, it’s the flatmates that make or break a flat-share. Everyone's idea of the perfect flat-mate is different, so search based on what's important to you wither its room furnishings, location or price, The social interaction, communication and trust aspect of living in shared accommodation are of paramount importance. When you live with the right people, you’re not just sharing a living space - you’re sharing a part of your life. It is at least as big a consideration as the quality of the accommodation itself

My interests: the arts, reading, cooking, flying (licenced pilot) F1 motorsport, American football, watching quiz shows like Eggheads and cultivating my coffee addiction

A beautifully presented modern interior apartment that has excellent natural light, a spacious bedroom on the3rd floor of a purpose built block, ideally located, close to the amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, theatre, park) of Finsbury Park, Crouch End, Highbury and Islington and offers excellent living space in a quiet residential street.


Wondering if there's more to life than a shower, work, eat, sleep then repeat? 

Whether it is certain traits in your housemates, room furnishings, location or price – take a look at the


AGREEMENT TERMS:
*No admin fees *No agency costs. *No hidden fees (no mid-term rent increases, making it easier for you to budget). Six months minimum agreement (short-term contract available at small extra cost) the required period of notice is 30 days. Upfront costs  one-month rent (£875 + 125) as a security deposit (to be used as final month’s rent)and one month's rent * £(£875 + 125 payable in advance on the 1st every month, including all bills, which covers the cleaning of communal areas inside/outside the flat, gardening, water, gas and electricity, internet, SKY TV, council tax (Zone D)  and ground rent. A written/signed agreement will be exchanged

*Please note the price shown is for single occupancy


For a quality flat-share with all the amenities offered; a rent of 875 PCM / 218 PW is an exceptional value.

Clyro Court Photographs


Interested

Hi 

My name is Jon and I have a flat-share coming available (Late July ) that may be of interest, it's within your budget and matches your search criteria


You would be sharing with a semi-retired company director who has lived and worked in many different countries. After spending many years in the US before returning to my hometown, London. I spent quite some time in a flat-share, so I can empathise with both points of view and I realise how important it is to find a *home* that is a fit for both of us.  


Not an ensuite, but you'd only be sharing with one other person, so not a cast of thousands queuing for the bathroom in the morning 

Over the years I've shared with people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. But I've always found common interests. I'm respectful of personal space, easy to get along with and happy to share coffee, a laugh a glass of wine or companionable silences


I am an easy going, kind, social introvert who is addicted to coffee and loves a good conversation and good food, someone who appreciates honesty and open communication. 


The flat-share can be viewed any evening after 6:00 pm or weekends after 10:00 am. Please call to arrange a mutually convenient time  


It’s a short walk (8 minutes) from Finsbury Park Underground station (Zone 2 - Victoria lines and Piccadilly lines) there are also extensive bus services and Crouch Hill Overground also a 5-minute walk. 8 Clyro Court (entrance corner of Regina Road / Tollington Park) N4 3AQ


Mobile:0748 828 1254 Home: +44 0203 509 3522


Your search for the perfect flat may be over, I look forward to meeting you



Regards, Jon







You may have just found your perfect flat-share


OVERVIEW: A clean apartment with a modern interior that has excellent natural light, situated on the 3rd floor of a purpose-built block, ideally located, with easy access to restaurants, bars, shops, theatre and transport links. Full shared use of the apartment and all its facilities, fully furnished and ready to move in. Full Spectrum Natural Daylight (white) lights throughout the apartment. Close to all the amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, theatre and green spaces) of Finsbury Park, Crouch End, Highbury and Islington and offers excellent living space in a quiet tree-lined residential street

LOCATION: The apartment is situated in a quiet residential area, steps away from Finsbury Park and the Parkland Walk Local Nature Reserve. Bordering on Finsbury Park, Highbury and Crouch End. It's ideally located in a quiet, private and secure neighbourhood located in wonderful leafy residential surroundings, situated on the 3rd (the top level) - it has lots of uninterrupted natural light, with interesting green surroundings and has a pleasant view from any direction. It also benefits from being in a good position with no-one above you- it's quiet, light, away from traffic and feels private. There is also a small garden and well-maintained lawns.

FLATMATES: Welcome to your potential future home. this beautiful flat-share, with its contemporary art and interesting objects, would suit someone who will treat the place as their own, this is what makes it such a lovely place to live. Someone who is interested in having an interactive living atmosphere rather than a hostel-type living. I’m looking for a flat-mate, not an anonymous stranger looking for a temporary place to hang their hat, that's Airbnb's niche market.

A FLAT-SHARE REIMAGINED: Looking for a place to live can be daunting but with a little dedication, realistic expectations, researching what’s available and investing time in finding the right flat-share, you’ll soon be settling into your new home.

Be cognizant that a great apartment is only part of the equation, it’s the flatmates that make or break a flat-share. Everyone's idea of the perfect flat-mate is different, so search based on what's important to you. The social interaction, communication and trust aspect of living in shared accommodation are of paramount importance.


When you live with the right people, you’re not just sharing a living space - you’re sharing a part of your life. It is at least as big a consideration as the quality of the accommodation 

MY INTERESTS: the arts, music (Andrea Bocelli to Led Zeppelin) opera, ballet, reading, cooking (Italian) an enthusiastic cook/foodie, flying (licenced pilot) F1 motorsport, American football/baseball, watching quiz shows (Eggheads) and cultivating my coffee addiction

MY OCCUPATION: Engineering Projects Director

FLATMATE; the ideal would be a considerate, professional and responsible, independent 30 something (male or female), looking for a comfortable and friendly home. Someone fun, clean and tidy, social and friendly, who has their own life and interests. Someone that works traditional hours Monday to Friday.

I like the idea of being able to share occasional ‘downtime' with my flat-mate over coffee, a meal or a glass of wine from time to time. I consider myself to be tidy, clean, polite, outgoing, open-minded, and I respect others privacy and personal space.

I have a home in the United States that I now rent out, since returning to London I have rented a flat-share and now rent out my flat, so I have empathy for both points of view.

NEIGHBOURHOOD: This two-bed flat-share is in a vibrant neighbourhood and a much sought-after area, the transport connections are unmatched for London, making it very accessible to every area day or night.

It's well served by a plethora of local shops, bars, and ethnic restaurants whilst the immediate area provides unequalled transport links. Great local shops, markets, pubs, places to eat,
Finsbury Park green spaces are a five-minute walk away. (boating lake, athletics track, tennis, basketball courts etc there are local gyms and a swimming pool Hampstead Heath is a short over-ground train ride away. Parkland Walk, cycling track and the Castle Rock climbing course there are also local gyms and a swimming pool is but a short bike ride away - you hardly need to leave the area on the weekend, but there are outstanding local transport links if you feel the need.

TRANSPORT: The property is within a short walking distance to Finsbury Park station, which is a few minutes’ walk away and connects you to every Londoner’s best friend - the Victoria Line, which runs every 90 seconds, making it the most frequent in Europe, and the Piccadilly underground lines, both these lines run a Night Tube service, there is also a National Rail station for the Great Northern service.
Overground trains run from Crouch Hill Station, which is five minutes away. Finsbury Park station is also a bus terminus -W3, W7, 210, 4, 19, 29,106,153, 236, 254 and 259. Night buses – N19, N29, N253 and N279

APARTMENT: Photographs, however good can only convey so much; I would suggest you take a viewing, I’m sure it will exceed your expectations.
The double bedroom is a quiet, bright and comfortable room that would be ideal for someone who is looking for a quality, peaceful place to stay to work or study; most tenants stay for 3+ years, so I must be doing something right! A sanctuary from the hectic outside world, with a unique feeling of personal space, without isolation.
It's fully furnished with a large single bed (to be replaced with a double bed in December) chest of draws, bedside table and built-in floor-ceiling wardrobe. With double glazing, fitted carpet, newly decorated and all new furniture; including a new Miracoil® Orthopaedic mattress (cotton bed sheets and duvet cover supplied as well as cotton towels if required)
More than ample storage space comprising, chest of six large drawers, fitted floor to ceiling wardrobe with storage compartments and hanging space, under-bed storage (for suitcases), two drawer bedside table. And it also has a glass topped computer desk with two storage drawers, and a leather swivel chair, an ideal retreat to surf the internet, answer emails or just relax and re-energize
The shared lounge/dining area is complete with two comfortable leather sofas, which are great for watching Netflix or SKY on the 42" smart TV, catching up on some reading or entertaining friends. There is also a large glass topped coffee table. The dining area has a large glass topped table and four chairs.

This is by no means a party flat, but you are more than welcome to invite friends over for dinner or coffee to relax and feel at home or to occasionally share a meal, watch TV, or good old Netflix and chill time.

The gourmet kitchen is equipped with two Fridge/Freezers (one brand new family sized for your exclusive use) as well as a coffee machine, food processor, microwave, fan-assisted oven, an electric hob and an extractor fan that is connected to the exterior, along with all the cookware you’ll ever need plus a washing machine. Complete with its own window-sill herb garden for those Jamie Oliver / Nigella Lawson moments

The bathroom has an electrical power-shower and a glass screen over the bath. It has an openable window so lots of natural light. You would only be sharing with one other person so no need to compete with a cast of thousands to use the facilities in the morning

CONTRACT TERMS: No admin fees or hidden costs. Six months minimum agreement (short-term contract available at small extra cost) the required period of notice is 30 days. Upfront costs one-month rent (£900) as a security deposit (refundable) and one month's rent £900 payable in advance on the 1st every month, including all bills, which covers the cleaning of communal areas inside/outside the flat, gardening, water, gas and electricity, internet, SKY TV and council tax.
For a quality flat-share with all the amenities offered; a rent of 900 PCM / 225 PW including bills is an exceptional value.

Short term let: Two to five months agreement considered

Look forward to hearing from you.


Good luck with your search

Saturday 24 February 2018

Automobile leather


Correct information regarding the care of leather is scarce, often contradictory, misleading, or simply wrong. Misinformation can lead to inadvertent damage to your vehicles leather upholstery; my goal is to present clear, concise, accurate information. 

There is a great deal of conflicting information on leather care being put out by leather experts themselves who recommend the same products and techniques be used regardless of the grade or the finish applied or use baffling pseudo scientific techno speak as another marketing ploy.

All of which makes it difficult to find a definitive, unbiased answer. Using the correct product is important in order to protect your car’s interior. If you keep your cars’ interior clean, you can easily save your car for a good couple of years and it can stay in a ‘like-new’ condition, and maintain a better resale value. Cleanliness is one of the major things buyers look for when purchasing a vehicle.
Modern vehicle upholstery is either Fabric, finished leather or Viynl, fabric and vinyl are self-explanatory, however, finished leather is not so I offer this explanation

Be cognizant that the leather and finishes used for automotive upholstery vary from leather industry standard descriptions and although the names are similar the type of leather, pigmentation and finish are often very different. Si it is very important to be able to recognise the various finishes and materials used by OEM’s as they all require different methodologies and products for proper care and maintenance

Finished or Coated Leather - the surface coating applied to the leather substrate does not exceed one-third of the total thickness of the product but is in excess of 150 µ (microns).
Nappa Leather –is the tanned skin of a sheep and generally denoted as high quality, soft, full grain leather, like Aniline this grade of leather would not stand the rigorous use of an automobile interior.
Unfinished Leather - is left in its natural state without the application of a clear coat, unfinished leather is very rarely found in modern automobiles and must be maintained on a regular basis with products utilizing natural oils
Leather Dye- the application of a Pigment (colour) either by hand rubbing or immersion
Pigmented - leather that has been applied to a surface colour, usually by spraying and is analogous to the "staining" of wood


So be cognizant that you are dealing with the finished coating of the leather  NOT the  hide itself

The ideal product would be a urethane cleaner that provides anti-abrasion, whilst allowing some surface lubrication to allow easy exit and egress  Remove surface dirt and dust, cleaning the seams periodically is important as dirt/grit will abrade the stitching causing them to fail, prise them apart, then use a soft brush, vacuum and then use a  cleaner, one section at a time, and then finally wipe off with a clean, damp 100% cotton micro fibre towel

You should use a product specifically formulated to treat the finish coating, one that contains special cleaners that remove oxidation, grime, body oils and perspiration salt while maintaining the flexibility of the finish so that it remains supple, not dry and brittle (Leather Master™ Foam Cleaner or Iz Einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner) 

Proper surface care
Is all about knowing the properties of the surface you want to treat and what product contains the correct formulation of ingredients best suited for that surface. Leather finishes are a very chemically complex material, and if the product is incompatible with it in any way, it can exert a damaging effect: finish peeling, finish cracking, color transfer ("crocking"), yellowing, and general degradation are some of the problems that can be caused by the application of an improperly formulated, incompatible leather treatment product.

You should use a product specifically formulated to treat the finish coating, one that contains special cleaners that remove oxidation, grime, body oils and perspiration salt while maintaining the flexibility of the finish so that it remains supple, not dry and brittle (Leather Master™ Foam Cleaner or Iz Einszett Plastic Deep Cleaner)


Friday 9 February 2018

Bilt-Hamber Auto-Foam




Once a vehicle has accumulated a significant amount of film traffic dirt and road grime and you run the risk of inflicting sub-surface paint scratches during the wash process. This is due to the greater number of contaminants present that may inadvertently be moved around as they are removed, and the tendency to use more friction on paint surface to get it clean.

You can mitigate these risks by rinsing off as surface much dirt and grime as possible using a hose or a pressure washer before washing the bodywork by hand. Ten to fifteen minutes spent carefully rinsing off in this way is time well spent, the use of a pre-wash foaming solution can help tremendously.

The idea behind applying thick clinging foam to your car before washing is simple and the benefits are obvious. If you apply a generous coating of suds to a dirty surface and allow it to cling in situ for many minutes at a time, the surfactant cleaning agents have longer to work and therefore dissolve and suspend a lot more dirt and grime. By the time the foam is eventually rinsed off much of the dirt and grime is simply washed away, leaving relatively clean surfaces behind ready for a careful wash using a car wash concentrate solution.

The major benefit is that the bulk of dirt removal is done before a wash mitt is placed on the paint surface, which greatly reduces the risk of inflicting marring and fine scratches during the hand-washing process.

Bilt Hamber Auto Wash is a low suds formula and is quite different to most other pre-wash shampoos. It’s a premium quality, low suds formula pre-wash treatment, designed to soak and saturate soiled vehicle paintwork prior to the application of vehicle shampoo. Auto-Foam is gentle and can be used in conjunction with all pressure washer foam lances (I prefer a pump sprayer as opposed to a lance) 

A highly concentrated pH 13.0  pre-wash foaming agent, produces a high foam content which both breaks the bond between the dirt particles and your vehicle’s paintwork and lubricates particles thereby enabling the safest possible removal of traffic film. highly concentrated pH 13.0  pre-wash foaming agent, however once diluted to the correct ratio it will drop to 8-10pH. It produces a high foam content which both breaks the bond between the dirt particles and your vehicle’s paintwork and lubricates particles thereby enabling the safest possible removal of traffic film.

It contains surfactants that will lift dirt, allowing it to be dissolved and carried away, whilst remaining completely touchless. It contains a powerful wetting agent that causes the bubbles in the foam to systematically burst as they move over the paint surface, enabling the surfactants to progressively soak and suspend the accumulated dirt and grime. This formula effectively lifts dirt and grime, making it easy to flush/rinse away

Use on cool surfaces. Dilute product  1:100  for light cleaning (4ml of product with 96ml of water for a total 100ml) and up to 5 parts in one hundred for heavily soiled vehicles. It is important to know the flow rate of your equipment to determine the correct add rate. If in doubt measure the nozzle output and chemical feed rate.

Foam production relies on air being drawn into a foaming solution as it passes through an injector head into the mainstream of water running through either a foam gun or a foam lance. The higher the pressure of the water, the thicker the resulting foam will be.




Application:  
Bilt Hamber auto-foam is a suitable pre-wash solution for use in any foam gun or foam lance system, as long as a final dilution ratio of approximately 50:1 can be achieved. With regard to the systems the following advice applies: 

(a) for use with a Foam Gun, remove the foam gun body and pour or pump approximately 400 ml of Bilt Hamber auto-foam into the bottle, then fill the bottle to the top with hot water, refit the foam gun body and shake the whole unit gently to mix the solution before finally attaching it to your hose - then squeeze the trigger and adjust the top dial on the foam gun body until you get the desired foam thickness;

(b) for use with a Foam Lance/ Pressure washer -, remove the foam lance body and pour approximately 200 ml of Bilt Hamber auto-foam into the bottle, then fill the bottle to the top with hot water, refit the foam lance body and shake the whole unit gently to mix the solution before finally attaching it to your pressure washer - then fire the washer up, and adjust the top dial on the foam lance body until you get the desired foam thickness.

In both examples given above, you can safely double the amount of Bilt Hamber auto-foam used when tackling particularly dirty cars, or else halve it if only a light clean is needed.
Allow the foam to dwell on the paint for about 5 mins. Then thoroughly wash off all the dirt and grime. 

Dilution: 4ml to 96ml (IL) The typical inlet water pressure to a home is about 40 to 45 psi. (3 bar)

Snow Foam
Foam is an aerated chemical mixture that you spray on using a pressure washer, the snow foam mixture itself is a pre-cleaning foam, it sits on your car paintwork and helps to dissolve and lift dirt and grime that is there. If you leave it to do its thing, it makes it easier to wash off the dirt by hand or with the pressure washer, removing all dirt and stains. The mixture you use for your snow foamer will depend on what you buy, however, to use it you will need a snow foam gun which will connect to your pressure washer.

Before beginning it is better to have dry panels, this stops the foaming from sliding off, so if it has rained or you have already washed down the car it may be better to leave it to dry before foaming

Consistency
A common problem is getting the right consistency when foaming. If it is too diluted (too much water), it will just slide off the car, therefore it won’t set and help to dissolve any dirt making it a pointless exercise.

With different formulas used by different snow foaming brands,  it isn’t possible to advise on the correct formula to use. Depending on the soap foam brand you buy, ensure to read and follow the specific instructions closely to make sure the foam applies the way it should.

Depending on the instructions for the snow foam you use for the current amount into the bottle and then top up with water and screw onto the snow cannon container.  On the container there is will be a small knob which you can turn, this will adjust the amount of foam you get when using the spray gun. If you move the knob towards the (+) you will get more water, and if you move towards the (-) you get less water. When you have less water you will have more foam so you get a stronger mix applied to the car surface. Feel free to experiment with different mixtures until you get a foam consistency that you are happy with.

To get a thick foam you want to use less water, so you do not have to fill the containers completely when mixing. When the bottles are filled completely, you tend to get runnier foam. Personal preferences will, therefore, dictate how much water you choose to use.

You may find topping up the bottle as you go along helps with the consistency of the foam, this may not be needed however if you have a large vehicle and applying a thick layer of foam then it may become thinner as you go on, so topping up will keep a consistent layer.

To get a thick foam you want to use less water, so you do not have to fill the containers completely when mixing. When the bottles are filled completely, you tend to get runnier foam. Personal preferences will, therefore, dictate how much water you choose to use.

You may find topping up the bottle as you go along helps with the consistency of the foam, this may not be needed however if you have a large vehicle and applying a thick layer of foam then it may become thinner as you go on, so topping up will keep a consistent layer.

Start Foaming
You should use sweeping, unhurried motions moving either up and down or side to side. This will ensure your car gets full and even coverage. If you have an adjustable lance, using the wide spray means you need fewer passes to cover the car. Be careful using the jet spray setting because this can actually remove foam you already had set in place.

Follow up with a suitable post foam wash.
My process differs from most in that instead of using a drying towel for my final wipe, I use a clean Microfibre towel cloth, lightly dampened with ONR from the pre-spray bottle. (About 6 sprays per side) Should there be any dirt remaining, you are at least tackling it in the safest possible way.

The biggest risk of creating swirls is at the drying stage, especially using a dry microfibre towel. Using ONR as a drying aid is definitely the safest way to approach this task. The dampened Microfibre towel / ONR working together bring out the best qualities of each technology. 


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