Soft99 Water Block Shampoo - Dark & Metallic: pH Balanced Hydrophobic Shampoo

Use roughly 50-100 ml per standard bucket of warm water. That gives you a thick, lubricating lather. You can go slightly higher if the car is very dirty, but there's no need to over-dilute - the hydrophobic actives work best at the recommended ratio.

No. The formula is pH-balanced and free of harsh alkaline detergents, so it won't degrade a properly cured wax, sealant or light ceramic topper. In fact, a freshly coated panel will look better after each wash as the shampoo reinforces beading behaviour.

It will clean any paint colour effectively, but the optical enhancers in this variant are tuned to maximise depth and gloss on darker tones. If you're washing a white or silver car regularly, Soft99's standard Water Block Shampoo range may be a better visual match.

Yes, it's safe on glass and coated alloy wheels. On bare or uncoated trim, rinse promptly to avoid any temporary water spotting. Avoid using it as a dedicated wheel cleaner on heavily braked or contaminated wheels - those surfaces need a proper decon product first.

The water-beading layer left behind is a maintenance layer, not a full sealant. Expect noticeable beading for a few days to a couple of weeks depending on your driving conditions, sun exposure and how often you rinse the car. It's designed to complement, not replace, a proper protection product underneath.

Both work well. In a two-bucket wash with a quality mitt it lathers generously and provides good lubrication across the panel. If you run it through a foam lance, use a slightly higher concentration to get a thick, clingy foam. Either way, rinse thoroughly so no residue is left to spot.

Absolutely. The shampoo rinses clean and leaves no oily residue that would interfere with bonding. A spray wax, Si02 topper or ceramic maintenance spray can go straight on after drying to build up protection further. This is a normal part of a maintenance detail routine.

On dark and metallic paint you should see a noticeably wet, deep gloss with tight water beading if you mist the panel before the car dries completely. There's no haze or residue. The finish looks clean and reflective rather than just washed - it's the small difference that makes a dark car look properly cared for.