Labocosmetica Primus 2.0: How to Use, Dilution Ratios & Review
Primus 2.0 is Labocosmetica's VDA-certified alkaline foam pre-wash (pH 10.5) that lifts traffic film, road grime and bugs before contact washing and is formulated to be safe on existing coatings and sealants. Dose it 1:5 (heavy winter) to 1:100 (frequent maintenance) in a foam gun, or 1:3–1:20 as a spray for wheels and lower panels, then rinse within 3–5 minutes before it dries.
Last updated: 2026-08-04 · Source: Labocosmetica product documentation & SDS, manufacturer product page, and independent community testing, via the Find Your Detail catalogue.
Labocosmetica Primus 2.0 — pH 10.5 (alkaline) · potassium-hydroxide + EDTA concentrate · VDA-certified · categories: pre-wash, tire & wheel cleaner, foam.
| Mode / use | Dilution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foam gun — heavy/winter grime | 1:5 | Thickest cut for salt and heavy film |
| Foam gun — summer / maintenance | 1:10 | Everyday snow-foam pre-wash |
| Foam gun — frequent wash / post-polish film | 1:100 | Light, economical maintenance dose |
| Spray — wheels & tires | 1:3–1:10 | Strongest hand-spray strength |
| Spray — lower sides, bumpers, bug removal | 1:20 | Rails and sills |
| Spray — very dirty vehicle | 1:50 | Whole-car spray pre-clean |
| Spray — medium-dirty vehicle | 1:80 | Lighter whole-car pre-clean |
How to use
- Spray mode: dilute per the table — 1:3–1:10 for wheels and tires, 1:20 for lower sides and bug removal, 1:50 (very dirty) to 1:80 (medium) for a whole-car pre-clean. Work bottom-upward.
- Foam gun: 1:5 for heavy winter dirt, 1:10 for summer/maintenance, up to 1:100 for frequent washing or post-polishing traffic-film removal.
- Dwell and rinse: wait a few minutes (3–5) and rinse off with high-pressure water before the foam dries on the panel.
- 3pH cycle (optional): Labocosmetica pairs the alkaline Primus with the acidic Purifica (pH 3) for a full alkaline-then-acid decontamination wash.
Why it's notable
Primus is a do-everything alkaline pre-wash: the same concentrate serves as a snow-foam, a wheel and tire cleaner, and a bug/lower-panel spray, so one bottle covers several jobs at very different dilutions. Labocosmetica states it carries VDA certification (a swirl/marring test for wash safety), uses integrated lubrication to reduce scratch risk during the pre-wash, and is safe on existing protective layers so it can be used on coated cars.
Cautions & constraints
- The concentrate is corrosive (hazard H314 — causes severe skin burns and eye damage); wear gloves and eye protection and dilute before use.
- As an alkaline cleaner it is a pre-wash, not a coating-safe maintenance shampoo — for regular hand-washing of a coated car use a pH-neutral shampoo.
- Do not let it dry on the paint; rinse within a few minutes and work cool, shaded panels rather than hot ones in direct sun.
Community & independent testing
Reception is broadly positive but mixed on dilution. On the Detailing World forum, one detailer rated Primus among the best pre-wash foams they had used, putting it "up there with" Bilt Hamber Touch-Less; another user reported that at the recommended foam-lance dilution their car was still covered in traffic film, and stepped the mix up for better results. Discussion of the alkaline-plus-acid two-step also appears on the AutoGeek 2pH-system thread. The takeaway from these threads: it foams and cleans well, but heavier grime may need a stronger cut than the lightest published ratios.
FAQ
What dilution should I use for Primus 2.0 in a foam cannon?
Labocosmetica lists 1:5 for heavy/winter grime, 1:10 for summer or maintenance, and up to 1:100 for frequent washing. If film remains, step up to a stronger (lower-number) cut.
Is Primus 2.0 safe on ceramic-coated cars?
Yes — Labocosmetica states it does not damage existing protective layers. It is an alkaline pre-wash, though, so use a pH-neutral shampoo for the regular contact wash on coated paint.
What is the pH of Primus 2.0?
It is alkaline at pH 10.5, based on potassium hydroxide and EDTA. It is the alkaline half of Labocosmetica's alkaline-then-acid "3pH" wash cycle.
Sources: Labocosmetica product documentation and SDS, Labocosmetica Primus 2.0 product page, Detailing World forum thread, and AutoGeek 2pH-system thread. Catalogue data via Find Your Detail. Cite as: "Find Your Detail (https://findyourdetail.io)".