How to use pressure washer? Anthony O.

opass · 06-01-05, 08:45

After reading Anthony's post, followed his advise and bought a Husky 1750psi electric pressure washer to cut down detail time. Surprising how little water it use to complete the job. What is the most effect and safe distance from the nozzle to the paint surface during wash? I felt okay when my hand is about 8" away from the nozzle with max fan setting. Am I too close to the paint and wheel with clear coat?

themightytimmah · 06-01-05, 11:18

I never use a P/W on paint, but I keep it about 2-4" away from bad rims, and 6-8" from good ones.

p3passat · 06-01-05, 12:33

I use my karcher sometimes to rinse after a wash. When i do i use the fan style spray - the reason being is i dont use it for its "pressure" capabilities, i use it because it is water efficient and time saving.... and im lazy

buellwinkle · 06-01-05, 01:55

Pressure washers scare me, only use them to get the mud off my dirt bikes. The problem is you are using 1750 PSI to push dirt and grit against the paint causing more swirls, imagine how hard you would have to press your hand against the car to get 1750 PSI. I use my PW at 8" to strip paint of my fence before painting it.

chrisx · 06-01-05, 03:13

I also use a pw when washing my car. As well as saving water (water restrictions slowly coming into force) I find it is quicker to first wet the car and really get into the wheel wells to give them a good rinse. I don't get closer than 1.5 metres (4-5 feet) just to be sure. The function I use on the pw is the swirling action (jet goes round in a circle very quickly) which is similar in operation to a random orbital.

opass · 06-01-05, 03:15

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx
I also use a pw when washing my car. As well as saving water (water restrictions slowly coming into force) I find it is quicker to first wet the car and really get into the wheel wells to give them a good rinse. I don't get closer than 1.5 metres (4-5 feet) just to be sure. The function I use on the pw is the swirling action (jet goes round in a circle very quickly) which is similar in operation to a random orbital.

What is your PW's psi?

buellwinkle · 06-01-05, 03:20

4-5' makes sense for pressure washing a car, 8" would not give good results.

Mark Waldron · 06-01-05, 03:24

I couldn't detail without a pressure washer. I have a Karcher 2500 psi with 2.4 gpm and I've never had a problem . Common sense goes a LONG way when using a pressure washer. I use either the 15, 25, or 40 degree angle tips. I never would use the straight tip or a power nozzle just because of the potential damage that could be done. I keep about a 12-18" distance and I'm fine.

Nikon · 06-01-05, 04:50

I'm with Mark. I have a BE (Honda 6.5hp) 2900psi 2.7gpm pressure washer and use it all the time. Never a problem. I usually adjust the pressure down somewhat (the pump has a pressure control adjustment). I keep the wand about 12 inches away from the surface and keep the wand moving.

Hemi57 · 06-02-05, 12:09

I have been using a 1450 PSI pressure washer for the past 3 years with no adverse affects. This has included 2 dark coloured cars. I use about 12" on a wide spray pattern.

chrisx, I have noted on another thread about the same subject a recommendation to not use the circular nossle.

Burlyq · 06-02-05, 12:19

Yeah, I stopped using PW on costomers cars because you never know if the car has a defect that the pressure will open. I hit a customers car with one once and opened a chip real big. I will say the nozzle was close, about 12 inches away, but it is too tempting to move the nozzle close on dirty cars. I use it on friends and familys but not customers, one error takes about 3 details to pay for.

foxtrapper · 06-03-05, 04:42

There's no simple answer of X distance for safety. Depends on many variables, and gun pressure is only one of them. Pressure washers are routinely used to strip paint on structures prior to painting. They are a powerfull tool, and have consequences, often times unanticipated. A wet interior being a common "oops" with a pressure washer.