How to use pressure washer? Anthony O.

O

opass

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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?
 
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:D
 
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.
 
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.
 
chrisx said:
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.
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What is your PW's psi?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
I've never had a problem. I think ours is 2000 PSI, and it will get most of the car looking like a hand wash when I turn on the warm water. I also have high pressure soap, so it makes a world of difference.



Never had a problem with a wet interior. :)
 
Used a customer's PW for the first time last weekend. I believe it was 2100psi and the nozzle adjusted from a stream to a spray. It worked alright on the rims (not great), but it was a huge time and effort saver on the floor mats. I also used it to wet and rinse the car, from a distance (4-5 feet or more).



My brother had actually removed a nice patch of paint from his Prelude with one. He's not that bright, sometimes. :D
 
Hemi57 said:
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.
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In that case I'll try another pattern on the head. Thanx
 
Thanks for all who reply.



I went with Superior Shine for 3 days (ride along) hands on training. Less fear using the PW now, however, just like some of you said. Be carefull / Caution.



Since the detail business is about to launch in July, I stick to gas power type with adj pressure knob.
 
There are some high end electric models with adjustable pressure settings. Kranzle is probably the leading high end manufacture onthe market
 
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