New to the board and I have a few questions....

[futuresweets-10]

Hello all. I am new to the forum, just registered. I am looking foward to learning alot from you guys. I detailed professionally for about two years, and now I am in the autobody industry. I recently spent a nice amount of money getting all of the stuff together to start a mobile detailing business, but I still have a few questions. I bought an AR XMV3G27D pump and I am getting a 6hp briggs motor to power it. I would like my gun/lance/nozzle combination to be fairly close to what I am use to useing at the detail shop I use to work at. Its pretty much the same set up that is used at coin car washes. The pump I am useing is 3gpm@ 2700PSI. with that said, what size nozzle should I use? (I found this diagram, but Im not sure what PSI I need to be running anyway http://www.jackssmallengines.com/index_barens_nozzles.html). Also, what Nozzle degree is normal or "standard" for detailing? Thanks in advance guys.

 

[CharlesW]

Welcome to DC!
The answer to your question won't come from me.
Several people here do use a pressure washer enough to be able to assist you, though.
One that I am aware of is Squirtgun who happens to do a lot of pressure washing of a lot of different surfaces.
As you probably already know, you are dealing with enough pressure to do serious damage.
He can most likely give you some good suggestions.
Just be patient since a lot of the professionals aren't on line as often as the rest of us. They aren't ignoring you, they just haven't seen your question yet.

Charles

 

[futuresweets-10]

Welcome to DC!
The answer to your question won't come from me.
Several people here do use a pressure washer enough to be able to assist you, though.
One that I am aware of is Squirtgun who happens to do a lot of pressure washing of a lot of different surfaces.
As you probably already know, you are dealing with enough pressure to do serious damage.
He can most likely give you some good suggestions.
Just be patient since a lot of the professionals aren't on line as often as the rest of us. They aren't ignoring you, they just haven't seen your question yet.

Charles

I'll be patient. Im not new to the world of internet forums, so know how that kinda stuff goes. In general do you see most mobile detailers useing pressure washers or most not useing them. I have always used them and always liked how they use less water. I know they are high pressure, and I know they can damage paint, but I also hear alot of people saying they would never put a pressure washer on their car.

 

[CharlesW]

I'll be patient. Im not new to the world of internet forums, so know how that kinda stuff goes. In general do you see most mobile detailers useing pressure washers or most not useing them. I have always used them and always liked how they use less water. I know they are high pressure, and I know they can damage paint, but I also hear alot of people saying they would never put a pressure washer on their car.

Going only by what I have read, I think they are used a lot by professionals.
Like anything else, they have to be used with care. I don't personally have anything against them, but I don't use my 2200 psi unit on anything but the wheels and wheel wells of my vehicles and even that is very seldom.
It isn't because of the PW, it's because of my not knowing what I'm doing and not needing it enough to learn how to use it correctly.

Charles

 

[Brenton]

I have know idea how to answer, but welcome.
I'm Brenton from PEI.
I use a 1700psi/1.5gpm, and when it works, it does everything I need except hunting vehicles.

 

[Joe's Detail]

i have 2600 psi honda pressure washer.....i've always used it at the lowest setting (largest spread) and have never had any problems on the paint....some might tell u otherwize..

i do used car lots...i pressure wash about 40 cars a week...never had problems

 

[budman3]

I have know idea how to answer, but welcome.
I'm Brenton from PEI.
I use a 1700psi/1.5gpm, and when it works, it does everything I need except hunting vehicles.

Pei- Have you tried camouflage yet? That may be the trick into pulling out the big prize cars :yes:

I would go with a 3.5 nozzel becuse it recommends 4 for 2500psi and 3.5 for 3000 psi and you are inbetween that. I would guess if you get an assortment you would be able to choose the lightest one to use on cars and save other ones if you ever decide to wash a house, stip paint off wood or clean off your driveway.

 

[futuresweets-10]

Pei- Have you tried camouflage yet? That may be the trick into pulling out the big prize cars :yes:

I would go with a 3.5 nozzel becuse it recommends 4 for 2500psi and 3.5 for 3000 psi and you are inbetween that. I would guess if you get an assortment you would be able to choose the lightest one to use on cars and save other ones if you ever decide to wash a house, stip paint off wood or clean off your driveway.

I ordered 40degree, is that about right for detailing?

 

[silverline]

I use a 40 degree tip for my pw as well. Mine has the same specs as yours...3 gal. per minute and 2700 psi. Never had any problems with damaging client's cars. Just be careful and use common sense.

Matt Williams
Silver Lining Detail

 

[futuresweets-10]

I use a 40 degree tip for my pw as well. Mine has the same specs as yours...3 gal. per minute and 2700 psi. Never had any problems with damaging client's cars. Just be careful and use common sense.

Matt Williams
Silver Lining Detail

Any idea what size your tip is? I am thinking a 4 will probably be my best bet.

 

[silverline]

Any idea what size your tip is? I am thinking a 4 will probably be my best bet.

I'll have to check on that for you. I just go by the degree of spray involved. This particular tip has a 40 degree spray angle. Held at a safe distance from the surface, it is strong enough to knock off the dirt and mud while not damaging the paint. As long as you're not holding the tip inches away from the paint you should be fine. I'll usually keep mine at least a foot or more away from the surface. I'll get it within inches while cleaning the tires and wheel wells, but then again, I'm not at risk of damaging those materials like paint will.