Pressure Washer Question...

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kdude

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I bought a Karcher stand up unit from Costco rated at 2000 psi.

Is this type of PW safe to use at the rated psi. ?

What do you recommend regarding PSI relative to modern 1 stage or harder paint found on modern Mercedes.

Thanks,
Howard
 
I think the important thing is what spray pattern you use and how close you put it to the paint. As long as you use the "fan" spray pattern and don't put it right up to the paint you should be fine.
 
As a general rule power washers are pretty safe when used on a cars finish. Having said that, the pattern and how close you get to the surface and the length of time it comes to bear can also affect it.

I've never damaged the painted finish on any car I've used mine on. I have a 2600 psi unit and have had great success but I'm very careful with it as well.
 
A4 .. appreciate the feedback... very proud of you having stopped smoking ! Lots of my friends don't have the will power to stop and its wrecking havoc on there lives...

Bobby .. you have given me the confidence that i didnt' have in this product :) , i will take care on how i use it!
:xyxthumbs:
 
Many years ago I used a pressure washer to clean a wooden deck in preparation for a coat or two of sealer. I noticed that not only could I clean the deck, but if I placed the nozzle too close to the deck I could shred off a layer of wood. Faster than a belt sander.

Ever since then I have been REAL careful with a pressure washer and my vehicles. Like Bobby said, be careful - don't get too close and you'll be OK.


Cliff
 
I've actually put a hole through my finger with the jet stream on a pressure washer...dont ask :)

Pressure washers are perfectly fine as long as you are using some sort of a fan spray. The needle jet can punch a hole through a tire though if you aren't careful, but most will be just fine.
 
I always use a pressure washer for the preliminary rinse to knock off all the loose dirt! Mine too is a Karcher, but its going on 30 years old.:D
I just dial down the pressure such that I can hold my hand in front of the fan spray from about a 6 inches away. And just to note: it causes some discomfort from that distance -- but not pain.

Then I go to town on the car! Just make sure that you never hold the stream at a 90 degree angle to the paint. Always shoot for a 30-45 degree angle. That way it will blast dirt off the paint rather than into the paint.
 
Christopher said:
I always use a pressure washer for the preliminary rinse to knock off all the loose dirt! Mine too is a Karcher, but its going on 30 years old.:D
I just dial down the pressure such that I can hold my hand in front of the fan spray from about a 6 inches away. And just to note: it causes some discomfort from that distance -- but not pain.

Then I go to town on the car! Just make sure that you never hold the stream at a 90 degree angle to the paint. Always shoot for a 30-45 degree angle. That way it will blast dirt off the paint rather than into the paint.
Click to expand...


Makes perfect sense! Thx...
 
The PSi ratings on some of the cheaper units don't seem quite the same as the $600+ units either.


Just my $.02
 
I use a 2400psi 2.5GPM Karcher gas powered pressure washer. No problem. Just use a 45 tip (the white one) Don't get too super close.
 
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