Pressure Washer Question

Hey guys...

I bought a pressure washer years ago to wash the outside of my house prior to painting it and have always wondered if it could be used on my vehicles. I thought it might be ok but was worried that it would damage the paint due to the high pressure. The pressure washer was one of the lower end models from Home Depot if that helps any.

In any case, can I use it without destroying my paint?

David

 

Do you by chance know how many pounds of pressure it puts out???

 

Not off the top of my head. I haven't used that thing in a few years. I'll go take a look tonight and find out though.

David

 

Sounds good, we have a hotsy that we run at work on all the equipment and work trucks. It works super good but if you get really close it will sometimes chip paint. I'll find out how much pressure it has and let you know

 

Depends on how close you are and condition of paint a lot more than it does the pressure. I've sprayed cars with a 4000 PSI 4 GPM 16 HP V twin powered pressure washer and had no issues, but with a 30* tip and I'm not 2" away from it. You should be fine, use common sense. If your paint is in bad shape then weigh that carefully, but keep a few feet away and move in until you're accomplishing what you want to accomplish, then there's no need to go any closer.

 

This will be done on a 2014 DSCB.

David

 

Use a wide spray angle tip and common sense and you'll be fine. Avoid windows and jambs. I use an electric consumer washer on vehicles that is 1200 psi and it works fine except on mud.
Just don't get any closer than you need, avoid edges of the windows and door seams and any places with chips or damaged paint step back from it avoid altogether.

 

@AR15xAR10

 

I wouldn't try it if you're not comfortable wit possible damage.

As stated by others, you'll need a super wide nozzle that really cuts down the pressure so it won't hurt paint. Also, don't get any closer to the paint than you absolutely have to.

I definitely recommend spraying off at the DIY carwash and hand washing at home in the garage/driveway/yard over using a gas powered pressure washer.

 

Ok so it's a Husky Power Washer H1600. It is rated for 1400psi and 1.4 GPH. What do you think? Ok to use or not?

David

 

Perfectly fine. Again..

Use common sense. Only go as close as you need to. Avoid damaged areas, windows and door jambs.

I promise, you won't die.

 

1400 psi is no issue at all. Use a wider fan tip and go to town.