Pressure Washer?
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TranceKrayz
New member
i use the pressure washer on my truck in the winter months when i can't do a full detail job.....i don't see how it can hurt. it's the only way i can blast off all of the salt and dirt that can really hurt the paint.
TranceKrayz
New member
i don't have a pressure washer so i don't know what pressure....but i go to those car washes that have pressure washers for you to use. the hand car wash that i sometimes go to when i'm lazy also uses a pressure washer to soak, and then running water to rinse.
Thundercloud
New member
I use a pressure washer even on my Corvette with no problems at all. :bigok:
Thundercloud
New member
Mine has low, med, and high. I use it on medium.
Before I used a pressure washer on a car I called Meguiar's and asked. They said that anything over 1,000 psi would probably damage the finish.
Remember that pressure washers produce full pressure when you're using the pencil point stream -- it drops pretty quickly when you use a fan spray. It also drops when you add an extra length of hose to the gun. Whatever you do, don't use the rotating pencil point on a vehicle!!
We're currently using a 1,500 psi electric model from Campbell Hausfield. With it being electric, then you don't need to worry about idling the engine while you soap and scrub.
The fan spray removes loose dirt when you rinse before washing, then it easily removes the soap after washing. I narrow the spray for the wheels and tires, widen it for the body.
Remember that pressure washers produce full pressure when you're using the pencil point stream -- it drops pretty quickly when you use a fan spray. It also drops when you add an extra length of hose to the gun. Whatever you do, don't use the rotating pencil point on a vehicle!!
We're currently using a 1,500 psi electric model from Campbell Hausfield. With it being electric, then you don't need to worry about idling the engine while you soap and scrub.
The fan spray removes loose dirt when you rinse before washing, then it easily removes the soap after washing. I narrow the spray for the wheels and tires, widen it for the body.
peter78
Super Moderator
I have used my 1,500 pressure washer once on a old dirty car that I used to park outside. I was careful not to get too close, still it took off the detailing pin stripes. A pressure washer like mine is good for under carraige or wheels, but keep away from the paint. I used my pressure washer for milddew on the house, dirty porches or driveways, but I stay away from the cars.
Vortec4800
New member
jharris2 said:
Hail damage, anyone?
Maybe you used one that pumps too much water through it? The electric model handles something like 1.6 gallons per minute. With a fan spray, you can actually put your hand about 6 inches from the tip and rinse the soap off without hurting your hand.peter78 said:I have used my 1,500 pressure washer once on a old dirty car that I used to park outside. I was careful not to get too close, still it took off the detailing pin stripes. A pressure washer like mine is good for under carraige or wheels, but keep away from the paint. I used my pressure washer for milddew on the house, dirty porches or driveways, but I stay away from the cars.
I figure that if the water coming from the pressure washer doesn't hurt your hand, then it won't hurt the paint.
Our gas-powered pressure washer, though, is a different matter. We use that for cleaning conrete, etc. It never gets close to the vehicles.
peter78
Super Moderator
Yeah, my pressure washer is a Coleman run by a gas engine. The band or wand that I use has 6 to 8 small openings and spins the 6 to 8 small openings in a circle. It says it is as effective as a 2,000 psi washer. If you put your hand 18" away it will really sting, any closer, well I decided not to try.
You cannot adjust the power, you basically stand so far away from something and closer if you need more power. If you get too close to wood it will start to break apart.
You cannot adjust the power, you basically stand so far away from something and closer if you need more power. If you get too close to wood it will start to break apart.
That's the kind of pencil-point I don't want anywhere near the truck...it's getting full pressure in a very small area. I use that kind of tip for cleaning concrete. No wonder it took off the pin stripes.peter78 said:Yeah, my pressure washer is a Coleman run by a gas engine. The band or wand that I use has 6 to 8 small openings and spins the 6 to 8 small openings in a circle. It says it is as effective as a 2,000 psi washer. If you put your hand 18" away it will really sting, any closer, well I decided not to try.
You cannot adjust the power, you basically stand so far away from something and closer if you need more power. If you get too close to wood it will start to break apart.
You should be able to get an adjustable tip that will vary from a pencil-point stream to a 90-degree fan spray. That's what I use and have not had a problem with the finish.
