You just decided to paint your house or shed, and now you have a mess on your hands. All those beautiful colors are now on the ground, on grass, on your driveway, and all over your house.
Must you be thinking of using Max. Pressure of a pressure washer to clean this up? Well, it isn’t that simple. Pressure wash doesn't work for everything and is often too harsh for many surfaces.
However, you should also know the risks of pressure cleaning before beginning. If your house has a wood deck or brick patio, for example, you could end up with scratches on the surface when the pressure washer is pulled across the area; if this doesn't sound like something you want to deal with, hire a professional instead!
Try and follow them to find out if pressure washing will work for you.
Pressure Wash Is Not For Everything
Before you start, gain enough knowledge about the process, and find out if the surface you are cleaning with a pressure washer can handle it without being damaged.
The one who has to do the job should be cautious as the stained wood or windows, the surfaces having lead paint, and air conditioners should never be pressure washed to prevent any damage. However, the harder surfaces, including the decks, patios, sidewalks, driveways, etc., can easily be cleaned using a pressure washer.
Know the Type of Paint
To remove paint from the outside of your home, it is most important to identify what paint type was used. Most exterior houses are painted with latex paint or water-soluble paint, which is more convenient to clean than oil-based paints.
When removing old exterior house paintings, a power washer that meets such needs should be rented rather than one for softer jobs like roof cleaning. This is because the pressure stream needs to be higher to strip off old coats of paints properly - starting at 2000 psi probably won't cut it, so increase the pressure approaching 3000 psi as needed!
Select the Right Pressure
Before starting, make sure that your machine is set at the proper pressure for removing paint. Adjust the pressure setting and test it on some corner or preferably on some inconspicuous area to avoid apparent damage.
Select the Correct Spray Nozzle
The oil-soluble paint is hard to get off; therefore, you'll need to use a higher amount of water and soap solution. Therefore, choose the proper spray nozzle (ranging from 0 degrees, for heavier substances like grease and tar, up to 65 degrees).
Ensure Safety
Never forget about the importance of safety when handling pressure washers. Always direct the nozzle downwards until you become comfortable using the power of your tool.
Everyday clothing won't protect against an injury from your pressure cleaner mishap; many injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate safety gear like boots, gloves, etc.
Gas-powered machines must never be utilized in confined spaces and avoid stools and ladders, heights during the job.
Conclusion
Removing paint by pressure washing can be done simply by observing and adjusting the settings of the suitable pressure washer, 15-degree nozzle orifice; medium fan setting; high-pressure washer setting. For the pressure washer to remove the paint but doesn't damage the siding beneath it (since some materials can get damaged if exposed too long), always monitor your pump’s pressure while working!
