Pressure Washing Guide

absolutelybrilliant! · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 26

ok, im being a little dramatic with the topic title, but seriously. I've heard on tv (which of course always gives reliable information) that pressure washing wood surfaces is damaging to the wood- is that true? If not, how much pressure should be applied and at what distance? If it is true, what other methods are recommended? Thanks for the help!

Midwestpro · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:21 pm Post subject:

The only way a pressure washer is damaging to wood is when an inexperienced operator is behind the wand. So many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers ruin their decks with too much pressure.

When done right, with less than 1000 psi and the proper chemicals, a wood deck or fence can be completely restored to its original beauty. In my opinion the proper chemicals are more crucial than the pressure washer itself. Most people will buy some big box store deck cleaner if any at all and that stuff is pretty much worthless. Even a lot of contractors will wash with just water and pressure and that is not correct. Its all about low pressure and the proper contractor grade cleaners.

absolutelybrilliant! · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 26

thanks Midwestpro for your response. So then where can i get these "proper chemicals?" Also, in order to get low pressure, do you recommend that I just use like a 45 degree nozzle and/or back away a bit? Thanks again!

Midwestpro · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:52 pm Post subject:

A 40 degree nozzle won't necessarily give you less pressure than a 15 or 25 degree nozzle. What lowers the pressure is the orifice size of the nozzle. Basically the bigger the hole in the end of the nozzle the less pressure it will put out without sacrificing any flow or gallons per minute.

Your nozzles will have to be matched to your machines GPM. There is a universal chart that can be used to figure out what nozzle will put out whatever pressure you want depending on your GPM.

Here is a nozzle chart and a great place to buy nozzles, equipment, and chemicals (pressuretek.com/nozzles)

Also check out (thesealerstore.com) for chemicals as well.