In many situations, pressure washing is an important first step in the exterior painting process. In this blog, we’ll explain the pressure washing process and the importance of hiring a professional for the task to prevent damage and ensure the job is completed correctly.
A pressure washer has three main components:
- A water pump: This pressurizes the water and shoots it out of a high-pressure hose toward the desired target.
- A gas engine or electric motor: This powers the pump. A gas engine is typically larger and more powerful, but requires more experience and caution to use properly. An electric motor is typically smaller, weaker, and needs to be connected to a power outlet.
- A high-pressure hose: This shoots a concentrated stream of water onto the target. It requires a special sort of tubing, as a normal hose cannot handle the levels of pressure a pressure washer requires.
In order to successfully complete pressure washing, we must select from several different types of nozzles. Each nozzle has a specific use. It is important to choose the correct nozzle for the job that you desire to perform. These nozzle types include:
- Red or 0-degree nozzle: These nozzles are the most powerful, as they create the most concentrated stream of pressurized water. It’s crucial to use caution and care with this type of nozzle. It should be used solely with the most difficult-to-remove debris, such as rust or sap. It is usually used only on durable surfaces, such as concrete or metal. Under no circumstances should it be used on wood or other materials that could potentially be damaged.
- Yellow or 15-degree nozzle: This nozzle does well with removing paint, mildew, dirt, and grime buildup. Similar to the red nozzle, this nozzle should not be used on delicate surfaces like wood.
- Green or 25-degree nozzle: This nozzle is the most commonly used nozzle for standard needs. It works well on many surfaces, such as decks and siding.
- White or 40-degree nozzle: This nozzle is used for more delicate items, such as windows. Even though this nozzle has less pressure than the others, it is important to still exercise caution.
- Black or soap nozzle: This nozzle has the lowest pressure and is typically only used for applying soapy water on surfaces.
Our team of experts knows how to safely operate a pressure washer and use it to fulfill your exterior pressure washing needs. We encourage you to have us complete your pressure washing job before painting instead of attempting to do it yourself, as our experience allows us to choose the best water pressure to get the job done without causing damage. Give us a call today and we can perform a pressure washing to get your exterior painting process done right!