How to Deal With Peeling Paint When Pressure Washing

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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A pressure washing hose has the ability to clean many surfaces superbly, but the sheer force of the water from this kind of hose can damage the paint. A pressure washer is a tool many homeowners use on their home, deck or even concrete. Use these suggestions to spray cautiously and avoid chipping or peeling the paint.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pressure washer
Different nozzles
Tarp

Step1

Put down a tarp on the ground around areas where you're pressure washing. Catch the chips as they fall on the tarp, making for easier clean up.

Step2

Spray at a 45-degree angle for best results and the least amount of paint peeling or chipping.

Step3

Stand about 4 feet back from a house or deck to avoid peeling good paint from the surface. Get closer if you are trying to remove paint.

Step4

Select the correct amount of pressure to avoid damage. Choose a lower pressure, under 2000 pounds per square inch (psi), for basic clearing chips. If you're trying to remove paint use the highest pressure setting. Test an inconspicuous area for to see if surface damage occurs.

Step5

Choose a nozzle with a narrow spray pattern to remove paint, or a nozzle with a wide pattern to avoid chipping paint.

Step6

Use a chiseling, or 15-degree angle nozzle if available. The nozzle is specifically designed to chip and remove paint. Use it like a scraper with up and down motion.