power sprayer/painting recommendations

[unknownjulie]

Bought a cheap sprayer that is great for removing the moss from my rock walls. May have to return it- as it looks really, really cheaply made. House will require something more powerful.

[terracore]

We bought an electric Kärcher brand pressure washer at Costco many years ago and it has worked reliably and has logged many many hours of use. We did have to replace the hose and it was difficult to find online and expensive to ship. I previously had used a gas model which worked great but you had to be careful using it on wood as it would cut into it if you got too close.

[unknownjulie]

Oh great Terracore. Thanks for the recommendation! The problem I foresaw with the small one I bought is that it had a very narrow area of fullpressure and to do the entire house would have taken hours upon hours. It did totally strip the paint off of the block walls- so I am assuming that it (paint) wasn't on there very well to begin with- but please correct me if I am wrong. I am thinking a more powerful unit will have a larger area of powerful spray? Is this right? I am terrified of hiring someone and having them damage the house- which I could definately see as a danger. I may have to do this myself somehow, just because I am worried about this happening. Has anyone had this concern and was it valid? Thanks

[Rob Tucker]

Most pressure washers I've seen have a selection of changeable washer tips to choose from narrow to wide spray.

[unknownjulie]

Oh that's good. I'm sure the more expensive ones are much better. Thanks.

[terracore]

quote:

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Originally posted by unknownjulie

Oh great Terracore. Thanks for the recommendation! The problem I foresaw with the small one I bought is that it had a very narrow area of fullpressure and to do the entire house would have taken hours upon hours. It did totally strip the paint off of the block walls- so I am assuming that it (paint) wasn't on there very well to begin with- but please correct me if I am wrong. I am thinking a more powerful unit will have a larger area of powerful spray? Is this right? I am terrified of hiring someone and having them damage the house- which I could definately see as a danger. I may have to do this myself somehow, just because I am worried about this happening. Has anyone had this concern and was it valid? Thanks

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The concrete has to be prepared, usually etched, primed, and painted using chemicals, procedures, and paints especially made for concrete. Anything else and the paint will peel off. Epoxy products are the best, but probably not necessary unless its a horizontal surface with foot or vehicle traffic. A good epoxy concrete "paint" will be a coating that is actually stronger than the concrete. It's also really expensive.

[oink]

A more powerful machine will allow you to use a broader tip while maintaining a high pressure. If you go for a more powerful non-commercial gas model the engine make isn't overly important IMHO, as it will more likely be the pump that fails first. Replacing just the pump is usually not practical but can be accomplished if you find one on the internet cheaply and have skills. The commercial sprayers will have quality pumps for which parts and repairs might be found. I think what generally finishes off the pumps on the non-commercial units is forgetting to turn the water on first. I couldn't justify the cost of a commercial unit. I have a Homelite with a Sabaru engine from Lowes or HD. I always use fuel additive, run the carb dry and turn the water on first. No real complaints after a couple of years.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[unknownjulie]

wow, you guys know a lot about this. I did see some paint in the HD that said you could put it on concrete and also wood. It did appear to be pretty expensive, but I probably can assume? it's good paint- if it will adhere to concrete block? yes?

I may just rent a big machine for the day, but I am getting exhausted just thinking about this. It seems so incredibly complicated.

[Rob Tucker]

Wear shoes when you pressure wash. That water pressure can cut skin.

[David M]

Here is a link that describes various nozzles/uses.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImag...0f3f7e.pdf

David

Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com