blackrose Posted October 1, 2017 Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 (edited) I recently used a neighbour'd presure washer to clean my boat. He warned me it might take some paint off, but the only paint it removed completely was the unsound stuff on the stern deck so that was fine. I did notice a cream coloured residue in the river which must have come from the non-slip deck paint on the roof, so it must have taken the surface off, but it looked fine afterwards. The one I used was a Karcher K4 compact and I was very impressed, but do most people think pressure washers are just too aggressive for their paintwork? Edited October 1, 2017 by blackrose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machpoint005 Posted October 1, 2017 Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 Depends which spray/jet head you have fitted. My cheap Chinese pressure washer is probably less powerful than a Kärcher, but the nozzle I use on paintwork is fully adjustable and does no damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted October 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 I didn't try varying the pressure as I wasn't sure how to do it but the specs seem to show it's possible to reduce the pressure. https://www.kaercher.com/uk/home-garden/pressure-washers/k4-compact-16373110.html#KcXaFPD9zkRJX4SL.97 I'm thinking of getting one as Halfrauds have them at £150 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giant Posted October 1, 2017 Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 It's not really necessary to be able to adjust the pressure output, you normally have an adjustable nozzle that can vary from a tight jet to a wide fan. The distance you hold the nozzle from the surface also makes a big difference - the closer you get, the more aggressive it is. I find this gives plenty of control. You do need to be careful though, even on good paintwork it's possible to damage the paint if you go at it too hard with a tight spray close in. Personally I find ours useful for a quick, low-effort wash down, but it won't shift everything, and you get a fair bit of backspray of dirty water over other surfaces nearby, so you need to plan your approach and rinse off afterwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon12345 Posted October 1, 2017 Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 Karcher have an outlet store for refurbished stuff. I bought a steam cleaner off them and its been fine. https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5100 https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5420 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightwatch Posted October 1, 2017 Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 31 minutes ago, Jon12345 said: Karcher have an outlet store for refurbished stuff. I bought a steam cleaner off them and its been fine. https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5100 https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/products/product.asp?id=5420 I have bought a couple of things from the outlet. Been fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LEO Posted October 1, 2017 Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 They can remove paint, especially if you have any micro-blistering. Ii would use a shampoo, sponge and brush, for cleaning boat paintwork......... The K4,s are good, the new model has an adjustable pressure spray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Ambrose Posted October 1, 2017 Report Share Posted October 1, 2017 (edited) I spent some time as a boat valet and our boss would not let a pressure washer near a boat other than on teak decks (we had a special technique for that) I always wince when I see people pressure washing canopies ans cratch covers, the stitching us very vulnerable, it is so much better and quicker to clean them my way. People would pay a min £250 for a clean. Phil Edited October 1, 2017 by Phil Ambrose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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