Power Washers Power washers, power sanders, spray painting equipment and the like can be a painter's best friend -- but only when they're used properly, according to the manufacturer's instructions. SPRAYERS and WASHERS work on the principle of pressure -- extremely high pressure (up to 3,000 psi) -- through a tiny vent. As a result, this equipment can be hazardous to both health and home when used incorrectly or at very close range. Never point any power equipment at any person or animal. And be sure the equipment is out of the reach of children at all times. Wearing the proper clothing when using power sprayers is also important. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves will help protect against accidentally injecting paint under your skin, should you unintentionally hit the trigger while the nozzle is near you. Also, take care not to damage the building when using a power washer. If the pressure setting is too high, or if the nozzle is too close to the surface, the water can literally bore into wood siding, break windows, sliding doors or other glass. Power tools should never be plugged into a power source unless you are sure that the trigger is in the "OFF" position. Also, never use power equipment in the rain as an electrical short could result.   Do's and Don'ts When Power Washing DO wear proper eye and hand protection when operating the equipment. DO attach nozzles and/or accessories before turning on the water. DO keep hands and feet clear of the cleaning nozzle at all times. DO let the machine run for several minutes before starting to power-wash. DO consider using a special cleaning agent if the surface shows heavy mildew growth.   DO follow the equipment manufacturer's directions with respect to distance between the spray head and the surface -- typically 6" to 10", although this varies with the p.s.i and spray width settings. (Moving too close may harm the surface; staying too far away may be ineffective.) DO work from the top of the wall to the bottom, rather than vice versa. Otherwise, dirt and mildew will run down over the already-cleaned section. DO direct the water at a downward arc when cleaning wood substrates. Spraying wood head-on can damage the siding. DO power-wash the surface thoroughly. Paint adheres best to surfaces that are totally clean. DO turn off water at the source to release pressure BEFORE disconnecting hoses. DO set the safety lock when the equipment is not in use. DON'T fill the fuel tank while the engine is running. DON'T leave the nozzle in a closed position for more than a minute or two while the equipment is running. The pump may overheat. DON'T try to repair a leak in the hose or connection while the system is under pressure. DON'T aim the power-washer at an upward angle when cleaning lap siding. This can drive water behind the siding. Also, the force of the water can lift the siding from the wall. DON'T spray stucco, brick or masonry walls straight on. The force of the spray can cause water to penetrate cracks in the walls and cause damage within. DON'T aim the spray at windows or glass doors. The force is strong enough to shatter them.   Solvent Safety When spraying oil-based paint or any other solvent-based coating, make sure all sources of flame are extinguished, including cigarettes and pilot lights. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using any solvent-based product, such as oil-based paint, paint thinner, liquid sandpaper, de-glosser, or paint remover. Also, avoid mixing any of these products together&emdash;toxic fumes may result. Rags and sandpaper used to clean up solvents should be spread out to dry, then placed in a fireproof container. If left wet in a pile, they could spontaneously combust and cause a fire.   BACK TO TOP