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Can pressure washing damage car paint?

Always
7%
In most cases
13%
In some cases
72%
Never
3%
Not sure
3%
Next Question
Question: Can pressure washing damage car paint?
Top Answer (72% of 96 votes): In some cases.

Answer: Not sure
Explanation: not sure
Water Wizard LLC
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Yes, pressure washing can damage car paint if not done carefully. Using a pressure setting that’s too high or holding the nozzle too close can strip paint, cause scratches, or even dent the car’s body. To avoid damage, use a lower pressure setting (under 1,500 PSI), a wide-angle nozzle, and maintain a safe distance (at least 2-3 feet) from the car’s surface. It’s best to use a gentle spray pattern and avoid aiming directly at sensitive areas like seals, windows, and joints.
Hudson Hauling and Junk Removal LLC
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: A pressure washer if not used properly can damage just about any surface
Surface Pros Staining and Coating
ProMatcher
Answer: In most cases
Explanation: Yes, pressure washing can potentially damage car paint if not done correctly. Car paint is sensitive, and high-pressure water can cause harm if used improperly. Here are some precautions to prevent damage when pressure washing a car: Use Low Pressure: When pressure washing a car, use the lowest pressure setting on the machine. A pressure setting of around 1,200 to 1,900 pounds per square inch (PSI) is generally safe for car surfaces. Wide Spray Nozzle: Use a wide-angle spray nozzle (25-40 degrees) to disperse the water evenly and reduce the force of the water stream. Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep the pressure washer nozzle at least 2 feet away from the car's surface. Avoid getting too close, as high-pressure water at close range can strip paint or force water into gaps and seams. Angle the Spray: Hold the nozzle at a slight angle to the car's surface, not perpendicular. This reduces the risk of direct pressure on the paint. Use a Mild Detergent: If necessary, use a car-specific cleaning solution or detergent that is safe for automotive paint. Apply it before pressure washing to help loosen dirt and grime. Rinse Thoroughly: After washing, rinse the car thoroughly to remove all detergent and debris. Avoid Sensitive Areas: Be cautious around sensitive areas like door seams, window seals, and areas with chipped paint. High-pressure water can cause damage or force water into these areas. Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before starting, test the pressure washer and settings on an inconspicuous area of the car to ensure they won't harm the paint. Keep the Pressure Washer Moving: Don't let the pressure washer linger on one spot for too long. Keep it moving to prevent concentrated pressure on a single area. Protect Trim and Molding: Some cars have delicate trim or moldings that can be damaged by high-pressure water. Take care to avoid these areas. While pressure washing a car can be an effective way to remove dirt, mud, and road grime, it should be done with care. If you're
Put Pressure On Em
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Mainly about judging distance from the end of wand to the vehicle.
SOUTHERN EXTERIORS
Answer: In most cases
Explanation: Yes it could nick the paint.
Bubba's hauling and house cleaning
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: It is safe to use a pressure washer to clean your car as long as the machine you are using is suitable and not excessively powerful and that you ensure you do not hold the jet of water too close to the paintwork or drive water into sensitive areas such as window seals or corroded bodywork.
Prestige Power Washing, LLC
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Only using hard pressure
Professional Pressure Washing
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: if the paint on the car is fading,rusting,or peeling
Stick's Pressure Washing
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: If there is a chip in the paint the pressurized water WILL make it bigger.
Elite Window Washing
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Depends on the operator.
Jackson Services
Answer: In most cases
Explanation: Too much pressure well actually remove it
buffalopressurwashing
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Again - wrong spray tip and distance from the paint.
Brightway Window Cleaning & Powerwashing
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Yes if you use too much pressure it will strip the paint off.
Seymour Clearly
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: A trained tech should be able to evaluate before approaching
Hood Technologies Fire Safety I nc
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Depends on the psi used
Miami Pro Pressure Washer LLC
Answer: Always
Explanation: if You Use The Wrong Tips Or Pressure
DDJ Mobile Pressure Washing and Car Washing, Detailing inc.
Answer: Never
Explanation: We wash / detail your motor vehicle by hand, then use a gentle pressure washer to rinse your vehicle. No high pressure sprayer is used. We want your vehicle to look better, not worse!
Derricos mobile car wash and detail
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: High pressure too close will damage and if the clear coat is cracking it can mess it up
Cutt-N-Crew
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Have to be careful and watch what your doing.
S. Williams Painting
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: If you get too close or paint is already chipping off
Roop's Lawn Services, LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Any car wash you go to uses a pressure washer.....but,most professional pressure washing machines can cause damage if used by inexperienced workers..putting the nozzle too close will peel paint off. I used a 3600psi/4gpm machine from Lowe's hardware to take the paint off my 1985 Chevy truck,I stripped the whole truck in 4 1/2 hours down to the primer!
Building Wash NC
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Wrong pressure
Saul Reyes Contracting.
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: I have blasted my truck and it still has paint on it
Mr.shinywash.com
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Always when washing autos use low pressure and watch not to rub water lines on cars
Garys deck
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: if rust is under it
Artios Painting 309 788 9432
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: yes, if the paint has a loose clear coat or a damaged area from an accident ..it will peel it right off.
Dan's Pressure Washing and Sealing
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: Not designed for car paint
Temple Painting
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: If your Paint is cracked or chipping it can get under the edge of the paint and cause more paint lose.
Howard's Pressure Cleaning
Answer: In most cases
Explanation: I wouldn't recommend putting a high pressure hose right up to a cars surface. There are companies who use pressure washers on a lower pressure setting and clean cars and this is fine to do.
5 Star Property Maintenance & Pressure Washing, LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: With moderate pressure you can clean a car. But if you use too much pressure you will damage the paint.
Sunshine Business Group LLC
Answer: In some cases
Explanation: if the pressure is high yes it can damage car paint.
Same Day Cleaning Services Inc
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