Old, rotten wood will disintegrate even below 1000 psi, while new wood could probably withstand up to 2000 psi. You can pressure wash it to remove it. We hear this question a lot from DIYers, and it's an important one. Too much pressure can permanently damage wood, while too little will not be enough to do the job.
In general, we recommend buying a pressure washer that has a capacity of 1200 to 2000 psi. This is the optimal range for removing old paint from the wood of a deck. Based on our experience, we recommend buying a pressure washer with at least 3000 PSI. A lot of pressure is required to break the chemical bond between the surface and the paint. Never use this method on hardboard coatings, as they are more susceptible to moisture and can be easily damaged by high pressure.
Pressure washing is a way to remove loose paint from wood, metal, concrete and other outdoor surfaces. Due to high pressure levels, it can be very efficient and dramatically reduce the time needed to complete this task. If you choose a pressure washer with a range between 2000 and 4000 psi, you'll get the most effective power to remove peeling paint. With pressure washers, as with all electrical equipment, always wear protective goggles and closed shoes.
Prepare the area around the structure you're working on. If necessary, cover all exterior accessories and ensure that all windows and doors are closed. Wood decks require a lower PSI, as wood can easily warp or chip if too much pressure is applied. Try to safely clean wood surfaces between 500 and 1000 psi.
Composite boards can withstand more pressure without being damaged, so a setting of 1500 to 2000 PSI is ideal. Always consult the instructions for the roof cleaner product, as they may recommend a specific PSI. And while pressure washing is a viable option for removing old paint from the terrace, there are a few things you should know before tearing them off and starting to jet clean them. When using a pressure washer, one of the most important settings to do it properly is the water pressure in psi (pounds per square inch).
In some cases (when there are too many coats of paint), you may need more than 3000 psi, but at that time, it's more advisable to hire a professional, as 3000 psi pressure washers can easily damage the wood on the deck. So what psi pressure washer do I need? For the most common outdoor surfaces, such as wooden decks, vinyl siding and concrete driveways, a pressure washer with a range of 500 to 2000 psi should provide effective cleaning power without risk of damage if used properly. Safety glasses are essential when removing paint with a pressure washer, as the high-pressure spray that occurs when placed so close can expel paint particles that could come into contact with the eyes. Brick and concrete coatings can tolerate even higher pressures of 800 to 2000 PSI and 900 to 2500 PSI respectively, without being damaged.
For cleaning residential entrances, a pressure of 1800 psi should provide sufficient pressure to effectively remove dirt, grime, mud and other debris from concrete, asphalt and paving stone entrances without damaging the surface if used properly. Choosing the optimal pressure washer in psi involves taking into account the type of surface, its condition, the distance between the nozzles, the accessories used and the degree of cleaning required. According to the video, a project as demanding as this requires a pressure washer with a rated power of at least 2500 PSI. When washing vinyl, wood or fiber cement siding, a PSI of 1800-2000 should provide sufficient cleaning power to remove dirt, mold, and other build-up.
