Stamped concrete and slate pavers to clean- Surface cleaner but hot or cold?
Steve Mazzuca said
May 17, 2015
Sorry guys, I had to start a new post. Project grew once I got there : ) . I convinced them to add about 8000 sq ft of stamped concrete driveways and walkways to the slate pavers clean, plus an additional 2500 sq ft of terracotta stamped concrete at an outdoor patio/cafe. Job total now approx 12,000 sq ft.
I did a small sample test of Terra Wash 50/50 and then even straight Terra Wash right next to an area done 3 months ago by a surface cleaner. Looks like the surface cleaner wins hands down on this one. Dirt is mostly rubber tire marks from golf carts. No oil or grease. The outdoor patio/cafe has kitchen grease tracked by servers to customers (pic 2)
Question for you pros- Do you think hot water with surface cleaner is the way to go? or will cold water do it? Appreciate the help!
As stated, use hot water. You can also use other size tips in your FSC. I have 15 degree tips in my FSC for an 8 gpm machine. The 15 with #4 hole gives me about 3500 psi. that's at about 1.5-2 inches from the ground. I also have #5 & #6 jets for softer concrete, like newly poured concrete or stamped concrete. Will reduce risk of leaving rings in the concrete and allows you to test for effectiveness at lower psi.
Michael Derose said
May 17, 2015
We #2504 tips in our sc for and 8gpm machine. We also pre treat the pavers first so everything comes off on the first pass. Then when done surface cleaning we go thru the joints with the wand and rinse off. As for newly poured concrete and we use a 3% solution then lightly rinse with a 40 degree tip on the power washer staying about 8-12 inches away.
For stamped concrete we use our 5.5 gpm hot water machine with no solution. We always recommend to seal the stamped concrete after we wash it to bring back the color.
Steve Mazzuca said
May 17, 2015
Thanks guys-that's a huge help and I appreciate you guys taking the time.
Luckily we don't have any extraction/containment requirements on this one BUT this has become a HUGE issue here in CA. Learning that very few competitors have the proper equipment to do this.
Chad Eneix said
May 17, 2015
I agree, the hot water surface cleaner is the only way to go. I thought that when I saw the first post with the pics of the grease tracks where the wait staff walks. Recovery is a huge pain, but from what I understand about California, I think you might as well get used to it and study up. The good news is, if you are one of few offering recovery, then you have a huge advantage.
Paul at The Power Wash Store actually teaches recovery at UAMCC events, and he sells all the best equipment. He's the best place to start.
Sorry guys, I had to start a new post. Project grew once I got there : ) . I convinced them to add about 8000 sq ft of stamped concrete driveways and walkways to the slate pavers clean, plus an additional 2500 sq ft of terracotta stamped concrete at an outdoor patio/cafe. Job total now approx 12,000 sq ft.
I did a small sample test of Terra Wash 50/50 and then even straight Terra Wash right next to an area done 3 months ago by a surface cleaner. Looks like the surface cleaner wins hands down on this one. Dirt is mostly rubber tire marks from golf carts. No oil or grease. The outdoor patio/cafe has kitchen grease tracked by servers to customers (pic 2)
Question for you pros- Do you think hot water with surface cleaner is the way to go? or will cold water do it? Appreciate the help!
Like Mike said...if you got hot use it.
As stated, use hot water. You can also use other size tips in your FSC. I have 15 degree tips in my FSC for an 8 gpm machine. The 15 with #4 hole gives me about 3500 psi. that's at about 1.5-2 inches from the ground. I also have #5 & #6 jets for softer concrete, like newly poured concrete or stamped concrete. Will reduce risk of leaving rings in the concrete and allows you to test for effectiveness at lower psi.
For stamped concrete we use our 5.5 gpm hot water machine with no solution. We always recommend to seal the stamped concrete after we wash it to bring back the color.
Luckily we don't have any extraction/containment requirements on this one BUT this has become a HUGE issue here in CA. Learning that very few competitors have the proper equipment to do this.
Paul at The Power Wash Store actually teaches recovery at UAMCC events, and he sells all the best equipment. He's the best place to start.