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You are here: Home / Videos / DIY Pressure or power Washing Tips for Cleaning Cinder block walls

DIY Pressure or power Washing Tips for Cleaning Cinder block walls

April 30, 2014 By Stucco Plastering 51 Comments

How to power or pressure wash and clean cinder blocks walls, fences, houses, retaining Cinder Block walls etc.
Pressure or power Washing Tips And Techniques

Hello folks, this video is for your information. DIY Pressure Washing Tips And Techniques.
My son and I did this video because of so many folks continue e-mailing me expressing their frustration in regards to a new cementitious color coat applied and it’s coming off or that their new skim coat over bricks or cinder blocks are also coming loose.
The key for all skim coats and color coats is to first pressure wash the Cinder Blocks, bricks, stucco, paint, or whatever you are preparing very well.
Next, a bit of practice and know what PSI should be used under current circumstances.

This cinder block wall did not need a bonding agent as it was porous, this meant the skim coat would adhere permanently to the clean Cinder block buy suction.

If you are pressure washing or power washing, (same thing) different name over a painted surface, the next important tip is to apply the bonding agent directly to the house or the wall itself
(NOT IN THE MIX, IF THIS SHORTCUT IS TAKEN THE COLOR OR SKIM COAT WILL COME OFF) as this will dilute the bonding agent to where it has little or no usefulness.

Please also see our web site at http://www.StuccoPlastering.com
Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.
DIY Pressure or power Washing Tips for Cleaning Cinder block walls
Artisan Plaster dude, Artisan Plaster man, Artisan Plaster images, Artisan Plaster guy, Artisan Plaster master
Thanks for watching and have a great day!

DIY Pressure or power Washing Tips And Techniques,How to power or pressure wash and clean cinder blocks walls,
pressure washing bricks, power washing cinder block walls washing, how to wash cinder blocks, How to clean cinder blocks,

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Comments

  1. MrFishone777 says

    April 30, 2014 at 3:28 am

     Hey Kirk, I've been sandblasting off and on for 20 years. Blasting a cinder block wall with Walnut Shells works really well. You have to watch out you do not blast to much and damage the mortar. You still need to pressure wash after blasting.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 30, 2014 at 4:20 am

      Evening MrFishone777, What city and state are you in?
       Back in the day I used to refer a bunch of guys to sandblast homes and walls we were to apply color coats on, it seams for the last 15 to years it's now outlawed here where I live.
       I tell most folks to pressure wash well these days as many people call me expressing frustration at new color coats or skim coat coming off.
       Thought I would try and set the record straight.
       Best wishes, 
       kirk and family

      Reply
    • MrFishone777 says

      April 30, 2014 at 4:53 am

      The restrictions are from county to county. Silica is the problem. There is air quality issues too. I'm not sure if blasting with walnut shells falls under a hazard material restriction.
      I see the state workers blasting you just have to reclaim all the debris produced. I've been making sandblasted Natural Stone signs in Plumas County, CA for many years. I would imagine that sandblasting with silica sand in the open around any highly populated areas would be illegal. By the way Silica is just tiny Quarts crystals that you find on every sandy beach or river.   

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 30, 2014 at 4:57 am

      Hi MrFishbone, rules on top of rules.
       I try and avoid getting yelled at or in trouble with any of the agencies.
       Cheers! 
       kirk and family

      Reply
    • MrFishone777 says

      April 30, 2014 at 5:28 am

      I sent a picture for you from your website. Big Fan of yours Kirk. I'm feeling pretty good about trying out some skip-trowel techniques.

      Reply
    • Dusty G. says

      April 30, 2014 at 7:51 am

      @MrFishone777 silica sand is tiny particles  like asbestos. once it gets into your lungs your in a world of hurt. If you are wet blasting  not to much to worry about but dry blasting, mining, and even bad clean up.  put alot of those tiny particulates into the air.  Im waiting for the lawsuits to start from the mines that mine silica and  it and pile it for the oil fracking to start. people all over the area in I believe Oklahoma are developing health issues.

      Also the epa came out years ago with new regulations on lead and dealing with it. Oh it its a Bitch almost as bad as asbestos with all the suits,respirators and plastic.  

      i understand why but As a business owner all the stuff I had to do to protect everything. But if The homeowner did it they didnt have to worry about dropping the lead paint on the ground or throwing it into the landfill.

      Ok im done..

      Reply
  2. Gee Dubb says

    April 30, 2014 at 4:21 am

    not only does it take the hide off, it's pretty damn painful when it does it. Kinda like getting a road rash at 400 mph/

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 30, 2014 at 5:02 am

      Hey Gee Dubb, hate to say it but I touched the spray myself once too, Ouch, won't being doing that again, but I did do a boot afterwards one day when I was really bored and had been pressure washing for hours just for the hell of it, lets just say I won't be doing that goofy shit anymore either.
       Live and learn.
       cheers.
       kirk and family

      Reply
  3. Dusty G. says

    April 30, 2014 at 7:55 am

    love turbo tip aka grenades. 

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 30, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      Hey dusty, Grenades sounds like a good name for these tips as they do look like that.
       Cheers! 
       Kirk and family

      Reply
  4. mo khan says

    April 30, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    Hey Kirk, I want to purchase a swimming pool trowel, but in unsure of what size to get, could you recommend me a size, il be using it for sand/cement rendering,

    Reply
    • mo khan says

      April 30, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      Don't know whether to get a 16inch x 4 1/2inch or a 18in x 5in

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 30, 2014 at 11:09 pm

      Hi Mo Khan, good question the 16X4 is more for concrete as it does not flex as well as say the 16X5 which is for plastering , You can control the mud with your wrist better as the blade flexes a bit more with the 5 inch wide blade
       An 18X5 takes some practice but for concrete you should get the hang of it after a few jobs, plus it requires less strokes to get the lines out.
       I sometime use a 20X5 but don't recomend it to anyone as is big, bulky and most folks can't seem to get the feel for it. 
       Best wishes, 
       kirk and family

      Reply
    • mo khan says

      May 1, 2014 at 12:04 am

      @StuccoPlastering thanks Kirk, I cant find a 16X5 anywhere in the UK online, but will the following be ok for stucco/render http://www.transtools.co.uk/hand-tools/construction-tools/concrete-floats-and-trowels/marshalltown-msp815bd-blue-steel-swimming-pool-trowel-float-18in-x-5in?show_vat=0

      Reply
  5. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    May 4, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    DIY Pressure or power Washing Tips And Techniques 

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      May 5, 2014 at 1:00 am

      Hello patricia summers, thanks for sharing.
       Kirk and family

      Reply
  6. Tony A says

    October 14, 2014 at 1:52 am

    Hello Kirk, I have a 1955 house that has been exterior painted over at least 10 times…The paint is NOT peeling..I want to re-stucco the house…Which is the best way to get the paint off?  Water pressure using gas 3,000 psi rented at Home Depot? Sand Blasting?  Then a bonding agent..What are the steps for this if you have time to share..
    Thanks,
    David

    Reply
    • Tony A says

      January 4, 2015 at 3:36 pm

      @Kirk & Jason Giordanos DIY plastering and stucco instructional videos and forum

      Reply
    • Tony A says

      January 4, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      @Kirk & Jason Giordanos DIY plastering and stucco instructional videos and forum Following up on your answer about re-stuccoing my 1955 house..I have pressure wash my entire house by using  a rented home depot 3200 psi machine…Next is the bonding agent…However, question: I bought Weld Crete and you said to dilute it to 50/50 on the painted surfaces, is that right, because due to spidering affect in you don't…(yes I have watched over 15 of your videos,lolol)..With that said, I have replaced all windows and have a scratch coat, brown coat or whatever you guys call it that is ready for the color coat…The question is: at those spots which is just cement do I cover it with weld crete 100% several times to make that texture the same as the painted pressure washed house? Thanks for everything, the videos are great and really help DIY people like me…Thanks man

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 4, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      Good morning Tony, a slight misunderstanding may have occurred, I say to dilute Larson's bonding agent (weld crete) when applying a color coat over a painted surface then apply directly to the home.
       However when applying a scratch, brown and color finish over a painted surface, You want to apply the weld crete at full strength, enough to really hold almost a solid inch of stucco.
       If you apply it full strength then apply a (only) a color finish, this 1/8 of an inch of finish will hairline like a dropped egg.
       Doubtful any harm is done, call my home phone and leave me your best call back number, so I can get a better idea of what you're doing.
      510 521-9546
      Cheers and have a Happy New Years,
       Kirk Giordano’s DIY plastering tips

      Reply
    • Tony A says

      January 6, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      @Kirk & Jason Giordanos DIY plastering and stucco instructional videos and forum Mr. Giordano, thanks for the great offer to call you and discuss this, what a offer…However, I would rather email you with a picture of the house so you can get the true idea as I don't know how to explain it as best as I should. Is it possible to get your email or I'll send you mine: tony4friends3@gmail.com…thank you so much and thanks for the individual care and concern you have already shown to make my house improvements…

      Tony

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      January 6, 2015 at 8:17 pm

      No worries Tony on it's way.
      Cheers and have a Happy New Years,
      Kirk Giordano’s DIY plastering tips

      Reply
  7. Paul Rhodes says

    October 22, 2014 at 1:45 am

    Great video! What brand of pressure washer do you buy I see it has a Honda engine but just curious on the brand of washer thank you.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      October 22, 2014 at 2:02 am

      Hi Paul Rhodes, man, I'm not certain of the brands, as long as they have the honda engine, I like them, I usually buy the top of the line stuff as you get what you pay for.
       best wishes,
      Kirk & Jason Giordano's DIY plastering network

      Reply
    • Paul Rhodes says

      October 22, 2014 at 2:06 am

      No problem I need a new one and looking for 3000psi I will check around I do want the Honda engine for sure thanks again.

      Reply
    • Robert w S says

      April 3, 2018 at 1:06 am

      Home Depot sells P/W. Mine is Dewalt 3800psi at 3.5 gpm 200 dollars more got me to 3800psi And duty cycle is 100%

      Reply
  8. Enlightened herenow says

    September 27, 2015 at 4:28 am

    This was one of the best videos I've watched on the Tube, Kirk. Everything you said was true. I washed my CMU wall with a 2000psi, 1.2 gpm electric washer, but as you said 3000psi is probably the minimum to make any noticeable change on the efflorescent build-up. I also tried TSP with the toughest brush I could fine and to my surprise, no change on the build-up, yet made the clean part of the blocks unnecessarily white, but I guess that's OK if I primer and paint the wall. Tomorrow I was going to prime it with a acrylic block fill primer using a 3/4" synthetic nap roller. Then 2 coats of elastomeric exterior waterproof paint, until I saw your other video plastering it and it looked just terrific.I'm now having second thoughts…and might just hold off 'till next weekend. Or, maybe plaster looks good because you're an expert in it, but for a new homeowner that I am I might just go with the paint option, but still wondering if I paint now and a few years down the road, decide to plaster it, can I still apply plaster on paint or should I remove the paint again? That'd be a hassle. Any advice? Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

    Reply
  9. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

    September 27, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    Morning Enlightened herenow, thank you, yes , I have some advice, if you paint a retaining wall, more than likely you will have to paint ofter as retaining walls tend to hold back dirt and when rained on for weeks sometimes leach rain water.
    This occurrence is paints worst enemy.

    If you do decide to do this Primer it well as that is what makes the paint adhere and is stronger than the paint so two coats of paint are not necessary, instead go heavy with the primer.
    If you plaster this wall with a skim coat first then a apply color coat maintenance free cementitious finish, you will never have to worry about this wall agin for 100 years, sure the color may fade in time, but the finish will never come off.
    Place an add on craigslist seeking a plasterers or hire a licensed fella to do this simply application.
    In the long run you will be happy you did.
    Best wishes,
    Kirk Giordano

    Reply
  10. tipperary links says

    May 8, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    Thanks for the video! How long do you think for a thorough dry on basement walls and floor so paint will adhere? Guesstimate or things to look for to determine dryness (in addition to touch)? I know cinder block is more porous than cement and wicks water deeper like a sponge. thanks.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      May 8, 2016 at 4:25 pm

      Morning tipperary links, good question,
      Depends or ventilation and the weather, open all window if it's hot the dryer condition will dry out in a week or so.
      If there no warm air flow use fans to dry out.
      Best wishes,
      Kirk giordano Plastering

      Reply
  11. Scott Awaywithit says

    July 7, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    a bit of 10:1 hcl acid in a squirt bottle first works wonders…..not on stone….but bricks and blox are fine…..i figure theres a reson you dont.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      July 7, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      Hi Scott, good tip, cheers,
      kirk giordano

      Reply
  12. Shantel Fullerton says

    November 30, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Go to inplix page if you'd like to know how to build it. Great solutions for everyone I think

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      November 30, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      Morning Mate, thank you
      cheers,
      Kirk and Jason’s rendering videos

      Reply
    • Glen Smuglin says

      November 17, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      Thanks a lot

      Reply
  13. Jjay says

    August 20, 2017 at 2:05 am

    Hello sir Kirk ,I just pressure wash my painted walls and I will put weld Crete.
    I used 3500 psi. My question is it necessary the paint to be remove when I pressure wash?i pressure wash it the paint not coming out? Thank you sir.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      August 20, 2017 at 3:00 am

      Good evening Spider man dude, when we pressure wash we do so with the idea that we are going to clean the dust, dirt, grime of the painted surface.
      I am in happy when all the paint remains on the home.
      I have hod the opposite where most comes for many reasons, such as a homeowner did not use a primer or the paint has been on with no maintenance for over 15 years.
      What a drag this is.
      Stucco is only as good as what is applied over, sounds to me like you did a fantastic job.

      Live long and plaster
      teaching repairing your number 1 investment, your home

      Reply
  14. Robert w S says

    April 3, 2018 at 12:57 am

    With turbo tips. Treat them like a saw blade. I ran it across my leather boot by mistake and now have a boot with a circle etching. It damages the surface of my work boot. And always wear eye protection. You don't see it coming until it hits you and if it hits your eyeball you could louse that eye. Kirk great video as always.

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 3, 2018 at 1:01 am

      Howdy Robert, no doubt, thanks for the tips
      Live long and plaster,
      Teaching plastering tips with proper techniques

      Reply
  15. 83RBurke says

    April 15, 2018 at 4:31 pm

    I wear neoprene waders to power wash. Kurt’s company? White long sleeve collared dress shirts. Gotta look professional in this biz…! All in fun, good video, ty

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 15, 2018 at 4:36 pm

      Good Morning Burk Dude, no one will belive I'm a doctor unless I were this white shirt. Live long and plaster Kirk and Jason’s plastering tips and techniques

      Reply
  16. awek7piki says

    April 30, 2018 at 12:14 am

    >>>t.co/PmVlPumnxL Very easy to use and much lighter than a gas powered model. Works great to clean the siding on my home. Will also clean my cedar deck.

    Reply
    • blk34music says

      April 30, 2018 at 12:19 am

      works well. good quality.

      Reply
    • Tuấn Anh Đỗ says

      April 30, 2018 at 12:23 am

      good quality.

      Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      April 30, 2018 at 4:46 am

      Howdy dude, thats what I'm talking about.Teaching the world how to plaster one Video at a time

      Reply
  17. Stuart Webb says

    September 24, 2018 at 9:44 pm

    Twat

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 21, 2018 at 4:44 am

      EveningMichael Dude, that's just jealousy. but if it's not, back to you and more of it. Cheers, peace, harmony & happy holidays Sound Plastering tips from your favorite stucco geeks

      Reply
  18. Robert says

    December 20, 2018 at 3:11 am

    Kirk I am unable to find any videos on removing stucco from cinder block walls. I have researched and seen a few people talk about 4200+ psi pressure washers to remove the stucco. No videos online showing the removal process. Do you run into these requests time to time? Great videos btw!! Happy holidays!

    Reply
    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. says

      December 21, 2018 at 4:43 am

      Evening Robert Dude, yes, I have had my share of pressure washing peeling paint and or stucco.
      I'd say 3,500 PSI is more than enough pressure.
      From there you scrape off what is left the following day as the water would have lifted a little bit more, this you scrape off with a putty knife or trowel.
      The bit that stays put, you can leave it alone knowing you did the best you could, as some houses have really loose stucco in some areas and stucco that is attached so well dynamite could not remove it.
      FYI, this comes from many men working on one house, some are experts with quality in mind while some are hung over or simply not sure why they are there.
      I used to have 15 employee's at one time many years back and know this to be indeed a fact.
      Cheers, peace, harmony & happy holidays
      Sound Plastering tips from your favorite stucco geeks

      Reply
    • Robert says

      December 22, 2018 at 11:40 am

      @Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. Kirk Dude, you are a real life hero! I'll give it a shot. My stucco was put on the backyard cinder block walls back in the 90's and it's looking pretty beat up currently. The goal was to remove entirely, but from what you're saying I should not expect to get back to a wall that looks like it was never stuccoed? Again, I appreciate your guidance/assistance!

      Reply
  19. DIY REVIEWER says

    October 18, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    Yata, yata, yata….on and on. Can anyone just do a video that says what the title indicates.

    Reply

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