Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 02, 1999 04:45pm | #1

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   Can't answer on the powerwash, but I painted my aluminum sided house last year. Paint store advised using tri-sodium phosphate to get it ready. Used that with a brush and hose. The TSP took off all the oxidated paint and other glop and absolutely made it ready to paint. Can't remember the name of the product but be sure to use the additive that is made for painting aluminum siding. Just mix it with the paint. Makes the paint adhere to the aluminum. LOL Jared

2. 
   J._Pankow | Nov 02, 1999 06:13pm | #2

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   Hi:

   I had my siding painted a few years ago. This summer I used a soft brush with diluted Simple Green and then hosed it off with water. It worked great. You may also be able to load it up in your power washer as well.

   Good luck.

3. 
   Guest_ | Nov 02, 1999 10:15pm | #3

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   I have aluminum about the same age. I haven't painted it yet, but the occasional drips of primer from painting windows have shown me in an irritating way that it takes paint just fine! Powerwashing has been recommended to me also; if you do so be careful not to force water into the framing or damage wood trim. The paint must be cleaned of all chalking/mold/mildew (weak bleach if needed for the latter organisms), then primed (I would use definitely oil base for metal), then painted with a good latex.

   On detergent, I favor Simple Green. TSP -- the real stuff, trisodium phosphate -- works but can kill plants and must be handled with care. Simple Green, meanwhile, is a safe biodegradable detergent ... trivia, it was used to clean the constellation paintings on the ceiling of Grand Central Station in NYC a few years ago.

4. 
   john_musselman | Nov 02, 1999 10:16pm | #4

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   have a house with 27 year old alum siding. Need to clean. Is it safe to powerwash???