[exoclean]

Hi all,

I've got a big house to pressure wash soon and the owner had creeping Ivy all over it.  He has since killed it but there are marks where it had sat on the wall. Usually I would simply jet was it off being very careful not to blow the brick face however, some walls are painted and the guy has asked me to be careful not peel the paint off.  Can it be done using care or has anyone any better ideas?

Thanks Paul.

[preston powerblast]

Turn the power down on the powerwasher and use one of the 3 way nozzles on a fan.
It doesnt take much to get it off.
But you must make sure that the customer is aware that some paint may come off.
Thats the risk he will have to take.
Otherwise forget it and leave it alone.

[Paul Forster]

The microscopic ivy hairs are likely to have penetrated the paint surface and the areas are likely to strip  off. Soaking may help, personaly would walk away

regards Paul

[exoclean]

Thanks Gary & Paul,

I have tried to advise him of stripping the whole lot as it is literally all over the place. When I told him how much it will cost to strip and clean he weren't too impressed. I probably will walk away unless he accepts what he is asking for is beyond reason.

Whatever happens even if he agrees I while make him sign some sort of contract to protect myself.

Thanks again.

Paul

[Ged]

 i have come across this situation as a gardener in the past and believe  me there is absolutely zero chance of you being able to remove the resinous aftermath of this stuff from a painted surface with a pressure washer without damaging the paint or pointing. i have used a scraper and spade to remove ivy that has died back from brick, but it is far easier to shift the stuff when it is alive and even then it is an 'oribble job.

ged