Follow This User Guide for Easy Steps to Properly Maintain Your Powder Coated Surfaces

October 28, 2020 11:14 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Powder coated objects are made to stand up to weather, wear and tear, but inevitably they will degrade over time. Sun, rain, wind, saltwater, electrical currents and pollution all take their toll on powder coating. However, if you take proper care of your powder coating, it will last much longer.

Here’s how to maintain your powder coated surfaces. If you have additional questions, ask your local powder coating service in Umatilla County, OR:

  • Perform regular cleaning: Powder coating is both durable and decorative, but the more it’s exposed to the elements and other harsh conditions, the faster it will deteriorate. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help lessen these effects. In fact, if you faithfully keep up, you can double or triple the coating’s average service lifespan. Keep detailed records of how often you perform cleaning and maintenance tasks, especially for high-visibility objects like buildings, gates, bollards and more.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and commercial cleaners: Solvents and petroleum-based commercial cleaners can damage your powder coating, weakening its protective properties. Depending on the solvent or cleaner, it can cause the finish to harden or crack. Harsh chemicals will also stain or fade the coating. If you use these cleaners, you should expect the coating’s lifespan to reduce by half.
  • Use mild soap and water: The best way to clean powder coated surfaces is to use a mild soap and water, either with a brush or soft microfiber cloth. If your powder coated object is outdoors and gets dirty quickly, wash once or twice per week and rinse with clean water. Wipe down or let it air dry.
  • Pressure washing can help: Pressure washing is an effective way to remove dirt and grime from powder coated surfaces, as long as you avoid chemicals and solvents. Use the lowest setting. If the pressure washer can physically move the coating, that will cause it to deteriorate faster. Also, be sure your water is filtered. Using unfiltered water can leave stains from minerals or chemicals like chlorine, fluoride and more. If the object you’re using is normally kept outdoors, look to see if your sprinklers have left behind stains. If so, that’s what you can expect to occur if you pressure wash it with unfiltered water.
  • Protect surfaces with wax: Your outdoor objects can be waxed to maintain their finish. This is especially useful for things that are handled often, like fences, handrails, light fixtures and patio furniture. Use a high-grade, non-abrasive car wax, preferably with a UV blocker or inhibitor. Make sure that any chunks of wax are wiped or buffed away—otherwise, they can harden and stick to the powder coating, leaving stains behind.

Taking care of your powder coated objects will extend their service lifespan by years—sometimes even decades. The better you maintain your powder coating, the less you’ll have to worry about replacing it later.

Visit your local powder coating service in Umatilla County, OR today—call NW Metal Fabricators Inc. for more information about our services or to schedule a consultation.

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