Caring for Powder Coating

January 3, 2022 9:02 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Powder coating is much more durable than paint, and it comes in pretty much any color you can imagine. Plus, it’s relatively low maintenance and super easy to care for. That said, cleaning goes a long way in keeping the powder-coated finish looking great for years to come.

This post will cover everything you need to know about powder coating cleaning.

The best way to clean powder-coated metal

Depending on what material you’ve powder coated, it’s a good idea to clean it down at least once a month to extend its service life and retain its bold colors. Here’s the best way to go about cleaning:

  • Wipe: Start by wiping down the surface with a damp rag or a sponge. Wiping off the visible dirt and debris will make the following steps go by much more smoothly.
  • Scrub: Next use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris that’s stuck to the surface. It may be tempting to use a harder brush, but that can scratch the powder coating and shorten its lifespan.
  • Clean: Now that the stuck-on grime is removed, it’s time to clean down the surface with mild soap and water. Avoid using solvents or petroleum-based cleaning products during this step. While they’ll effectively eliminate dirt and debris, they may strip the finish.
  • Rinse and dry: The last thing you want is to leave any detergent on your powder coating after you’ve scrubbed it. Even if you use a mild detergent, failing to rinse the surface off will leave a filmy residue that looks bad and can even attract more dirt. Be sure you’re using fresh, filtered water for this step. Dry the surface with a microfiber cloth after it’s rinsed.
  • Protect: Once the surface is rinsed and dried, use non-abrasive car wax to provide an extra layer of protection. If your powder-coated item is used outside, look for a wax with UV blocker or UV inhibitors to guard against the sun’s damaging rays.

Powder coating cleaning with a pressure washer

You can clean a powder-coated surface with a pressure washer for faster results—but you’ll need to take these precautions when doing so:

  • Set to low pressure: Pressure washers are powerful tools and can easily strip the powder coating off if you’re not careful. Put your washer on the lowest setting to avoid damaging the powder coat or the metal underneath it.
  • Use filtered water: Again, be sure that the water connected to your pressure washer is filtered. Unfiltered tap water tends to leave unattractive spots on powder-coated surfaces.
  • Only use mild detergents: Just like with cleaning by hand, stick to using a mild detergent if you’re using soap with your pressure washer. Abrasive cleaners can strip the finish off in a matter of minutes.

Let us handle your powder coating needs

If you have an item that needs to be powder coated, look no further than N.W. Metal Fabricators, Inc. Our years of experience and high-quality powders ensure your product comes out looking better than ever. Contact us today to get a quote or to learn more about the best way to clean powder-coated metal.

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