Proper Care of Powdered Surfaces Is Essential
Powder coatings that are applied to metal products exposed to the weather will inevitably degrade over time. A number of conditions, including those found in nature, will contribute to shortening the life of this type of protective finish.
- Sun
- Rain
- Wind
- Pollution
- Cold weather
- Saltwater
- Electrical current
- Dissimilar metals
Given that there are so many elements that can affect the coating, it’s not surprising that it will break down over time.
The right type of care and maintenance is essential to combat the detrimental effects of the elements when finished parts are exposed to the sun, wind, rain, etc. No protective powder coating is entirely maintenance-free — over time, it will lose some (or all) of its decorative and protective properties due to the effects of weather and other influences.
Table of Contents:
How to Clean Powder Coated Surfaces
Tips for Caring for Powder Coated Fences and Gates
How to Care for Powder Coated Surfaces: Bollards
How to Keep Powder Coated Steel From Rusting?
How to Take Care of Powder Coated Surfaces Defaced by Graffiti
Advantages of Powder Coatings
Powder Coating Is a ‘Green’ Choice
Contact a Powder Coating Expert »
Consider what would happen if someone went out into the sun without applying a sunblock product to their skin. During the part of the day when the ultraviolet rays are at their most intense, it’s possible to see the effects of sun exposure on unprotected skin in an hour or less.
If you own a vehicle and you don’t take steps to protect your car or truck’s paint, you will notice the effects of the elements on it, too. Over time, the finish will show effects such as corrosion, chalking and erosion.
Proper care and maintenance is crucial if you want to extend the service life of any metal surface. The more value you attach to it, the more important it is to invest in regular maintenance efforts.
How to Clean Powder Coated Surfaces
With the right type of maintenance, you can increase the service life of the finish of powder coated surfaces. The care and maintenance tips listed below can help to keep the repair and maintenance costs down for some items, as well.
Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners
Powder coatings can be damaged by harsh solvents. A number of commercial cleaning products can cause damage to these types of finishes. Once the finish has become damaged, it is much more vulnerable to fading, staining and failure of the finish itself. When harsh chemical cleaners are used on powder coated surfaces, the life expectancy of the finish can reasonably be halved.
The service life of an organic finish cannot accurately be predicted due to the number of variables that can affect its ability to beautify and protect the surface where they have been applied. A professional finishing company would never even attempt to give a firm answer about any of the following:
- How long a particular finish will last
- The rate at which the coating will start to lose either its protective or decorative value
- The rate at which values are lost
These are impossible to predict with any degree of certainty. Anyone who tells you they can give you a definitive answer is likely overreaching.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance to Extend Effective Service Life
While it may not be possible to map out the exact length of service life you can expect to get from fabricated products, you can extend their effective service life with the right cleaning and maintenance. It could double or even triple the coating’s effective service life.
For applications that will have a high visibility factor, such as ones being used in buildings, a prudent approach involves maintaining detailed maintenance records that include the dates of all cleanings, including the products and materials used. These records will be important in tracking the type of cleaners used to keep the surface of the material looking its best.
Pressure Cleaning
Pressure washing is likely the most efficient method of cleaning coated surfaces to remove dirt and grime. It can be used to clean bus shelters, refresh commercial powder-coated patio furniture and other outdoor surfaces. The pressure washer should be used on a low-pressure setting with filtered water. Don’t use unfiltered tap water or groundwater.
If you use unfiltered groundwater for cleaning, it can leave stains on the metal surface. If the water contains fluoride, sulfur, iron oxide or chlorine, they can stain outdoor products. One way to tell before starting to clean powder coated surfaces is to examine the areas where the wind blows water from sprinkler systems. Stains and discoloration on other objects are a sign you will likely have to deal with the same on the powder coated surfaces if you use the same water. Use filtered water only for this purpose.
Low pressure should be used for pressure-cleaning powder coated metal surfaces. If the pressure is strong enough to cause the metal surface to shift its position, it may also be strong enough to damage the finish.
Use a Mild Soap and Water
All powder coated products should be cleaned with either a soft cloth or a brush, using a solution of mild soap and warm water. The best type of soap to use for this purpose is one that has emulsifiers that can break down the most common types of stains.
Exposed surfaces of powder coated products that are deemed the most critical should be cleaned regularly (on either a weekly or a bi-weekly schedule). These can be wiped down and rinsed with filtered water.
A Word About Commercial Cleaning Solutions
Commercial cleaning solutions have their place. Solvents and petroleum-based cleaning products are very effective at removing dirt and grease from surfaces. They are not the right choice for powder coated surfaces, however. These types of cleaners will remove dirt, but they also remove layers of the finish from the surface of the object they are cleaning. Over time, the finish can become compromised.
The coating can become stiff and hard with repeated applications of these types of cleaners, and it will no longer be as effective at protecting the underlying surface. In some instances, the coating may begin to crack and fade. While it’s inevitable that coated surfaces that are exposed to the weather will undergo physical aging, exposure to harsh chemical products will only accelerate this process.
Protect the Exposed Surfaces With Wax
Finished surfaces that will be handled or may come into contact with other objects will benefit from being treated with wax. Examples of these types of surfaces include the following:
- Fences
- Guardrails
- Handrails
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor lighting fixtures
- Stairways
Apply a light coating of high-grade non-abrasive car wax. Use a brand that contains a UV blocker or UV inhibitors. Do not use compound-type waxes for this purpose. This type of wax contains abrasives that can harm the powder coating.
Be sure to wipe off any globs of wax that remain on the surface. If any wax remains on the coated surface, it could bake into place when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light. This can cause permanent staining.
Tips for Caring for Powder Coated Fences and Gates
Powder coating is a very durable finish, but you can’t get away with treating it as though it doesn’t need any maintenance at all. Certain weather conditions can have a negative effect on the coating over time, for example.
When dirt and grime build up in the joints and crevices of fences and gates, it can create a place where bacteria gather and insects find a home. Both circumstances only serve to speed up the breakdown of the coating.
In coastal areas, saltwater can damage fences and gates situated close to the ocean. If they are not thoroughly cleaned at least once a year to remove the buildup, salt will remain attached to the coating and dull its appearance, leaving it looking chalky. To extend the life of your fence and gate, you’ll need to make sure you clean it properly.
- Start by wiping the surface gently with a wet sponge to remove any loose dirt and debris. You can also use a soft brush for this purpose. A wire brush would be too harsh since it would also remove the finish. Your goal is to remove most of the surface dirt and dust at this point.
- To remove salt and any other deposits from the surface of the fence and gate, use a soft brush and a mild household detergent.
- Choose a detergent that is free from both solvents and petroleum-based chemicals when cleaning your powder-coated fence. One way to tell whether the detergent you are considering is safe for a powder-coated surface is whether the product is safe for your hands. If you need to protect your skin by wearing gloves when using the product, it’s probably not safe for the surface of the gate, either.
- Rinse the detergent off the fence or the gate using lukewarm water. At this point, you can allow it to either dry naturally or use a clean, dry cloth to dry it off if you would like to get a cleaner look.
Pressure Washing a Fence or Gate
You can use a pressure washer to clean a fence or a gate. This method is less time-consuming than cleaning by hand — however, it does tend to leave more residue behind. If you are trying to clean a fence or a gate in a coastal area, it may be challenging to remove all the salt using a pressure washer.
Hard water can present the same problem, due to the minerals it contains. They build up and harden on the surface of the fence or gate and are difficult to remove, even with the pressure of the water. Detergent softens the water to make cleaning a much easier process.
How to Care for Powder Coated Surfaces: Bollards
Bollards are obstructions used to create barriers around buildings or a particular area. Natural materials, such as wood or stone, may be used for this purpose, but in most instances, short metal posts are used for bollards. They can be made from aluminum, iron, steel, stainless steel or cement.
These barriers can range in height from approximately 36”-52”, depending on where they are placed. Bollards may be used indoors or outdoors to control pedestrian and vehicle traffic. They may also be positioned in front of a store or business as a security measure to discourage “smash and grab” thieves. Bollards can also be found in parking garages, near marinas and ports and at airports to protect vehicles from straying into certain areas or colliding with specific objects.
High-Impact Resistance and Low-Impact Resistance
Bollards are designed to either provide high-impact resistance (to resist being struck by a vehicle) or low-impact resistance. High-impact bollards are chosen for applications where security is the main function required, while low-impact bollards are used when their purpose is mainly for decorative value.
Bollards may be placed in locations such as public parks for aesthetic purposes, such as decorating walkways. They may also be used as hitching posts for bicycle racks at any public building. A high-impact style may not be needed in these instances.
How Powder Coating Paint Is Added to a Bollard
A powder coating is a popular finish choice for bollards, since it provides a high level of protection from nicks and scratches, which may be caused by vehicles and pedestrians alike. The powder coating also protects the bollard from damage from the elements, as well as the effects of diluted road de-icing salts.
Is Powder Coating Waterproof?
Polyester powder coating (PPC) has grown in popularity among manufacturers because of its durability over time. Its main benefit is the powder’s powerful waterproof properties. Polyester is a synthetic fiber in the durable resin family of materials. The threads form when acid and alcohol experience a chemical reaction.
The strong molecules in polyester also help them remain free from moisture since they are nonabsorbent of water. The powder coating is also useful because it has a low absorbency level for stains, so the finish keeps its appearance over time.
PPC is also more effective than wet paint. Manufacturers apply wet paint in liquid form, and it often contains up to 90% solvents. When the paint touches the metal surface, the solvents begin to evaporate. This process creates pores on the painted surface and evaporation leaves the metal vulnerable to rust. The pores now allow moisture to penetrate the paint and eventually corrode the metal beneath.
When the finish supplier mixes the long-chain molecules of polyester with pigment powder, it creates a heavy-duty powder coating. PPC’s layer of polyester film is like a watertight shield, protecting the metal against moisture. That’s why even one layer can be effective for preventing water penetration. Most finishing services use electrostatic to apply the film and then perform a curing process under extreme heat or ultraviolet light.
How Long Does Powder Coating Last?
There’s no set length of time that the powder coating will last because of the endless possibilities for the environment around the powder. There are a few ways to lengthen the life of the powder based on the type of powder and its application.
One of the most vital steps is pretreating your substrate. Thoroughly preparing the surface before the powder’s application helps to ensure optimal results. Doing so can help the powder coating last and increase the overall life span of your product.
The type of powder coating finish also impacts its useful life over time. There are two main types of powder with different applications—epoxy and polyester.
Epoxy is generally an indoor coating with extreme durability and chemical and corrosion resistance.Placing a product with epoxy coating outdoors can cause it to fade and deteriorate in just a few months. Despite its resistance to corrosion and chemicals, exposure to the weather and the sun’s rays shortens the useful life of epoxy powder coating. When applied properly and in the right setting, this material has the potential to last for years.
Polyester has a balance of strengths for indoor and underground applications. It can resist chemicals and corrosion in a way similar to epoxy coating. It’s also capable of withstanding the elements and the UV rays of the sun over long periods. Manufacturers consider polyester powder coating a heavy-duty option for maximum durability.
You can also use hybrid versions of these powders that help you with different applications and varying lengths of time you need the powder to last.
Last Updated Thursday, July 14, 2022
FAQs
How do you maintain powder coat? ›
Powder coated items should be cleaned occasionally with mild detergent soap and water. Harsh chemicals and solvents are unnecessary and can damage the finish. Use a wet sponge or a soft, non-abrasive bristle brush to loosen stubborn dirt.
How do you care for maintenance powder coated Aluminium? ›Cleaning Powder coated aluminium should require very little maintenance, other than to gently clean with water and a mild liquid detergent to remove any dirt or splashes. A microfibre cloth or sponge should be used to wipe over the surfaces of the furniture.
How do you prevent powder coating from peeling? ›If surface indentations are too deep, sandblasting can cause the 'orange peel' effect. You may be able to avoid this by sanding the sandblasted surface with the fine sandpaper. Another step you can take is to apply a powder coating powder primer before adding your final coat of powder.
How often should the powder coated frame of the supported row be cleaned? ›In general, all powder coated surfaces should be cleaned every 12 months. However, powder-coated surfaces exposed to the following environments should be cleaned every three to six months: Direct sunlight and high levels of ultraviolet light.
How do you make powder coat shine again? ›- Choose a mild detergent. This should be applied to a full bowl or bucket of water. ...
- Clean the surface. Don't be worried about scrubbing too hard. ...
- Dry and Prepare. Once the surface is cleaned and clear of detergent, apply a polishing compound to the surface. ...
- Finish.
Powder coating finishes can last up to 20 years, but due to the consistent use, exposure to UV light, and outdoor environment may break it down faster. Different coatings also have varying lifespans. For instance, coatings that have fluoropolymers and urethanes can last longer.
How do you clean metal powder coating? ›Steam cleaning or hot water helps break down the oils and can reach difficult spots or gaps in the surface. Detergent is the best way of cleaning metal of oils, waxes, polishing compounds, or other substances that will prevent the powder from sticking to the metal.
How do you clean and maintain aluminum? ›Mix one part of vinegar or lemon juice with one part of warm water in a bowl to create a cleaning solution. Next, dip a clean cloth into the mixture and use it to wipe down the aluminum. Be sure to scrub any areas that are particularly dirty or stained.
How long does powder coating last on metal? ›Powder coated metal provides a durable finish to equipment that can last for decades. Unlike painted metal surfaces, powder coated metal can remain intact and rust-free for up to 20 years. Powder coating is resistant to chemicals, corrosion, and weathering.
What causes powder coating to peel off? ›The main reason for powder to peel or flake off the substrate is due to lack of adhesion between the powder and the substrate. This can be caused in a number of ways such as poor surface preparation, where the surface may be contaminated with oils, paints, chemical sealers, etc.
Why is my powder coating chipping? ›
The most common reason why your powder coating may chip or crack is that the edges or corners were not coated properly. Corners and edges are hard to reach and coat, and sharp metal edges may poke through the powder coating.
What are the problems with powder coating? ›Poor Powder Thickness or Coverage. Film thickness and coverage truly affects the overall finish of a coating. Too thick, and you will run into issues like orange peel or sagging; too thin, and you will be able to see the substrate – and any blemishes on it – easily through the film.
Does isopropyl alcohol damage powder coating? ›Do not rub powder coated surfaces excessively, especially metallic finishes. Use only Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or methylated spirits and rinse off with clean fresh water. It is universally recognized some sunscreens adversely affect powder coated finishes.
Do you need to clear coat after powder coating? ›Common Applications for Clear Powder Coats
For metallic silver or chrome powder coats, we recommend adding a clear coat to protect your finish. The clear coat prevents moisture exposure so that the metal flakes don't oxidize over time or lose their shine.
One of the most effective methods of cleaning powder-coated metal is via pressure washing. Its power is useful when removing dirt and debris, but it's important that you keep it on a low pressure setting. If it's too high, it can damage the coating. Additionally, always use filtered water with this method.
What is the best cleaner for powder coating? ›Use a Mild Soap and Water
All powder coated products should be cleaned with either a soft cloth or a brush, using a solution of mild soap and warm water. The best type of soap to use for this purpose is one that has emulsifiers that can break down the most common types of stains.
Generally, using fillers in powder coating that have very small particle sizes will achieve high gloss levels. As particle sizes increase, the gloss level drops. You can fine-tune of gloss levels in powder coating through the choice of fillers, such as barium sulphate and ATH (aluminium trihydrate).
Can you polish dull powder coat? ›Yes, polish it, but do it right! Powder coating is a durable and attractive finish that can be applied to a wide variety of products. The coating is resistant to impact, moisture, ultraviolet light, chemicals, and adverse weather conditions.
Does weather Affect powder coating? ›Humidity and Moisture
Moisture in any form can also impact a powder coating's permanence. Coatings must be applied in a dry area. In a humid area, the layer will trap moisture and cause a discolored finish. After the coating is added, it will last the longest in areas with 47% to 55% humidity.
Epoxies were the first widely used powders. They are very durable, offer excellent hardness and have arguably the best chemical and corrosion resistance of all available powders. Another plus of this type of powder is its ease of use and a wide range of cure schedules.
Can you powder coat over powder coat? ›
Put simply, the answer – most of the time – is yes. There's nothing about powder coating that makes the material fundamentally incompatible with more powder coating. You can still have the powder applied and cured to form a new coating that looks just like new, in most cases.
Can you remove scratches from powder coated metal? ›Use cutting compound to remove the powder coating down to the level at the bottom of the scratch. A fine rubbing down paper may speed up the process (800 to 400 grit, no coarser), but the job will need to be finished with cutting compound to remove the fine scratches left by the rubbing down paper.
Can you use degreaser on powder coat? ›Powder coating must be applied to clean, bare metal. If the part you are working with has a finish, like chrome, you must sandblast the part to remove the finish so that the powder coating can adhere to the surface. If the metal is bare, wipe it down with a clean rag. Then use degreaser to remove any grease or oil.
What cleaner works best on aluminum? ›- Vinegar. Vinegar is an effective resource to clean aluminum. ...
- Mild Detergent. A universal cleaning option for most aluminum forms is a mixture of mild detergent and water. ...
- Borax. Borax is another alternative and is found in the laundry aisle of a supermarket.
Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 2 cups of warm water in a bucket or use this ratio to make a larger amount, depending on what you are cleaning. Wet a cloth or non-abrasive pad in the vinegar-water mixture and then use it to clean the aluminum surface gently.
Does WD 40 clean aluminum? ›Step 1: Clean The Aluminum
Using WD-40 (or a degreaser, or paint thinner) on the sandpaper, helps to remove debris and grease build up. Household applications may only require dish soap or a water and vinegar solution to clean the surface. A stainless steel wire brush can be used on heavily corroded aluminum surface.
Powder coated surfaces are much more resistant to chipping, scratching, and other such wear due to the bond created with the object during curing. The coating is also much more resistant to natural fade and wear.
Does powder coating chip easily? ›When powder is exposed to high temperatures, it melts down and creates a film. 1. Powder coat is so durable, it can't chip or crack.
Does powder coating last in the sun? ›Sun exposure or direct sunlight breaks down the particles within the paint which then makes the coating fade.
What happens when you overcook powder coating? ›When a coating is baked too long or at too high of a temperature, the polymer or pigments break down causing a drop in gloss, change in color, or yellowing. It is not recommended to expose a typical powder coating above 410°F.
How do you prevent powder coating outgassing? ›
Preheat the Part – Since outgassing is caused by gas bubbles being released when the object is heated during the powder coating process, it can be avoided by heating the object before the coating process begins.
Can you overcure powder coat? ›Over-curing powder coating may result in cracks and breaks in the finish, forcing you to sandblast the part and start all over. Also the thinner areas of your product will cure faster than thicker areas, so keep an eye out for it to cook just long enough for the thickest part to reach proper temperature and cure.
Can Powdercoat be buffed? ›Sanding and buffing the powder finish can eliminate surface trash and some defects. This also helps smooth out orange peel that naturally occurs with most powder coatings on parts where the powder thickness is excessive in a particular area.
What happens if you use 70 isopropyl alcohol? ›70% isopropyl alcohol kills organisms by denaturing their proteins and dissolving their lipids and is effective against most bacteria, fungi and many viruses, but is ineffective against bacterial spores (CDC, 2020).
Can you use wd40 on powder coating? ›WD-40 will not harm powder coatings.
When should you not use isopropyl alcohol? ›Avoid using any rubbing alcohol on painted, shellacked, lacquered, or varnished surfaces, including treated wood. Certain fabrics: The isopropyl in alcohol can be a great stain treatment on certain fabrics, removing all evidence of difficult stains like ink, grass, grease, or sap.
How many coats of powder coat can you do? ›Yes you can apply multiple coats, as long as each coat is applied to three mils thickness or less. Thicker coats can be problematic, since the product ground becomes compromised. This can lead to more orange peel, KV starring and other surface defects.
Does powder coating last a long time? ›Powder coating can last up to 40 years depending on the preparation, type of coating used, materials and treatment process. While most powder coatings are highly durable, weather-resistant and provide years of high-traffic use, certain factors can significantly accelerate fading and performance.
Can you spray over powder coating? ›Unfortunately, you cannot paint directly onto a surface after powder coating, as the liquid paint would not bind effectively with the flat and smooth finish. While it is difficult to paint after powder coating, it is not impossible; it just requires more preparation.
What are the disadvantages of powder coating? ›- Can deteriorate from UV light – Depending on the powder chosen. ...
- Huge start-up cost. ...
- Difficult to do thin coats. ...
- Slow color change vs Competitors. ...
- Powders can't be mixed to make different colors. ...
- Specialized equipment needed to apply powder coating. ...
- All coating needs to be baked in an oven. ...
- Difficult touch-ups to execute.
Can you recoat Powdercoat? ›
Put simply, the answer – most of the time – is yes. There's nothing about powder coating that makes the material fundamentally incompatible with more powder coating. You can still have the powder applied and cured to form a new coating that looks just like new, in most cases.
Does powder coat scratch easy? ›Powder coated surfaces are much more resistant to chipping, scratching, and other such wear due to the bond created with the object during curing. The coating is also much more resistant to natural fade and wear.
What is the most durable type of powder coating? ›Epoxies were the first widely used powders. They are very durable, offer excellent hardness and have arguably the best chemical and corrosion resistance of all available powders. Another plus of this type of powder is its ease of use and a wide range of cure schedules.
Should you clear coat over powder coat? ›Common Applications for Clear Powder Coats
For metallic silver or chrome powder coats, we recommend adding a clear coat to protect your finish. The clear coat prevents moisture exposure so that the metal flakes don't oxidize over time or lose their shine.
The main reason for powder to peel or flake off the substrate is due to lack of adhesion between the powder and the substrate. This can be caused in a number of ways such as poor surface preparation, where the surface may be contaminated with oils, paints, chemical sealers, etc.
Can you apply too much powder coat? ›Due to the way the electrostatics work and how the powder attracts to some areas more readily than others, it is easy to accidentally over-apply powder in the areas not suffering from the Faraday Cage effect. These areas with too much powder will suffer from back ionization and from defects like orange peel.
Can you overcook powder coat? ›When a coating is baked too long or at too high of a temperature, the polymer or pigments break down causing a drop in gloss, change in color, or yellowing. It is not recommended to expose a typical powder coating above 410°F.
How do you keep powder coated steel from rusting? ›To protect these surfaces, apply a light coating of a high-grade, non-abrasive vehicle wax. The brand of wax you choose should contain a UV inhibitor or blocker. Don't purchase compound-type waxes, as these waxes have abrasives that could damage the powder coating.