Powder coating is a durable and long-lasting finish for metal objects.
It can be used on everything from furniture to appliances. While powder coating is highly durable, it does require some care and maintenance to keep it looking its best.
This blog post will discuss tips for taking care of powder-coated items.
What are its Benefits Over Other Finishes Such as Paint or Galvanising?
The benefits of powder coating are many; it is durable, weatherproof, and environmentally friendly.
Unlike paint, powder coating has zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It dries quickly, reducing expensive downtime and labour costs, and unlike galvanising, it is available in a wide range of colours. It can be applied to a range of substrates such as steel, aluminium, and zinc, and it can be applied to parts of all shapes and sizes.
The finish is consistent and uniform throughout and is highly durable and long-lasting. The coatings do not fade or chip and can withstand higher temperatures or direct heat from flames.
When you take care of your powder-coated items by following a few simple steps, they can last for years to come. Always ensure that your powder-coated items are cleaned regularly, especially after prolonged contact with moisture such as rain or snow. This will help prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and rust from forming.
Here are some of the top benefits of using a powder coating over paint or galvanising:
- It is more durable than paint, resistant to chipping and scratching, fading and colour change.
- Powder coating is less toxic than paint because there are no solvents; it is water-based and eco-friendly.
- It’s non-porous, so it will not peel or flake off like paint can over time, and it requires less maintenance than galvanising.
- Powder coating is more aesthetically appealing than paint or galvanising and is available in various colours, textures, and sheens.
- It’s more cost-effective than painting or galvanising because less material is needed to achieve the same finish as with the painting or galvanising and because the powder coating process requires less labour than painting or galvanising.
How Should Powder-Coated Surfaces Be Maintained to Keep Them Looking New for a Long Time?
Powder coating is the best way to preserve metal surfaces for longevity.
However, there is a right way and a wrong way to care for your powder-coated surface. Improper cleaning techniques can strip the coating from the metal and cause premature failure. These improper cleaning techniques include using harsh abrasives or solvents and scrubbing with a stiff brush.
You should clean your powder-coated surface with mild soap and warm water. Use a mild abrasive such as hand soap or a non-scratching pad to clean tough stains.
Do not use steel wool; if the surface becomes scratched or damaged, it is important to sand the area lightly and apply a new layer of powder coat for durability and longevity. Washing your powder-coated surface regularly will help retain its shine and appearance and ensure it lasts for a long time without cracking or peeling.
Taking care of your powder-coated objects by following these tips can last for years with little maintenance.
What Are the Most Common Powder Coating Errors and How Can They Be Avoided?
Powder coating is becoming increasingly popular as it has high resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
However, there are a few common mistakes that people make when powder coating that will ultimately affect the final finish of the piece. The application must be completely dry before powder coating to avoid having moisture trapped under the powder and causing corrosion and chipping.
Powder coating in humid conditions will also cause more powder to be expelled, and powder will be more likely to run off vertical or curved surfaces. It is particularly important for powder-coated products that have or are going to have moving parts with no grease or oil present, as this will cause the powder to stick to the parts and not cure properly.
Heavy use of sandblasting to maintain rougher surface texture for texture and finish can affect the process of powder coating, as the sandblasting process also removes any powder coat and essentially starts the powder coating process again from scratch. When sandblasting to remove rust and flaking paint, it is also imperative that all grit and rust be removed from the area, and that special care is taken to thoroughly clean any holes or scratches in the metal to prevent rusting and corrosion in the future, as otherwise the powder coat will not adhere properly and come off over time.
Here are a few more things to avoid when powder coating:
- Do not have loose powder particles on the object, which can cause the powder to fall onto other surfaces.
- The object must be completely clean before powder coating, as dirt will ruin the finish and affect the piece’s durability.
- If the piece is powder coated over a rusted surface, remove the rust and then sand or blast the surface to ensure it is completely smooth and clean before powder coating.
- Do not attempt to coat any metal that has grease or oil on it, as this will adhere the powder to the grease and not to the metal, and the grease will need to be carefully removed or cleaned off before powder coating to ensure a proper finish.
- Any rust or flaking paint must be removed before powder coating to ensure that no powder coat comes off and that it continues to adhere to the metal and keep it protected from the elements.
- If possible, try to coat the object indoors in dry conditions. This will cause more powder to be expelled, and powder will be more likely to come off the object.
How do you Clean and Maintain Powder-Coated Surfaces so They Look Their Best All Year?
Maintaining a powder-coated surface is relatively easy if you pay attention to it and clean it regularly.
Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain a powder coat:
- Clean it regularly. This will keep the powder-coated surface clean and shiny and prevent mould or mildew from forming.
- Always clean your powder-coated surface using a soft bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleaner such as soap or non-abrasive polish.
- Harsh chemicals or abrasives can remove the coating from the metal and cause premature failure; scrubbing with a stiff-bristle brush can scratch it and cause damage.
- Do not use steel wool to clean a powder-coated surface; if the surface does become scratched or damaged, it is important to sand the area lightly and then apply a new layer of powder coat for durability and longevity.
- Do not allow what happens to your powder-coated surface to affect the indoor surface.
- If it rains or snows outside, wipe off the water immediately to prevent rusting and corrosion on the indoor surface.
Are There Special Tips or Tricks You Should Know About Taking Care of Your Powder-Coated Surfaces?
No, there is no special trick to taking care of your powder-coated surfaces.
Simply wash the surface with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly after washing. If needed, clean the surface with a non-abrasive cleaner or a diluted household cleaner.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or steel wool to clean the surface as they may cause scratches. When cleaning the frames, use a mild detergent, soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush.
Allow frames and attachments to dry before reassembling.
Summary
Powder coating is an excellent finish for many surfaces.
It can be applied to metal, wood, and plastic parts, making them weather-resistant and durable. Using powder coating over other finishes such as paint or galvanising has several benefits.
However, to get the most out of your powder-coated surfaces, it’s essential to care for them properly. This blog post outlines tips on cleaning and maintaining powder-coated surfaces, so they look their best year-round.
If you follow these simple steps, you can enjoy your beautiful powder-coated surfaces for years to come!