Powder coating is a highly durable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to coat metals and certain other surfaces. Unlike other coating methods, powder coating offers a smooth and uniform appearance. It also comes in a variety of finishes, including metallic, satin, gloss, high gloss, and many more. And because powder coating is so durable, it retains its color longer than other coated surfaces which are more prone to scratching, chipping, scuffing, and other kinds of wear.
But just because powder coating can be so durable does not mean that it shouldn’t be cleaned and maintained. Properly cleaning your powder coating is key to making sure that it lasts as long as it can. Don’t compromise the lifespan of your coated surfaces, check out these powder coating cleaning tips, including what cleaning solutions to avoid, from Coating Systems.
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Exposure
First of all, it’s important to note what things will compromise the durability of your powder coating. Surfaces which are outside may be exposed several times a day to unfiltered and treated water that can begin to eat away at the powder coating. Even rain can slowly affect the surface.
Depending on the color of a surface, it may absorb more heat. Darker colors which are exposed to the sun and which retain that heat much longer than lighter surfaces are much more prone to wear and damage.
The amount that a surface is exposed to harmful elements is directly related to how often it should receive maintenance or cleaning.
Cleaning
Because powder coating is known for its durability, many people think they can use just about any cleaner to maintain it. This is not the case. Many cleaners contain strong solvents that will corrode the surface.
Coating Systems recommends that powder coating be cleaned by pressure washing with filtered water if possible. Filtering the water removes the potential for harmful substances, and the pressure means that little or no cleaning solutions are needed. However, it is possible to use a mild detergent if necessary.
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If pressure washing simply isn’t working, it is acceptable to use a cloth or soft brush with a mild detergent and warm water.
Coating Systems advises that you largely avoid household cleaning solutions unless you know that they are safe for use on powder coating. Many of these solutions contain chemicals that, on every application, strip away layers of the finish. Even though the stripping may not be visible to your eye, it’s happening at a chemical level and will weaken the coating over time.
Powder Coating at Coating Systems
Coating Systems has been specializing in lubrication, coating, and sandblasting for over 40 years, so we have plenty of experience with maintaining powder coated surfaces. If you have questions about how best to maintain your powder coating, or you need some surfaces coated, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
