The effects of weather, wear and tear can take a toll on powder coating. Powder coating is durable and much more reliable than paint, but even the toughest finishes require proper care to ensure lasting results. Over time, factors like excessive contact, weathering and organic buildup can weaken coated surfaces and lead to damage. With the proper steps, you can help limit your risk and, if necessary, take advantage of powder coating repair.
How to Care for and Maintain Powder Coating
At Keystone Koating, we use powders selected for dependable performance in the harshest weather conditions. While our products deliver incredible protection from the elements, we recommend starting care early to ensure the maximum lifespan of your finish. Our tips for proper powder coating care and maintenance include:
Limit Your Cleanings
While it is a good idea to clean your powder coating, too much can cause excessive wear leading to premature erosion. In most cases, cleaning powder coating at the beginning of each season is sufficient. If your coating requires special instructions, our representatives will let you know before application so you know what to expect.
Choose the Right Tools
Powder coating cleans easily, so avoid cleaning tools that work against your surface. Scouring pads, steel wool and other abrasive products are unnecessary and will often cause more harm than good. For most powder coating, we recommend using the same sponges, brushes and other tools appropriate for washing a car.
Use a Gentle Cleaning Agent
For most dirt and grime, mild soap and water are all you need to get your surfaces back to square one. Solvent-based cleaning agents are destructive to powder coating and can cause chemical corrosion. If you must use a solvent-based cleaner for a challenging area, start with the weakest cleaner and always try a test spot first.
Apply Wax for Protection
If you have surfaces designed for use in high contact areas, protect them using high-quality car wax. Car wax creates a barrier between high touch surfaces and the people coming into contact with them, extending the life of your finish. For extra protection, choose a car wax with the added capability of blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Restore Your Surfaces With Powder Coating Repair
Powder coating is tough but in some cases, you may have damage due to cleaning, impacts or another event. In cases where the damage is limited to the powder coating layer, it may be possible to perform a powder coating repair using touch up paint. If the damage goes deeper and affects the primer layer, you should consider recoating. Touch up paint will not recover lost primer and without it, your products are at risk for corrosion.
Your Partner for Commercial and Industrial Powder Coating
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Keystone Koating is your source for commercial powder coating for products in large volumes. To learn more about our industrial powder coating services, contact us today.