Understanding Damaging factors for Powder Coating
Powder coating is highly durable and long-lasting, yet it’s exposed to risks associated with weather fluctuations, humidity, temperature extremes, and other external factors. Hence, proper cleaning and maintenance of your powder-coated surface are crucial. Doing so not only preserves its pristine appearance but also ensures optimal performance, extending its lifespan.
If you’re new to powder coating, you might have several queries about its maintenance. How long does it typically last? Can powder coating withstand exposure to sunlight? What factors might jeopardize the coating, and how can you prevent premature damage? Continue reading to discover the potential threats to powder coating and how to mitigate these risks and to find tips on how to mitigate these risks and safeguard your powder coating against potential damage.
Saltwater
Powder coating and saltwater don’t always coexist harmoniously. For powder-coated gates, fences, and outdoor furniture located near the ocean, the risk of saltwater damage is higher. Without regular maintenance, salt accumulation on the powder coating can deteriorate its appearance, resulting in a chalky texture. Follow these steps to prevent salt buildup and prolong the lifespan of the fence or gate:
- Remove loose dirt and debris: Gently wipe the surface with a wet sponge or soft brush to eliminate any loose dirt or grime. Avoid using a wire brush as its abrasive nature can damage the finish.
- Eliminate salt and other deposits: Use a soft brush with mild soap or detergent, free from petroleum-based chemicals and solvents, to wipe the surface and remove salt particles.
- Rinse and dry: After washing with detergent, rinse the surface thoroughly with lukewarm water and allow it to dry naturally or with a clean cloth.
Using a pressure washer to clean the fence or gate is an alternative method, which is quicker than hand-washing, but it may leave more residue. In coastal areas, removing salt buildup with a pressure washer might be challenging.
Additionally, hard water contains minerals that can solidify on the surface. Therefore, detergent is recommended to soften the water and streamline the cleaning process. When employing a pressure washer, use filtered water and maintain a low setting to prevent damaging the coating.
It’s advisable to clean the powder coating at the onset of each season. Excessive cleaning can lead to premature wear and erosion. Waiting a full year for cleaning allows grime and dirt to accumulate, requiring more pressure for removal, which can harm the finish.
Sunlight
While certain powder coating finishes can endure for up to 40 years, prolonged exposure to excessive UV light can expedite their breakdown. Sunlight has the potential to cause the resin and pigment particles in the coating to lose adhesion, leading to a process known as “chalking.” This results in a chalk-like layer forming on the surface of the coating.
Excessive sunlight exposure often initiates a faded appearance in the coating. Initially, this is more of a cosmetic issue than a functional one. However, as the resins continue to deteriorate over time, the protective capacity of the surface diminishes. This emphasizes the critical importance of proper powder coating maintenance to prolong its lifespan.
Powder-coated surfaces exposed to intense sunlight, such as fences, rails, stairways, outdoor lighting fixtures, and furniture, should be shielded from damaging UV rays. Applying a light coat of high-quality, nonabrasive car wax to these surfaces can provide a protective barrier and extend the finish’s durability. To bolster defense against sunlight, opt for a brand of wax with a UV blocker or inhibitor.
After wax application, ensure to remove any excess wax from the surface. Lingering wax, when subjected to UV light, can solidify and cause permanent staining. Avoid using compound-type waxes, as their abrasiveness can harm the powder coating.
Cleaning Products
The use of harsh chemical cleaners and solvents can result in corrosion, increased susceptibility to staining and fading, and reduced longevity of powder-coated surfaces. Opt for mild cleaning agents when maintaining your powder coating. Typically, water and mild soap are adequate for most dirt and grime.
It’s equally important to select appropriate cleaning tools. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or wire brushes, as they can damage the surface. Instead, consider utilizing tools similar to those used for washing a car, such as soft brushes and sponges. In case you must employ a solvent-based cleaner for challenging areas, start with the mildest cleaner and conduct a test in a small spot first.
When utilizing detergent on a powder-coated surface, assess whether the product is safe for your skin. If protective gloves are necessary while using the cleaner, it’s likely unsafe for the powder coating as well.
Weather and Temperature
Temperature variations can jeopardize powder-coated surfaces. For most metal objects with powder coatings, a temperature range of 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. However, the shifts between winter and summer months often make it challenging to maintain this ideal temperature range.
During these seasons or when not in use, consider storing metal objects indoors, particularly those not suitable for outdoor exposure. This practice can contribute to preserving the appearance and performance of your powder coating for a longer duration.
For items such as grills, generators, automotive parts, or other items that cannot be stored indoors, there are high-temperature coatings explicitly designed to withstand such conditions. Additionally, some powder coatings might have reduced impact resistance in extremely cold temperatures.
Humidity
Humidity can cause gradual corrosion of metal objects and impact the longevity and appearance of powder coating finishes. Elevated humidity levels are particularly detrimental, diminishing the durability and visual appeal of the coating.
Exercise caution in regions with high humidity. Moisture can disrupt the adhesion process, and powder coatings might absorb and trap moisture before the curing process completes, leading to discoloration and staining