Powder coating is a lasting and durable finish that protects metal items, but they still need plenty of care. Cleaning and caring for powder-coated items requires a little extra time and patience, but your effort will pay off in dividends.

Here are some tips for powder coating care to ensure your items endure and perform to your desired specifications.

General tips

Getting the right type of powder coating in the first place is the key to long-lasting results. Your powder coating professional will help you choose the right type of coating and thickness to ensure that it lasts for decades to come.

The simplest and easiest way to clean your powder-coated items is to wash them with a mild detergent and water. This will remove most dirt, stains and debris. Simply use a soap-and-water solution, and scrub the powder coating with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. You only need to do this a few times per year to keep each item looking great.

Polishing your powder coating

If you need to restore the gloss and shine to powder-coated items, use auto wax to get the job done. Like vehicles, you don’t want to use harsh chemicals or solvents on powder coating. You should also stay away from harsh abrasives, like brushes, steel wool or other tools. Instead, wipe the wax on, and buff it off for a protective, glossy coat.

Removing stubborn stains

If your powder-coated objects were the victim of graffiti, chipping or other stubborn stains, don’t despair. Sometimes powder-coated objects undergo minor damage from everyday wear and tear. You might notice some chips, or there may be stains or graffiti. To remedy these problems, there’s no need to rush out and get the object re-coated.

Instead, you can use sandpaper to gently buff out the damage, like grease stains, graffiti or chips. Once most of the damage is gone, apply an exterior metal primer. This will seal the metal and powder coating. When the primer is dried and cured, you can apply a color enamel—but keep in mind that an exact color match may not be possible. If it’s crucial that you have a uniform surface and color, you may actually need to go for re-coating services.

With graffiti, you can also try a biodegradable spray. Work in small areas, so you can apply, rinse and dry in 30-second increments. This is the best way to get rid of graffiti, although your powder coating will probably never look the same as when it was first applied.

Caring for powder coating is an easy, quick way to ensure that your items stand the test of time. Whether you’ve just gotten an item powder coated or it’s been serving you for years, knowing how to clean powder-coated items is an important part of your maintenance.

If you need powder coating for your furniture, decor, car parts or more, reach out to the team at Powder Vision Inc. We’ll be happy to walk you through the process, from powder coating to aftercare.