Powder coatings that are applied to metal products exposed to the weather will inevitably degrade over time. A number of conditions, including those found in nature, will contribute to shortening the life of this type of protective finish.
Powder coatings can be damaged by harsh solvents. A number of commercial cleaning products can cause damage to these types of finishes. Once the finish has become damaged, it is much more vulnerable to fading, staining and failure of the finish itself. When harsh chemical cleaners are used on powder coated surfaces, the life expectancy of the finish can reasonably be halved.
The service life of an organic finish cannot accurately be predicted due to the number of variables that can affect its ability to beautify and protect the surface where they have been applied. A professional finishing company would never even attempt to give a firm answer about any of the following:
These are impossible to predict with any degree of certainty. Anyone who tells you they can give you a definitive answer is likely overreaching.
Pressure washing is likely the most efficient method of cleaning coated surfaces to remove dirt and grime. It can be used to clean bus shelters, commercial patio furniture and other outdoor surfaces.
All powder coated products should be cleaned with either a soft cloth or a brush, using a solution of mild soap and warm water. The best type of soap to use for this purpose is one that has emulsifiers that can break down the most common types of stains.
Exposed surfaces of powder coated products that are deemed the most critical should be cleaned regularly. These can be wiped down and rinsed with water.
Along with its attractiveness, powder coating offers several advantages over its competitors, including:
It quickly became a preferred choice for finishing for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Powder coatings also have the advantage of not producing hazardous by-products that other options do. They don’t result in any overspray waste or wastewater sludge when used.
No VOCs. Powder coatings also don’t emit any VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These are by-products of a number of compounds, including paints and other surface coating techniques, and are emitted as gases into the indoor and outdoor environment.
Both liquids and solids have the potential to emit VOCs, which include a number of chemicals. Some of them have the potential to cause short- and long-term health problems in humans. Concentrations are up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors, but this doesn’t mean humans are not exposed to the effects of VOCs outdoors.