Powder coating is a durable and cost-effective solution for refinishing everything from vent covers to lawn furniture, but it comes with some caveats. Here’s what homeowners need to know.
Know the limits of durability.
When I say that powder coating is more durable than liquid coating, I simply mean that it results in a slightly harder finish that holds up a little bit better to normal wear and tear. I do not mean that it is bullet proof. Avoid dropping, striking, or scraping your powder coated parts to ensure that the coating stays intact for as long as possible. Durable does not mean indestructible.
Clean with caution.
Do not use heavy duty cleaning products on your powder coated parts. Stick with warm, soapy water (and a non-abrasive sponge), and don’t let the part stay wet for too long. Powder coating is not designed to hold up against aggressive chemicals – left on the part, industrial-strength cleaning products could soak into the coating, causing it to soften.
Avoid standing water.
Kaser powder coats tons of lawn furniture, all of which will survive rain, snow, and ice for many years with no issues. If we were to coat a shower drain with one of our stock powders, however, the coating would likely delaminate very quickly. The average powder is not designed to be submerged in standing water for long periods of time. Consider a marine grade paint, instead, as they are much better suited to wet environments.
Consider the cost.
From time to time, a customer will ask me to powder coat their cabinet hardware. I always say no, not because it’s impossible, but because the cost incurred would be much higher than simply buying new hardware. By the time we disassemble everything, blast off the old plating, hope that the blast medium doesn’t lock up any hinges, hang each tiny part, and powder coat it, the customer could have purchased and installed new hardware three times over.
Check the traffic.
Interior and exterior railings, lawn chairs, and any metal architectural components are good candidates for powder coating. High-traffic surfaces (i.e., flooring) are not. The more hands and shoes pass over a powder coated part, the faster the coating will wear out.
