Information About and Caring for Powder Coated Metals

Powder Coated Steel

Powder-Coated steel is a perfect answer for seasonal weather that might otherwise cause unsightly corrosion. Steel furniture is beautiful and stable; strong and has a certain permanence about it. In order to combat potential rust and oxidation, we use a powder-coated finish on these types of products. Powder-coating is the application process of adhering pigment-dyed polyester molecules to metals. To do this, the metal is electrostatically charged to attract these molecules onto it. The resulting thick coating is then heated and cured onto the material, encasing it in a tough beautiful coating that resembles high-quality epoxy coating, but has a physical depth to it.

Steel furniture, when powder-coated will provide lasting corrosion resistance and maintain its good looks for many years.

Powder Coated Aluminium

Powder coated aluminium is our material of choice for our lightest weight outdoor furniture. It is gorgeous! The base aluminium is coated with polyester microparticles in colours that perfectly complement the furniture’s other attributes; the resulting finish keeps the furniture looking like new for many years. Even though Aluminium doesn’t rust like steel can (picture black and orange exposed steel), it offers the same oxidation protection as on our steel furniture.

Aluminium can oxidize with a powdery and pocked look if it is exposed for long periods of time to harsh outdoor conditions. For our lightweight outdoor furniture, we use high-quality base aluminium material and powder-coat it for longevity and the gorgeous finish Design Warehouse customers have come to expect.

CLEANING POWDER COATED STEEL AND ALUMINIUM

A great many products at Design Warehouse feature powder coated aluminium and steel. This is because it looks incredible, and has an extra level of protection. Powder coating is durable for outdoor furniture, but it isn’t a hard coating, relatively speaking. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS. Specifically, with powder-coating, you won’t need abrasives anyway. The finish is smooth and resistant to dirt and debris. A wipe down with a damp soft cloth for normal cleaning, and a hose down, followed by a wipe down with a soft cloth, is all that you should ever need to clean this furniture. Generally speaking, furniture that is powder-coated has a long life, and using these best practices for cleaning of such furniture, will extend their gorgeous looks even longer.

Information about and Care of Galvanized Steel

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is a beautiful and corrosion resistant and can patina into a very satisfying dull grey silver color over a long period of time.

As new, it is bright and shiny, with multiple color tones from grey to silver and it is made from a zinc coating onto the base metal. It has a casual look, but often works seamlessly in more formal settings. It can take on a very urban chic look and feel, with a slight industrial vibe, but it can also be very contemporary and works in multiple settings.

It is a brilliant choice for outdoor furniture because it ages well and protects well against corrosion on steel pieces.

CLEANING AND CARE OF GALVANIZED STEEL

Galvanized steel is a good looking and robust product, follow these simple instructions to keep your furniture looking amazing.
Care for galvanized steel is similar to that for powder-coated steel. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners of mechanical cleaning techniques. The coating used in galvanization is thin and not made for abrasion resistance. As long as the surface is unbroken it remains gorgeous and protects well. So we recommend using mild soaps with water, followed by a clean water rinse and then a wipe down to remove all excess moisture. Use soft lint-free cloths to perform this cleaning. A touch-up spray for galvanized surfaces is available in most hardware stores, which allows you to touch up spots over time if you desire. Normal light cleaning will keep your galvanized steel furniture looking amazing for many years though.

For more information, or if you have a question regarding cleaning your steel and powder coated products, call us today. Our staff is in store 7 days a week to help you with your outdoor furniture needs.