Finishes & Maintenance
Powder coat finish care instructions as per the Dulux website https://duluxpowders.com.au/products/electro/ under care and maintenance tab.
Care & Maintenance post installation
It is recommended in environments with low salt, low pollutants and in urban areas that cleaning should take place at a minimum of every twelve months. In areas where salts, pollutants and high corrosivity levels are prevalent, e.g. beachfront houses or industrial areas, it is recommended a cleaning program should be carried out more frequently at a minimum of every six months.
Sheltered areas can have a higher risk of coating degradation as wind-blown salt and other debris or pollutants may adhere to the surface and not be removed when it rains. These areas may require more frequent cleaning.
Use the following table to identify the recommended minimum cleaning and maintenance schedule for your project. The table references AS4312 and ISO12944 Atmospheric corrosivity zones in Australia to define the environmental conditions.
Three steps to cleaning powder coated surfaces
Care and maintenance schedules are essential to ensure that the life of your asset is maximised whether the project be a residential, commercial or non-habitabale project. Simply follow 3 important steps:
1. Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge by gently rubbing.
2. Clean by gently rubbing the surface with a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a dilute solution of a mild detergent, e.g. pH-neutral liquid hand or dishwashing detergent in warm water to remove dust, salt and other deposits. For stubborn stains use only recommended solvents on the affected area, e.g. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or methylated spirits and rinse off with clean water. Do not use other aggressive solvents.
3. Rinse the surfaces with clean fresh water after cleaning to remove all residues.
Warning
Aggressive solvents such as turpentine, white spirits, thinners, citrus based cleaners and other aggressive solvents are harmful to the extended life of the powder coated surface. These solvents should not be used for cleaning purposes and will render a warranty void if used.
If paint splashes, sealants/mastics or stubborn stains need to be removed use only Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or methylated spirits and rinse off with clean fresh water.
In some cases, strong solvents recommended for thinning various types of paints and also for cleaning up mastics/sealants are harmful to the extended life of the powder coated surface. These solvents should not be used for cleaning purposes and will render the warranty void if used. If paint splashes or sealants/mastics need to be removed then the following solvents can be used safely: Methylated Spirits, Ethyl Alcohol, Isopropanol.
Please also note Bird droppings should be cleaned straight away to protect your powder coat finish
Stainless steel Maintenance –
To ensure longevity and the look or your stainless steel products it is important you regularly clean them to ensure there is no dirt, grime or bird poo build up.
For best results wash with a clean cloth and soapy water (mild detergent, soap or Stainless steel cleaner) and clean with the grain.
Do not use metal scrapers or steel wool to clean your stainless steel products, a clean cloth or scotch bright (if needed) only.
Hard to clean areas on your stainless steel products can be cleaned with a cream cleaner or a stainless steel cleaner.
Tea staining or brown spots may occur especially in coastal or chlorinated areas. Should tea staining occur please clean your stainless steel product as soon as possible.
Corten / RUST
Corten requires no real regular ongoing maintenance and will develop its own unique rust patterns and character. No two Corten items will have the same rust patina as each piece is individual, changes with the surrounding elements and develops over time.
To protect your corten pieces please ensure you clean off any bird poo as needed to prevent staining.
Corten / rust may leech onto surrounding areas.
Corten / rust can be sealed with penetrol.
Penetrol will give your rustic item a more vibrant finish. If you choose to seal your products with penetrol this will minimize leeching but also need regular maintenance.