Does Powder Coated Steel Rust?
Powder-coated steel offers corrosion resistance, durability, and great wear resistance. It is suitable for outdoor furniture, frames for indoor furniture, and metal canopies, roofs, windows, doors, cranes, scaffolding, and trailers.
Powder coating uses evenly sized, dry, polymer-based, or “plastic” microbeads that are electrostatically charged to adhere to materials. It creates a durable finish that can withstand harsh weather conditions for years. Manufacturers apply the dry powder with a spray gun and cure it in a UV or infrared oven. The process succeeds in making the surface wear-resistant and aesthetically pleasing, but various factors influence its ability to prevent rust and corrosion.
Will Powder Coated Steel Rust?
Powder coating seals the surface to create a protective barrier against elements that can cause corrosion and rust, such as moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure. It also protects the steel from light scratches that would expose it to harsh conditions. Powder coated steel is resistant to rust to the point that it won’t develop ugly rust patches or red streaks. However, if the object sustains damage that causes cracks in the coating, moisture might seep in and allow rust to begin to form.
Powder coated steel rusting could also occur if the metal underneath had contamination that was not adequately removed during pretreatment, causing poor powder coating adherence.
How to Rust-Proof Powder Coated Steel
The execution of the application process determines the effectiveness of the powder coating. The process involves:
- Proper surface preparation: Priming and treating the steel before the powder coating process ensures it bonds well with the topcoat to effectively prevent corrosion.
- Choosing the right abrasive: Rust can also develop under the coating due to AIC abrasive-induced corrosion. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a high quality blasting abrasive that does not contain any free iron, like EpiX, that will be safe on the surface and noting in EpiX particles cause corrosion. In contrast, many other abrasives do contain free iron and salts that, when embedded into the surface, leave it vulnerable to corrosion and may actually be the cause of rust.
- Correct application: Using an electrostatic spray gun deposits an even coating to provide uniform and superior corrosion protection. Curing the steel in the oven is an important step to achieve maximum protection and rust resistance.
Advantages of Powder Coated Steel
Powder coating steel offers many benefits, including:
- Strength: Powder coating steel results in a sturdy and long-lasting construction that provides security in architectural and furniture applications.
- Longevity: This coating is also highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and peeling.
- Corrosion resistance: Powder coating provides a barrier against moisture, chemicals, and other contaminants that might trigger corrosion.
- Aesthetic appeal: The numerous colors and design styles available create beautiful finishes that enhance decor designs.
- Consistency: Powder coating results in a thick and even finish for uniform protection.
- Eco-friendliness: Powder coating contains negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in low environmental impact.
Maintenance of Powder Coated Steel
Powder coating can make your steel products more resistant to rust if the process is done properly. Pretreatment and professional application make a significant difference in ensuring effective and lasting protection. The powder coating can experience wear and tear over time from abrasion, or breakdown due to UV exposure and eventually allow rust formation. When this happens, the best fix is to remove the rust and the old coating and recoat the metal. Powder coated surfaces usually require very little to no maintenance to ensure long-term functionality and integrity.
Follow these tips to maintain the integrity and corrosion resistance of powder coated steel and prevent rusting:
- Prevent scratches: Avoid impacts and abrasions to keep the protective layer from damage that could cause rust.
- Clean regularly: Remove dirt and other surface contaminants with non-abrasive agents to prevent wear and maintain the powder coating performance.
- Check for damage: Regularly examine the surface for nicks, chips, scratches, and other signs of wear and address them immediately.
- Repair damage: Touch up any chips or minor cracks to restore the surface and prevent further deterioration that would expose more of the underlying steel to corrosion.
- Protect from the elements: Avoid prolonged moisture and UV exposure that can affect the powder coatings’ durability.
Easy Powder Coating Removal and Preparation With EpiX MP
Powder coating is one of the most effective solutions when attempting to prevent steel from rusting. It forms an impenetrable barrier and offers a versatile aesthetic appeal, making it a top choice for customers. We provide sustainable abrasive blasting media to help clean surfaces, remove previous layers of powder coating, and prepare surfaces for reapplication. Our team has the necessary experience and expertise in formulating excellent abrasive products to effectively preserve powder coated items.
At 10X Engineered Materials, we understand the importance of maintaining the aesthetics and functionality of your powder coated steel products. If you are looking for a high quality blasting abrasive to clean your coated surface or remove deteriorated powder coating for reapplication, EpiX is the product for you.
Contact our experts to discuss the solutions you need and enjoy professional recommendations.