Deck Images E2A® Care and Maintenance – Powder Coating
Maintaining the good looks of your Deck Images® powder-coated railing is like caring for your car. It’s a smart way to protect your investment. Over time and with exposure to the elements, powder coatings may show signs of weathering, such as loss of gloss, chalking and slight color change. A simple, regular cleaning will minimize the effects of weathering and remove dirt, grime and other buildup detrimental to powder coatings.
Cleaning frequency depends on factors including:
- Geographical location of the building.
- Environment surrounding the building, e.g., marine, industrial, alkaline or acidic, etc.
- Prevailing winds and the possibility of airborne debris causing erosive wear of the coating, e.g., sand causing abrasion.
- Protection of part or all of the building by other buildings.
- Change in environmental circumstances during the lifetime of the building, e.g., if rural becomes industrial.
Cleaning should begin the day Deck Images railing is installed, ensuring that construction materials such as concrete, plaster and paint splashes are removed before they have a chance to dry. Failure to remove these materials at this early stage will mean later use of aggressive cleaning materials and techniques, with potential damage to the powder-coated surface.
The best method of cleaning Deck Images aluminum railing is washing with a solution of warm water and a nonabrasive, pH-neutral detergent solution. Surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove residue. All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge, or a soft, natural bristle brush.
Cleaning frequency depends in part on the standard of appearance required and the requirements to remove deposits that could, during prolonged contact with the powder film or the metal substrate (if exposed), cause damage.
In severe environments, such as industrial or marine, the normal cleaning frequency should be at least once every three-months. However, where high-atmospheric pollution exists, such as salt spray or a combination of factors above, the environment is classified as hazardous and the cleaning frequency should be increased to monthly.
Sheltered areas can be more at risk of coating degradation than exposed areas. This is because wind-blown salt and other pollutants may adhere to the surface and will not be cleaned away with the rainfall. Sheltered areas should be inspected and cleaned if necessary on a more regular basis.
Where the atmosphere is deemed to be nonhazardous, e.g., rural or “normal” urban environments, then the period between cleaning can be extended to a maximum of 12 months. However, if heavy soiling occurs, more frequent cleaning is required.
| Nonhazardous environment | Clean and check at least once every 12 months |
| Tropical environment | Clean and check at least once every 9 months |
| Swimming and leisure pools | Clean and check at least once every 6 months |
| Marine environment | Clean and check at least once every 3 months |
| Industrial environment | Clean and check at least once every 3 months |
| Hazardous environment | Clean and check at least once monthly |
Warning: Do not under any circumstances use strong solvents such as thinners or solutions containing chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters or ketones. Abrasive cleaners or cutting compounds should not be used.
Do not apply excessive downward pressure to the bottom rail of the glass infill system. The glass support leg(s) must be properly installed. If not properly installed, downward force on the bottom rail or upward force on the top rail could cause glass balusters to become dislodged.
Deck Images recommends the use of nothing stronger than mineral spirits to assist with stubborn stains. Cleaning with mineral spirits should be carried out in the shade and during cooler temperatures, using a soft cloth and gentle wiping only. It is also recommended that a small, not-visible area be tested initially to ensure that no color change or damage will occur. Please contact Deck Images for further advice.
Product assembly must completely comply with manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer will not be liable for any installation or assembly that in any way fails to conform to manufacturer’s instructions.
