How to Clean a Powder Coat

Powder coat is a method of applying paint that is often used to color motorcycles and automobiles. The paint is electrostatically charged, and the object is lowered into the paint. The result is a bright, hardy coat of paint. Powder coat looks and acts much like regular paint, but you need to be careful when cleaning it and take some precautions to protect the paint from cleaning mistakes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• Neutral detergent
• Clean rags

1. Wash your powder-coated item at least once every six months. Dust, dirt and grime can actually eat away at the powder coat and cause it to need refinishing.

2. Mix up your cleaning solution. Combine 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of the neutral detergent in the bucket. You can mix it up by swirling one of the rags around in it.

3. Wipe down the powder coat with a rag that has been dampened with the cleaning solution. Do not scrub, but use gentle, repetitive pressure to remove any built-up grime and soot.

4. Rinse the powder coat off with a rag dampened with clear, clean water. Do not spray it down, but rather wipe it off with the rag. You may need to do this several times to get all the soap off.

5. Wipe the powder coat down with a clean rag. This will prevent streaking and spotting. Powder coat, when cleaned correctly, will not chip or peel like more conventional paints, as long as it is cleaned regularly.

References

• All about Powder Coat

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