Are you thinking of getting precision powder coating for your car rims? A powder coating is much more durable than paint and can take on more wear and tear.
However, even the toughest finishes still require proper care and maintenance to ensure lasting results despite harsh weather and terrains. Excessive contact, weathering, and organic buildup can weaken the powder-coated surface and lead to damage.
This article will run you through some care and maintenance tips for your powder-coated wheels.
Getting a Pretreatment
Giving your rims a pretreatment can help you maximize the life of your powder coating. A pretreatment can clear up the surface, remove existing corrosion or coatings, and thoroughly clean the exposed metal.
This pretreatment will ensure that the electrostatically charged powder coating will adhere properly to your rims. This helps prevent chipping and the short service life of your powder coating.
Care and Maintenance
A powder coating can be dependable and survive through the harshest weather conditions. However, it is best to practice some care measures to maximize the lifespan of this finish. Here are some maintenance tips:
1 – Avoid Excessive Cleaning
You may need to clean your wheels after a long road trip or remove dust and dirt buildup. However, it is harmful to clean your powder coating too much as this can lead to premature erosion.
You can simply clean your wheels at the beginning of each season.
2 – Avoid Abrasive Tools
You don’t need to use abrasive cleaning tools on your rims as powder coating usually cleans easily. Abrasive tools like scouring pads, steel wool, and other products are unnecessary and can damage the powder coating finish of your rims.
It is best to use sponges, brushes, and other tools to wash a car.
3 – Use a Gentle Cleaner
Abrasive cleaners like solvents and detergents can remove or damage the powder coating finish. Avoid using such products to clean your wheels.
A gentle cleaner like mild soap and water can remove dirt and grime buildup without hurting the finish. If you need a solvent-based cleaner, start with the weakest cleaner and always have a test spot first.
4 – Apply Wax Protection
You can also use high-quality car wax to protect your wheels and preserve the finish. This creates a barrier that extends the life of your finish. This is particularly important in high contact areas that people frequently touch.
You can also get a car wax that offers extra protection by blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays.
5 – Get Your Powder Coating Repaired
While powder coating is tough and can withstand the harshest conditions, it may also get damaged due to various factors. You may have an accident that impacted your rims. You may have used a harsh cleaner on it or any other event that may weaken your powder coating.
If you notice damage to your powder coating finish like chips, scratches, or cracks, you need to get this repaired. If the damage is limited to the powder coating layer, you can still fix it with a touch-up.
For more severe damage, you may need to get a recoat as you may risk corrosion.
Conclusion
Powder coating is a tough coating that can withstand the harshest conditions. However, you still need to do proper care and maintenance to maximize the lifespan of your powder coating and protect it from damage. You can follow this guide to keep your powder coating looking new and fresh.
Are you looking for powder coating experts in Tulsa? Precision Finishing offers the quality custom powder coating you desire. Call us now to learn more!
