How Long Does Powder Coating Colour Last Before It Fades?

One common question we get from curious customers revolves around the durability and longevity of powder coating: "How long does powder coating colour last before it fades?"

This question is pivotal for many, especially when considering the longevity and aesthetic appeal of our powder-coating products. In our experience, powder coating colour can last between 10 to 25 years or even longer in some cases, depending on the quality of the powder and the processes used when applying the powder. 

This article will discuss the factors that influence fading of powder coat colours and give you tips on how to best maintain your powder-coated items to ensure that colours stay vibrant for many years to come.

What is Powder Coating?

Before diving into specifics, it's essential to understand what powder coating is. Powder coating is a type of finish applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Unlike traditional liquid paint, it doesn't require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is applied electrostatically and then cured under heat, allowing it to flow and form a "skin." This process results in a tough, durable finish, widely preferred for its resistance to wear and tear, and its longevity.

The Lifespan of Powder Coating: Factors that Influence Fading

While powder coating is renowned for its durability, its lifespan varies depending on several factors.

1. Quality of Powder Coating Process: The quality of the powder coating process plays a pivotal role in determining the lifespan of the finish. This encompasses the quality of the powder used, the surface preparation, and the actual application of the powder. A well-executed, high-quality process generally results in a more durable and long-lasting finish.
2. Exposure to Sunlight: Powder coating, like any other finish, is susceptible to continuous exposure to direct sunlight, causing it to fade over time. UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in the coating, leading to fading and gloss reduction. However, powder coatings with UV inhibitors or UV resistant colours can significantly slow down this process.
3. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, salt, chemicals, and other abrasive substances can impact the powder coating's durability. A finish exposed to harsh weather conditions or corrosive environments may not have the same lifespan as those in milder environments.
4. Type of Material Coated: The type of material that the coating is applied to can also affect its longevity. For instance, metal objects prone to rusting (like ungalvanised steel) can impact the durability of the powder coating.

Maintaining and Refurbishing Your Powder Coated Surface

Maintaining a powder-coated surface is vital for its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Although powder coating is one of the most durable colour coatings available, over time, elements like pollution, dirt, grime, and salt deposits can accumulate on the surface. A simple, regular maintenance program should be implemented to extend the effective life of powder coatings and fulfill any existing warranty requirements.

As a general rule, all powder-coated surfaces should be cleaned every three months. However, in areas where pollutants are more prevalent, such as coastal, industrial, or geothermal regions, a cleaning program should be conducted more frequently—perhaps every one to two months.

Implementing a simple, regular maintenance program will ensure your powder-coated products provide many years of excellent service. 

Three Steps to Cleaning Your Powder Coated Surface:

1. Remove Loose Surface Deposits: Use a wet sponge to carefully remove any loose surface deposits. This first step helps to clear off any dust or debris that could potentially scratch the surface during the washing process.
2. Washing: Use a soft, non-abrasive brush or cloth and a mild detergent solution—such as a pH-neutral liquid hand dishwashing detergent in warm water—to clean the surface. Avoid using solvents as they can damage the powder coating. This step helps to remove dust, salt, and other deposits that have stuck onto the surface.
3. Rinsing: After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the surfaces with clean, fresh water to remove all detergent residues. Failing to properly rinse the surfaces can result in soap build-up, which can cause staining or, over time, damage the finish.

With these simple cleaning steps, the vibrant colour and glossy finish of your powder-coated items can be preserved, prolonging their lifespan and keeping them looking their best for many years.

Our In-House Powder Coating Plant

Our Area Safe, Astra Street Furniture and AS Urban customers are now able to enjoy the benefits of our in-house powder coating plant. This means that we now have direct control over the quality and turnaround times of our powder-coated products, allowing us to stay true to our core values: 'Quality is first in everything' and 'Always provide first-class service'. You can see our powder coating plant in action in our short video here.

We're proud to offer a diverse colour range, stocking over 20 powder coat colours, including 14 standard colours and seven specialty colours. These colours can be viewed or downloaded on our website. We also offer custom powder coating services, where you can choose any colour from the Dulux powder coat range.

So, How Long Does Powder Coating Last Before It Fades?

Given the factors above, the lifespan of a powder coat can vary widely. On average, a high-quality powder coating can last between 10 to 25 years, or even longer in optimal conditions. However, areas with heavy sun exposure or harsh weather conditions may experience a shorter lifespan. A well-maintained powder-coated surface in a favourable environment can provide vibrant colour for decades, offering superior value over many traditional finishes. Importantly, some powder coatings, such as those from Dulux, come with warranties ranging from 15 to 25 years, further ensuring their durability and quality. For specifics on which colours this warranty covers, we encourage you to reach out to us directly.

If you’d like to know more about our in-house powder-coating plant or need any help choosing the best products for your project, get in touch with the team on 1300 889 821.