AHD Blog
Can You Touch Up Powder Coating?
Powder coating is one of the most durable, attractive railing coating options on the market. It lasts for years, it’s rugged, and it looks great – even with exposure to extreme weather, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental stressors. If you’re considering making the investment, you might be wondering: Can you touch up powder coating? While powder coating is an extraordinarily strong barrier against scratches, chips, and other wear and tear, it might be necessary to touch it up every now and again. Whens this happens, there are several options to help you maintain the integrity of your railing.
Can You Touch Up Powder Coating?
Determining When to Touch Up Powder Coating
Powder-coated railings are extraordinarily resistant to stains and everyday wear and tear. Not only does powder coating remain attractive for decades, but also it works to extend the life of your railing as a protective covering. Sometimes powder coating needs a little touch-up, however, after years of hard work to maintain its appearance and its shielding qualities.
While powder-coated handrails are exceptionally durable, they may experience a nick or two when exposed to the elements. The perfect finish can be a great complement to your space, so wanting to touch up a nicked spot is completely understandable. It’s also important to remember that powder coating is a protective agent that helps to maintain the metal underneath the coating. If you start to notice metal showing through, that means it’s time for a touch-up to protect the integrity of the railing as a whole.
Touch-Up Options
Sanding and Buffing
If your railing has been the target of debris – say, a mischievous flock of birds or a damaging hailstorm – sanding and buffing can be a good option. A gentle buffing removes surface debris and the occasional orange peel effect when powder coating is applied too heavily. However, while buffing can give your railing an attractive mirror-like finish, it’s easy to buff right through the powder coating, which will require you to touch up the coating with a repair paint. Ultimately, sanding and buffing is best left to the professionals. Instead, we recommend using a touch-up paint specifically designed to work with powder coating.
Using Touch-Up Paint
If you find yourself needing to touch up powder coating, your best bet is to use a liquid paint or spray paint formulated for each type of powder coating. Unlike typical spray paints, which will only provide basic cosmetic coverage, these formulas are designed to eliminate parting lines between touch-up and original powder areas. These specially designed touch-up paints are also formulated to last much longer than typical spray paints. Finally, you’ll be able to find a shade that matches your powder coating color perfectly, which may not be the case with standard spray paints. Aluminum Handrail Direct offers several products for power coating touch-ups, each available in a variety of colors:
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So can you touch up powder coating? The short answer is yes – but you may not need to. Powder coating is incredible durable and resistant to everyday wear and tear, serving both as an aesthetic feature and a protective barrier. That being said, there are several options available if you find your powder-coated railing in need of a touch-up.
At Aluminum Handrail Direct, we’re committed to providing high-quality aluminum handrails that are durable, maintenance-free, affordable, and attractive. If you have questions about touching up powder coating or are searching for a handrail system that’s perfect for your needs, visit Aluminum Handrail Direct’s online store today. We offer touch-up paint in a pen or bottle, touch-up spray paint, and three-part aerosol spray in a variety of neutral colors.
