In South Florida, wet and humid, an exterior staircase needs to obviously be protected from the elements. The difference in cost between aluminum and steel is about ten grand, which is too much. Would powder-coating steel be a sufficient method of long-term protection, or is there another better method (ie. galvanizing and epoxy), or are we just asking for trouble by using steel period?
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How does the car paint hold up there? Think I spent $120 material when I painted my van (base coat, clear coat). Catalyzed should work even better.
The only finish I've seen that absolutely won't grow mold was boat hull paint. Not inexpensive.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Take a look at POR15. It's used in auto restoration. I think it is a polyurathane single stage coating... but that's because it's as hard to get off as any other polyu product I've used. It is TOUGH!
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Not an expert on metal finishing, but Ijust did a project relying on advice from my supplier....used a catalyzed polyurethane/polyester as an alternative to powder coating. I sprayed it but the product info sheets state that it can be brushed or rolled.
Products I used (on aluminum) were Korzite as an etchng primer, and Endu-thane as the coating, but there will be similar systems from many manufacturers. I was impressed; good looking finish that seems like it will be very durable.
cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S
Edited 7/30/2005 8:11 am ET by Adrian
Epoxy paints are used on steel bridges in coastal climes...requires some prep work, including sandblasting and appropriate primer. Contact a Marine supply house, steel supply house, etc. You won't find this stuff in a big box store.
IIRC technically powdercoating is just the way that a finish material to applied to the product. It does not define the finish material.
You can powder coat with teflon, and nylon, and polyesters, and I think epoxies.
So it really depends on what kind of product is used for the finish.
The outdoor furniture and the like that I have seen powder coated has had fairly tough finish.
I don't know what your roll is in this, if you will be specifiying the coating or if you will be buying a "commercial" product.
But talk with the manufacture or coater and see what the different finishes are.
Billy Jack
The question you should ask of the powder coater is how he preps the metal prior to applying the powder coat. A really good base is a three or five stage process to put on a phosphate base. Clean ( remove ANY oil, rust/oxidation or grease) water rinse to a break free surface. Appropriate phosphate for steel or aluminum, another water rinse. Then the appropriate sealer for steel or aluminum. The best way I can describe it is it is like putting a micro Velcro surface on the metal to which you apply the paint/powder coat.
Good prep is key to controlling coating adhesion
Cheers
Mac