Powder coated aluminium is a combination of two excellent materials for durability and lightweight as well as good looks. Aluminium is the base material, upon which a special coating is placed. The coating is a mixture of color and a polyester or polyester-expoxy hybrid powder which forms an actual layer of durable material to protect and beautify the aluminium. Because powder coating is applied using electrostatically charged particles, and then it is heat cured, the resulting “skin” produced is heavy duty, evenly applied and durable, not to mention beautiful. Among the new characteristics which exist when the two materials are combined, are: corrosion resistance, durability against the elements, lightweight and beauty. Clearly, powder coated aluminium furniture is ideal for Outdoor Furniture.

Cleaning powder coated aluminium furniture is typically done with a soft sponge or cloth and mild soap. Some owners use automotive waxes, like a spray on wax, 1-2 times a year. Some believe that this wax or polish will keep the finish looking as new. Do not use abrasives of any type, either in the cleaner or polish or in the way you apply it (like an abrasive sponge). Such abrasives can have a negative effect on powder coating.

Stainless steel is a powerhouse material for high-end outdoor furniture. It combines beauty, with strength and corrosion resistance as well as the ability to work well in the manufacturing process. Design Warehouse uses 316 Marine Grade Stainless steel specifically on nearly every single stainless product. Despite its gorgeous appearance when new, it’s important to keep stainless steel outdoor furniture clean with regular maintenance. Below are some FAQ’s related to routine stainless steel maintenance and cleaning. Adhering to these maintenance and cleaning procedures will ensure the long beautiful life of stainless steel products from Design Warehouse.

Using a capable grade of stainless steel for your environment has a major impact on how much maintenance and what type of maintenance will be required. Design Warehouse uses 316 grade stainless steel for this reason. Because of the higher molybdenum and nickel content of this stainless steel alloy, it has enhanced properties compared to other grades of stainless steel. These enhancements include a higher resistance to scratching, corrosion denting and pitting. Furthermore, 316 has been time tested in marine environments and other harsher contaminate environments. Simply put, the only aspect that 316 stainless steel doesn’t outperform (furniture industry standard #304 stainless) is in cost; #316 is more expensive.

Smoggy, dirty and otherwise industrial environments will necessitate a more frequent cleaning regimen and maintenance schedule. High humidity areas, or those with salt air environments will similarly require more cleaning of stainless steel furniture. Generally speaking, if stainless steel looks dirty, it should be cleaned properly. In terms of frequency: unless you live in a particularly harsh environment like a coastal area or near industrial centers, cleaning your stainless steel furniture 1-2 times a year should suffice. You can see our 316 stainless steel outdoor furniture in NZ, looking great, no matter where you are.

For routine maintenance on stainless steel furniture from Design Warehouse, using a ph neutral soap and clear water applied with a soft cloth or sponge should be considered normal. Fingerprints can be removed as necessary using the 3M® Brand “Stainless Steel Cleaner” applied as stated on the 3M® product.

Stains and discoloration sometimes requires the use of a ScotchBrite® pad (also a 3M® product). After brightening and evening out the finish on the stainless steel by using this method, you might also apply the aforementioned 3M® “Stainless Steel Cleaner”.