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Care & Maintenance Information for Stainless Steel

With minimal care stainless steel planters will last a lifetime. As for any product, some maintenance is necessary but with stainless steel this is simplicity itself. A regular wash with mild detergent and polishing dry with a soft cloth is all that is needed. Never use scouring powders or steel wool as they can scratch the surface.

Stainless steel is stain resistant but occasionally it might dull or show finger marks. Use the following methods to reclaim its original finish: 

• Rub with olive oil or club soda to remove streaks. 

• To clean and brighten stainless steel, moisten a cloth with undiluted white or cider vinegar and wipe clean. Bright stainless steel finishes should not be cleaned with bleach, creams or abrasive materials such as wire wool or silver dip.

Commercial stainless steel cleaners are also available. 

Brushed finish stainless steel has a grain; if using any kind of abrasive on a satin stainless steel surface, always make sure it is cleaned in the direction of the grain. 

To prolong the use of stainless steel planters it is recommended that PVC liners are used as a barrier between the steel and the compost.

 

Care & Maintenance Information for Powder Coated

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is the modern alternative to old-fashioned stove enamelling. A dry powder is electro statically charged and sprayed onto the earthed surface of the planter. Due to the electric charge the powder is attracted to the earthed component and adheres to the surface giving an all over even coat finish.
The coated planter is then placed within an oven for a length of time at a specific temperature to cure the coat leading to an exceptional superior finish.

Care & Maintenance of Powder Coated Planters?

It is crucial that all powder coated material has regular maintenance, in order to retain the aesthetic qualities and the long-term durability of the system.

• Regular cleaning of powder coating planters where the appearance has become unsightly, or when deposits of atmospheric pollution or other matter is apparent, is important. 

• The coating should be washed with water and dried with a soft absorbent cloth. Harsh scrubbing or the use of abrasive solvent cleaners, which will damage the finish, should be avoided.

 


Care & Maintenance Information for Galvanised Steel

Please note items are handmade. Galvanised sheet steel will dull down over time. Industrial Galvanised sheets are not supplied with a backing material, therefore minor scratches will be evident. Please opt for stainless steel for a smooth finish.

To keep your Galvanised planters free from finger prints spray lightly with WD40 and then wipe down with a soft cloth.
With the minimal care and maintenance galvanised planters will also last a lifetime.


Cleaning, Maintenance & Inspections Periods/Schedules

A simple regular clean will minimize the effects of weathering and will remove dirt, grime and other build-up detrimental to all powder coatings.

The frequency of such cleaning will depend on many factors including the:

  • Geographical location of the building
  • Environment surrounding the building e.g. marine, industrial, alkaline or acidic, etc.
  • Levels of atmospheric pollution including salts
  • Prevailing winds and the possibility of air borne debris causing erosive wear of the coating e.g. sand causing abrasion
  • Protection of part or all of the building by other buildings
  • Change in environmental circumstances during the lifetime of the building e.g. if rural became industrial

Cleaning should start at the time the products are installed, ensuring that construction materials such as concrete, plaster and paint splashes are removed before they have a chance to dry. 
Failure to remove these materials at this early stage will require the use of aggressive cleaning materials and techniques with potential damage to the powder coated surface.

The best method of cleaning is by regular washing of the coating using a solution of warm water and non-abrasive, pH neutral detergent solution. 
Surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all residues. 
All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge or a soft natural bristle brush. 
Cleaning of powder coated sections can be conveniently carried out at the same time as window cleaning.

The frequency of cleaning depends in part on the standard of appearance that is required and also the requirements to remove deposits that could, during prolonged contact with either the powder film or the metal substrate (if exposed), cause damage.

In severe environments, such as industrial or marine, the normal frequency of cleaning should be at a maximum of three monthly intervals. 
However, where high atmospheric pollution exists, such as salt spray, or a combination of factors above, the environment is classified as hazardous and the period between cleaning should be increased to monthly.

Sheltered areas can be more at risk of coating degradation than exposed areas. 
This is because wind-blown salt and other pollutants may adhere to the surface and will not be cleaned away with rainfall. 
These areas should be inspected and cleaned if necessary on a more regular basis.

WARNING. Do not under any circumstances use strong solvents such as thinners or solutions containing chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters or ketones. Abrasive cleaners or cutting compounds should not be used.