Cleaning Powder Coated Surfaces

[fia142]

I use the citrus cleaner to remove road grime and grease from my chassis. Creates a bit of a dull finish on the chassis which is black powder coated.

Anyone recommend a better cleaner for powder coated surfaces? Can anyone recommend something to keep the shine on powder coated surfaces?

In some cases these surfaces are also in the engine bay where temperatures can be high.

Thanks - Steve

[bretfraz]

Well, back in the day when I worked on sprint cars, the chassis and many other parts were powder coated. I'd wash and wax them as I would normal painted items. I used whatever I had handy or what a sponsor would give us. I did find that although the powder coating held up well to wax a good amount would rub off in the process. Something to consider or at least test first.

I suggest trying the same methods and tools you now use to clean the paint on the powder coated items. Should work fine.

[Bill Lessard]

I have powder coated step bars on my truck, and treat them the same as the rest of my vehicle. AIO X 2, SG X 5, and wash and QD just as I do the rest of the truck.
I have noticed no difference in the finish, and they are holding up as well as the rest of the finish on my truck.
I agree, just treat them to the same TLC as the rest of your finish, and the powder coat should hold up very well. Enjoy!

[Short Cut]

Hi Steve, I have some black powder coated steel on my truck and I have found that Meguiar's #20 polymer sealant works well. It seems to clean and shine in one step (that is after it has been washed) . I would imagine that AIO would work pretty well too although I haven't tried it yet.

[Footy]

I would try Klasse AIO to restore the shine. Though I have not tried it on powder coated surfaces. it has worked very well for me to restore the gloss on engine compartment sheet-metal.

[Short Cut]

Originally posted by Short Cut
Meguiar's #20 polymer sealant works well. I would imagine that AIO would work pretty well too although I haven't tried it yet.

I just did a comparison on black powder coated steel between Meguiar's #20 and AIO. The AIO has more cleaning properties and will remove surface contamination that the #20 will not. They both wipe off easy but the AIO appears to leave a thicker and shinier coating after the products are removed. The powder coated bumpers on my truck were the last thing that I have to use #20 on and now it looks it will be bumped in favor of AIO.

[fia142]

Thanks guys for all of your advise. I just finished allot of winter work on the car and am going to tackle the detailing.

Quick Question - What is AIO and where can I get it?

Thanks - Steve