Installation, Maintenance & Warranty

Corten steel when left to rust will build a thick outside layer of rust that protects the core material. Its copper content ensures that the core material will not deteriorate and you can expect a very long life from Corten steel.

Corten requires no ongoing maintenance and will take on its own character and due to individual nature of a rusted item – each piece is different. It is recommended that corten is hosed down following any bird droppings etc falling onto the items.

Corten can be sealed with a product such as Penetrol. Penetrol will give a rusted item a more lustrous finish and will penetrate into the rusted surface to protect. Penetrol will require ongoing maintenance and re-coating is required every 3 to 6 months.

Please note that Corten will continuously change with heat, moisture and age. Rusted finishes will leach onto surrounding surfaces.

Wash regularly with warm soapy water and mild detergent using a soft cloth (in mild environments every 6 months. For commercial, industrial or marine environments we would recommend monthly maintenance. Always rinse well with water, to remove any remaining detergent.

Avoid steam cleaning, abrasive cleansers, steel brushes/wools and cleaners containing chlorine. Avoid scratching the surface by dry dusting. Do not allow dirt or bird droppings to accumulate, dry out and harden. Never use strong solvents to clean powder-coated surfaces. Dull surfaces can be revived using car polish.

Wash regularly with soapy water or detergent using a clean cloth, and if necessary, a 3M Scotch Brite Pad. Remove non washable deposits on Stainless Steel surfaces with a cream cleaner (non-abrasive) or commercial stainless steel cleaner. Clean in one direction only, along the original polish lines. Do not use steel wool or metallic scrapers. Do not allow dirt to accumulate, dry out and harden. Should tea staining occur, clean with hot soapy water and a nylon Scotch-Brite pad.

Tea staining: Tea staining of stainless steel surfaces can be a problem where there are significant levels of chlorides in water that comes into contact with the metal surface. This is prevalent around the coastal fringes of Australia. Tea staining does not affect the structural integrity of the material

Powder coat is a decorative finish for indoor and outdoor use. While it assists with metal protection, it is not a corrosion protection in its own right. The components of PO Box Designs powder coated products are produced in either aluminium or mild steel. The base materials are undercoated prior to powdercoating. The products are then powder coated to make the surface resistant and suitable for use in exterior environments.

Minor corrosion spots do not affect the structural integrity of the product and are not covered by warranty.

Whilst every care is taken to provide the most suitable finish according to the use and the environment the product will be subjected to, PO Box Designs cannot guarantee this decorative finish against scratching, scuffing, chipping, fading or corrosion, and as a result of direct use in harsh seafront locations.

When choosing a colour for outdoor use please select a suitable UV stable choice, as the product is not warranted against natural fading. To ensure longevity of this finish please refer to the care and maintenance.

PO Box Designs will not accept responsibility in any way for damage caused by misuse, abuse, or accident and such damage shall be construed as a breach of the warranty contract.

This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear.

PO Box Designs is not liable for fading or natural aging of the timber, non-structural defects in the timber, naturally occurring timber features, surface and end checking.

General wear and tear or natural fading of the materials used.

Corrosion originating from scratches or abrasions that result from general wear and tear and which cannot be removed via standard cleaning and maintenance processes.

Minor spots of rust under powdercoated finishes. These are a natural outcome of the material used (mild steel).

The corrosion of stainless steel parts due to use in a confined, chlorinated environment.

The corrosion of products, including stainless steel, as a result of direct use in harsh seafront locations.

PO Box Designs will provide repair options and make available parts or complete items at our discretion.

Transportation costs for replacement parts and labour costs for repair or replacements are excluded from the warranty.

PO Box Designs shall not be liable for, and specifically excludes, any claims caused directly or indirectly by any event or matter beyond its control, including incidental, consequential or contingent damages suffered as a result of the use of our products.