How to Keep Your Horse Barn Products Looking Beautiful for Years
Any product that goes into your barn—whether it’s a stall front, Dutch door, or barn window—is a meaningful investment. These components don’t just serve functional roles; they help define the overall look, feel, and longevity of your barn. When cared for properly, your American Stalls products will continue to perform beautifully for decades to come.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the materials behind our stall equipment and share practical maintenance tips to ensure your investment remains protected.
Why Maintenance Matters
Daily barn life is tough. From high humidity and manure gases to regular wear and tear, your barn’s materials work hard. That’s why a consistent care routine isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about protecting your barn’s function, durability, and the safety of your horses and handlers.
Understanding Your Materials
All American Stalls steel-based products—stall fronts, partitions, barn doors, and windows—are made with either pre-galvanized or hot-dip galvanized steel. We never use untreated carbon steel.
- Pre-Galvanized Steel: This comes standard in our products, providing excellent corrosion resistance.
- Hot-dip Galvanized Steel: Used for coastal projects where exposure to salt is high. Please note: we don’t apply powder coating over hot-dip galvanized steel, as it affects adherence.
To conclude, we use a polyester TGIC powder coat, formulated explicitly for agricultural applications. This finish:
- Offers high UV and weather resistance.
- Ensures better adhesion to edges and corners
- Resists chipping and scratching far better than standard wet paint
Visual Example: Left – Pre-galvanized steel welded into place. Right – Finished with black powder coat for a smooth, lasting finish.
Daily Habits to Protect Your Finish
Even the most durable finish can wear with daily use. Here are some best practices:
- Avoid hanging heavy or abrasive items, such as feed bags or halters, directly on stall doors or grills.
- Check high-touch areas weekly for scratches, especially corners, bars, latches, and mesh panels.
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If you notice a chip or scratch, contact us immediately to request touch-up paint, which will help prevent rust and corrosion from forming.
How to Clean Powder-Coated Stall Equipment
Simple, consistent cleaning can dramatically extend the life of your stall system. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Use Low-Pressure Cleaning
- A low-pressure power washer (under 1,500 PSI) can effectively remove dirt and debris without damaging the finish.
- Be sure to use a wide-angle tip and keep some distance from the surface.
2. Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
- Always use a mild, pH-neutral soap mixed with warm water.
- Apply using a soft cloth or sponge—never abrasive pads or brushes.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
- Avoid using chlorine bleach, acidic solutions, or solvent-based cleaners.
- Do not use alcohol-based wipes (e.g., Clorox® wipes). While common in busy barns, these wipes can cause degradation of powder-coated surfaces over time.
Recap: Best Practices for Long-Term Beauty
- Inspect stalls and doors regularly for chips or scrapes
- Use soft materials and mild soap for cleaning
- Avoid harsh wipes or abrasive tools
- Touch up damage promptly with approved paint
Contact our American Stalls if you have any other questions on how to care for and maintain your products.
📞 Call us at (855) 957-8255
📧 Or email sales@americanstalls.com
Alternatively, you can complete a Contact Us Form.
Let’s keep your barn beautiful, safe, and built to last.
