Materials preparation is:
The Foundation of Long-Term Product Performance
Before a park bench is or bin surround is shipped, Draffin Street Furniture begins with rigorous materials preparation during the manufacturing stage—a critical phase that ensures durability, compliance, and lifecycle performance. Whether you are specifying for a coastal council, school precinct, or civic upgrade, understanding how materials are prepared and finished helps you choose with confidence.
It is important to understand that all materials used at Draffin have proven to be commercial grade tough with a long life in harsh environments. But reliance on the endurance of these materials alone is not enough. Combining these materials with proper preparation and careful consideration as to where the furniture will be installed is key to a high-performance material and product. Depending on the material alone without proper preparation and consideration leads to a shorter lifecycle of the product.
Draffin covers materials often within these blog pages. While the design and manufacturing of Draffin products is important, it is material choice and preparation that are factors ensuring long life performance and endurance of each product. With nearly 70 years of manufacturing experience, the team at Draffin have learnt preparation techniques (through success and failure) that extend the life of all products made at Draffin.
A focus on Draffin’s primary materials and finishes
The same customised attention to preparation is used throughout all materials and finishes used on Draffin products. To keep this blog brief, below are just a few of our primary materials and finishes.
Click on a material below to rollout
Stainless Steel (Grades 304 & 316): Prepared for Increased Corrosion Resistance
Draffin uses austenitic stainless steel—primarily Grades 304 and 316—and should be selected based on environmental exposure:
Grade 304: Ideal for inland and urban settings
Grade 316: Preferred for coastal and marine zones due to added molybdenum
Stainless steel is off to a good start considering the material’s ability to continuously protect itself from corrosion, however it does require further preparation once fabricated into a part for a Draffin product.
Preparation includes:
- Degreasing and cleaning (pickling) to remove oils and contaminants from fabrication
- Passivation to restore the chromium oxide layer after welding or machining
- Electropolishing: An electrochemical process that smooths and enhances corrosion resistance, ideal for coastal applications and hygiene-sensitive environments.
- Inspection for inclusions or surface defects that could compromise corrosion resistance
- Preventative steps to stop galvanic corrosion when assembling products with different materials.
If you have ever seen stainless steel corrode it would largely be due to the steps above not being adhered to.
Not all stainless steel is the same.
It is possible to source stainless steel with embedded impurities, and it is these impurities that can also compromise anti-corrosive performance that stainless steel is known for. Our suppliers ensure the lowest levels of impurities for stainless steel so that our material preparation listed above is effective.
Galvanised Mild Steel: Prepared for Powdercoat Bonding and Durability
Hot dip galvanised mild steel offers structural strength with cost efficiency. To ensure long-term performance and powdercoat adhesion, Draffin prepares it through:
Preparation includes:
- Mechanical cleaning to remove dags, slag, and sharp edges from the galvanising process
- Acid etching to remove zinc oxides and roughen the surface – if preparing for powdercoating
- Degassing to prevent bubbling during powdercoat curing
The process has improved over time and due to preparation and processes provides a very stable surface for corrosion resistance and is an accepted finish for many applications.
Finish options:
- Raw galvanised: For architectural, industrial, or budget-sensitive applications
- Powdercoat overlay: Applied over prepared galvanised surfaces for added protection and visual appeal
Powdercoating is a common finish option for galvanised mild steel and is covered next.
Powdercoat: Prepared for Adhesion & Consistency, Finished for Identity
Powdercoat is more than a finish—it is a protective barrier against UV, moisture, and abrasion. Draffin prepares substrates—typically galvanised steel or zinc-rich primed components:
Preparation includes:
- Mechanical cleaning as described above when powdercoating over galvanised surfaces
- Edge smoothing to prevent flaking or premature wear
- Chemical pre-treatment to promote adhesion and corrosion resistance
- Curing environment control to ensure consistent film thickness and bonding
Proper substrate preparation is essential for achieving a uniform powdercoat finish that withstands diverse environmental conditions. Skipping these critical steps compromises durability, shortening the finish’s lifespan and reducing the overall product lifecycle. Draffin’s powdercoat finishes have demonstrated longevity of over 20 years, subject to climate and exposure variables.
Finish options:
- Standard and custom colours to match civic branding or architectural tone
- Textured or matte finishes for slip resistance and reduced glare
- Gloss finishes for high visibility or decorative applications
Timber: Prepared for Stability, Finished for Endurance and Comfort
For timber components, Class 1 Furniture Grade Spotted Gum is a proven performer in harsh Australian conditions, and will undergo strict preparation to ensure dimensional stability and coating compatibility:
Preparation includes:
- Select timber that is defect free: removal of timbers with telltale signs of failure in the future
- Kiln drying to reduce moisture content and prevent warping
- Precision machining for consistent fit and modular replacement
- Pre-drilled holes for fasteners to prevent cracked or split timbers
- Surface sanding and cleaning to ensure coating adhesion or allow for natural weathering
Finish options:
- Untreated timber for customers preferring a natural weathered look
- Water-based commercial-grade coatings to resist moisture and UV
- Recoatable systems for long-term maintenance flexibility
While extra steps are taken to prepare timber for public use ensuring the highest possible performance, this is a material that will require regular observation and maintenance whether installed indoors or outdoors to ensure longer life. Weathering and public use result in some wear and tear regardless of preparation. In-house preparation simply ensures products with timber have the best chance of an extended lifecycle once installed.
Why It Matters
Materials preparation is not just a technical step—it is a compliance safeguard. It ensures finishes adhere properly, components last longer, and public assets meet safety and accessibility standards. At Draffin, materials preparation is a critical foundation for long-term product performance. If overlooked, disregarded, or simply not included, its absence will inevitably reveal itself—through wear, failure, or compromised finish.
This is Draffin Street Furniture.
Built to Last. Expect nothing less.
