Sun Block Alert! How to Protect Your Powdercoated Aluminium Outdoor Furniture and Cushions from Chemical Stains

The Invisible Threat in Your Outdoor Area

Now that you’ve got your new setting home, we want to help you keep it looking mint. Kiwi summers are all about sun, relaxation, and, naturally, sunblock. We’ve been trained to slop it on religiously to protect ourselves and the whānau. But here’s a little-known secret from the world of durable outdoor furniture: the very thing protecting your skin can be a tiny bit harsh on your beautiful Outside Space powdercoated aluminium furniture and your outdoor squabs.

In fact, we have a permanent small person handmark on our car from sun block!  So, let’s front foot how to manage this product as it relates to your high-quality, rust-free outdoor furniture. We’re talking about specific chemicals in some sunblock that can cause stains and marks on both your frames and the solution-dyed acrylic outdoor fabrics we use, Sunbrella® and Agora®.

Here is the heads-up about the two parts to the sun block challenge: the frame and the fabric.

Part 1: Your Outdoor Furniture Frame – Protecting Powder Coating

You’ve chosen our powdercoated aluminium frames for their superior durability and colour retention. However, certain ingredients in sunscreen can react with this protective finish.

The Chemical Culprit: Titanium Dioxide

The main issue comes from Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂), a common mineral ingredient in many sunscreens. When this residue is left on a frame and then bakes in the intense New Zealand sun, it acts as a catalyst.

• What it does: It can accelerate the natural surface degradation process of the powder coating.
• The result: You might notice dull patches, a hazy look, or sometimes even distinct hand-prints appearing on your frames where you or your guests have touched them after applying sunscreen. These marks can be stubborn and difficult to remove once fully set.

The Simple Solution for your Powdercoated Aluminium Frames

Always, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying sunscreen and before touching the frames of your outdoor setting. Using a beach town to cover the armrests is a great pro-active option. 

If a smudge does occur, act quickly:

• Immediate Clean: Wipe the affected area immediately with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild, pH-neutral soap (like dish soap). Rinse well.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or harsh chemical solvents, as these will definitely damage the powder coating.

Part 2: Cushion Concerns – The Fabric Stains

You’ve invested in our premium, colourfast materials like solution-dyed acrylic for your cushions. These fabrics are excellent at resisting fading, but they are still vulnerable to staining from certain sunscreen chemicals.

The Double Threat: Chemical Absorbers and Oils

• Avobenzone & Oxybenzone: These chemical absorbers are notorious for causing hard-to-remove yellow-brown stains on light-coloured fabrics. They react with the fabric’s fibres, especially when exposed to heat and detergents.
• Oils and Wax Bases: Even mineral sunscreens contain heavy oils and waxes that can leave a greasy, white/chalky residue on the fabric.

The Ultimate Fabric Defence

For your cushion squabs, prevention is the absolute best medicine.

Use a Towel Barrier: After applying sunscreen, always sit or lie down on a large beach towel. This creates a sacrificial barrier between your skin and your high-quality outdoor cushions.

Sunscreens for Sensitive Surfaces: If staining is a major concern, look for sunscreens labelled as “Reef-Safe” or specifically “Avobenzone-free.” These options often use different UV filters that are less likely to chemically react with the fabric.

How to Clean Sunscreen Stains Promptly

If a stain does happen, act quickly:

• Scrape/Blot: Gently scrape off any excess product (if oily).
• Specialised Cleaning: Use a mild soap and a soft brush. (Click here for my link to the oil removal blog).
• Rinse and Air Dry: Rinse the area completely and let the cushion cover air dry.

Summary: A Quick Checklist

Keep these three steps in mind for a pristine summer with your outdoor furniture setting:

Kerry is the co-owner of Outside Space NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture and sun umbrellas for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality outdoor products and design at achievable prices.