Blog

Tips for Caring for Your Kick Plate Once They’re Installed

20th Jan 2023

Kick plates are an essential addition to any commercial or residential building. They are installed on the bottom of doors to protect them from damage caused by foot traffic, and they also help to prevent wear and tear on the doors themselves. While kick plates are incredibly durable and long-lasting, they do require some care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to properly care for kick plates once they are installed:

Keep your kick plates clean

Regularly cleaning your kick plates will help to prevent dirt and grime from building up and damaging the surface. You can use mild detergent and water to wipe down the plates, or you can use a specialized cleaner designed specifically for metal surfaces. Be sure to dry the plates thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots and rust.

Protect them from scratches

Kick plates are prone to scratches; they are made to take scuffing, after all. However, kick plates made out of softer metal like aluminum can be especially prone to bigger scratches. To prevent scratches, try to avoid dragging heavy objects across the plates. You can also consider using a protective film or coating on the surface.

Repair any damage promptly

If you notice any dents or scratches on your kick plates, it's important to repair them as soon as possible. Dents and scratches can weaken the metal and lead to further damage if left unrepaired. You can use a hammer and a block of wood to gently push out any dents, and you can use a metal polish or compound to remove scratches.

Check for signs of rust

Rust is one of the biggest threats to kick plates, especially if they are made of a more vulnerable metal like steel. Rust compromises the structure and durability of the metal kick plates. To prevent rust from forming, keep your kick plates clean and dry. If you do notice any rust forming, you can use a rust remover or sand the area down and repaint it with rust-inhibiting paint.

Replace damaged plates

If your kick plates are severely damaged or beyond repair, it may be time to replace them. You don’t have to struggle with finding new kick plates on your own. Contact us for custom-size kick plates or call us at 800-517-1056 and speak with our knowledgeable staff. Talk to us about your old plates’ damage, and we can figure out a longer-lasting solution. At the Kick Plate Store, we can fabricate any size kick plate; drilled kick plates, pre-taped kick plates, and countersunk drilled kick plates. We can also provide an approval drawing showing the dimensions of custom fabrications.