A: You could paint them but paint tends to wear down over time. Even paint that is intended for outdoor use will eventually fade and need to be retouched. It also wears down over time, especially on items that have a lot of pressure points or moving parts such as outdoor swings, so paint doesn’t offer the same level of rust resistance. Powder coating uses coloured powder with electrostatic charges that attract and bond to the metal underneath, allowing the coating to easily adhere. It is then baked on which hardens the finish and adds to the durability of the surface. Powder coated aluminium is one of the most weather resistant and long lasting combinations available.