Best practices in rust prevention from design to maintenance

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Will stainless steel rust? Stainless steel is armed with built-in corrosion resistance but it can and will rust in certain conditions, although not as quickly or severely as conventional steels. Stainless steels corrode when exposed to damaging chemicals, saline, grease, moisture, or heat for prolonged periods of time.

Stainless steel’s protection against corrosion is largely dependent on the amount of chromium present. If there is not enough chromium content near the surface of the stainless steel, a new chromium oxide layer cannot be formed when the top layer is scratched off. This leaves the material very vulnerable to several types of corrosion. Stainless steel contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium. This chromium reacts quickly with surrounding oxygen to form a thin oxide layer on the steel’s surface. It, therefore, acts as a protective barrier. The chromium oxide is known as a passive film that seals the iron in the allow away from the air and water in the environment. This film gives stainless steel its rust-resistant.

Steps to prevent stainless steel corrosion should be undertaken throughout the life of the stainless steel. Best practices during the design and production stage, as well as routine maintenance, will prolong the performance and appearance of the metal.

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Design

Taking a proactive stance with stainless steel design pays off in the long run. Proper planning in the design stage of stainless steel applications will minimize water penetration and reduce the potential for surface damage.

Fabrication

During the fabrication stage, it is important to prevent stainless steel from contacting iron or ordinary steel. Any carbon steel dust particles settling onto the stainless steel during fabrication can contaminate its surface, increasing the potential for rust formation.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance plays a key role in stainless steel rust prevention, as well as limiting the progression of existing rust. It is essential to remove any rust that has forms using mechanical or chemical means. The resulting grime can be cleared away and then a rust-resistant coating should be applied.

Cleaning stainless steel for ongoing maintenance is generally easy. With products like Sheila Shine, which cleans, polishes, and protects all in one, maintenance is quick and easy. Our revolutionary formula allows you to clean, polish, and protect in one step. Just wipe a little on your stainless steel surface and wipe off with a clean cloth. That’s it! You are done and ready to tackle harder cleaning issues in your home.

Stainless steel is virtually rust-proof, but it can happen without proper care and maintenance. In order to keep it free of rust and looking fantastic, use the right product and you will never have a rust issue for the life of your stainless steel.