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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cleaning stainless steel

I own a boat that has a lot of stainless steel. How do I clean up the minor pitting and bring back the shine.

Fred Scopo
- East Islip
2002

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Lots of questions here. If your boat is in salt water, you probably will have a constant maintenance problem. I assume that the surface has some iron oxide discoloration, but you would have to confirm what it looks like. Depending on the grade of stainless used, different things might be in order, but I assume that it is 316 or 304ss. You can clean it up and bring it back to near its original condition with a simple application of a citric acid formulation that works for the application that you are planning. Contact us if you need help.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2002

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Your local hardware store is likely to have some products that can help you remove rust. I've had success using C-L-R ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] to clean up rust in corrosion testing.

Tim Neveau
Rochester Hills, Michigan
2002