The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Cleaning superficial rust spots on 304L Stainless steel pipe

2005

How can I clean the surface of some 304L Stainless steel pipe bollards that already have some surface rust spots?, and reduce the chances of getting rust again?

The bollards are already intalled in concrete floor.

Thanks.

Ruben Martinez
- Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

Best way would be to re-passivate them with portable brush plating equipment but I am affraid that would be very expensive. I would suggest to blast them with glass bead and/or wire brush them with high speed stainless steel round brushes mounted on hand held polisher until "white metal" quality (no rust) is attained. A tedious and not easy task either.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2005

---

Ruben,

There are citric acid formulations that allow you to remove the rust and repassivate the surface on parts in the field. Let us know how we can help.

Ray Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2005

Dear Ruben,

The rusting on Stainless Steel (S.S.) can be easily removed by using jelly type product which will remove rust from the S.S. surface and provide passivation to the surface which will avoid further rusting.

This stainless steel cleaning gel is very easy to use & economical as it can be applied on exact required area with a brush.

Vinay Golwala
chemical products - Mumbai, India
2005