Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET

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  for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
  

SS Passivation techniques for home shops

I'm welding stainless steel (don't know what series)1/4" rod into complex sculptures. The welding process leaves the heat affected zone prone to rust and discoloration. I tried using grocery-store cleansers with not much success both because they are slow to work and there are dozens of affected areas that would take days to treat one at a time.

Is there a dip or spray process that I can do on a shop floor that would clean my art sculptures?

Robert,
citric acid passivation formulas are safe and easy to use even for hobbyists and small shops. Many sculptors such as yourself are using them. Let us know if we can help you.

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