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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
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for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Want Dull finish on Stainless Steel Kegs
Hi!
I have some old S.S. kegs (Hoover and Portinox) that I want to clean on the external surface for aesthetic purposes. I'd like to know if there is any chemical solution I can use rather than a complex and expensive process, in such a way to obtain a dull finish. I've tried different things but I just got an undesired brilliant finish. I've been told that sandblasting is the best solution, but I'd like to know if there is something simpler and faster than that. Thanks in advance!
Student - Bergamo, BG, Italy
March 11, 2009
Chemically you can over passivate the kegs in a nitric/hydrofluoric acid solution. You will need to make a bath large enough to fully submerge the whole keg at one time. This will ensure that contact time is the same and consistent on all surfaces. Test some small pieces of stainless to find the exposure time you require.
Word or caution! these acids are very dangerous in many ways and I suggest having them passivated at a local shop. It will be cheaper to have a shop process them for you than the cost of creating your own bath.
electropolishing shop - North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
September 20, 2009
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