Use and Care Manual

CLEARVIEW GLASS RAILINGS • 737 Quentin Avenue South • Lakeland, MN 55043 • ClearViewGlassRailings.com

Corrosion can occur in stages and increased chromium content in stainless steel can slow the process of corrosion

down. The chromium on the surface of this steel creates a type of coating that protects the material from corrosion,

when it is exposed to oxygen. This coating is what may appear as “rust” but is really working to slow corrosion on the

material. Corrosion of a material can occur through the following devices:

• Bioﬁlms

• Chemicals

• Galvanic Corrosion

• Stress Corrosion Cracking

• Intergranular Corrosion

These are all types of corrosion that can occur with stainless steel, whether it be a combination of smaller amounts

of tensile stress, temperature and sea water (stress corrosion cracking) or just a passive layer on the stainless steel

being attacked by a chemical reaction such as sulphuric acid.

There are of course more suitable special metal alloys for fully submerged applications, but austenitic stainless steels

can be a great option for applications near saltwater or splash zones due to their high strength, lower cost, great forma-

bility and very good corrosion resistance.

Treatments for Corrosion

Minor and moderate corrosion can be treated using an all-purpose lubricant or phosphoric acid-based

stainless steel cleaner.

Minor corrosion

• Use an all-purpose lubricant, such as WD-40, to wipe affected area.

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Moderate corrosion

• Use a phosphoric acid-based stainless steel cleaner such as E-NOX CLEAN.

• Spread the cleaner evenly, leave on for 30–60 minutes, then neutralize the acid with a spray-on

alkaline cleaner such as UNO S F.

• Wipe the surface clean with a paper towel.

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Passivation Procedure

A clean stainless steel surface can be re-damaged through mechanical means, extreme heat, or chemical

damage. When this happens, iron is exposed, and the material is once again subject to rusting. Passivation may

need to be performed on a regular basis to prevent rust. Passivation maximizes the inherent corrosion resistance

of a stainless alloy.

Ideally, the passive layer will develop immediately after machining or passivation to completely cover the stainless

steel surface. In reality, particles and contaminants are likely to adhere to the surface. If they are allowed to remain,

these foreign particles reduce the effectiveness of the original protective ﬁlm. Passivation is needed to maximize

the natural corrosion resistance of stainless steel and remove surface contamination.