How To Prevent Stainless Steel From Rusting After Being Welded
Posted on: 28 November 2015
Welding is the perfect solution for welding stainless steel items to other metal items or for making repairs. However, there is one thing that you have to worry about when having stainless steel welded -- rust. Unfortunately, welding can sometimes leave stainless steel more susceptible to rust, which can cause your stainless steel item to corrode and break down over time. Even though stainless steel is generally not as susceptible to rust as some other metals, the heat that is applied during the welding process can affect this. Luckily, following a few steps can help you prevent your stainless steel from rusting after being welded.
Have it Treated
When your welder comes, ask him or her to apply a protectant that will help prevent rust. You can also purchase a spray from a home improvement store that you can apply to the welded surface to help protect it. This protective coating should be clear and barely noticeable, but will help prevent rust from forming.
Keep it Dry
Exposure to moisture can make your welded item more likely to rust. Your best bet for preventing this is to keep your welded item as dry as possible. Keep it out of the elements if you can, such as by keeping it indoors or under a shelter or by putting a tarp or other protective covering on top of it. If your welded item does get wet, make sure to dry it off as soon as you can to help prevent the rusting process from starting.
Clean it the Right Way
When you are cleaning your welded item, you should be careful about how you do it. You might not realize it, but some cleaning methods can actually make stainless steel more susceptible to rust. This is even more true when you have an item that has been welded. Avoid using steel wool pads to clean your item, and avoid cleaners that have chloride. Instead, use an industrial cleaner that is designed for use on stainless steel, or use a mixture of bleach and water for sanitation purposes.
As you can see, there are steps that you can take to protect your stainless steel from rusting, even after it has been welded. If you want to keep your item in good shape for a long time, it is important to follow these tips so that you don't have to worry about any corrosion.
Contact a sheet metal fabrication expert for more help.
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