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Timing for removal of rust from stainless steel

Cold Rolled 304 stainless steel surface (passivated using a weak acid solution) showing numerous spots and streaks of rust and blemishes after being exposed to sea water sprays and ocean weathering for about a month. If we do not restore the surface now (currently the stainless steel surface is exposed to weather in Southern California), and wait for another six to nine months, will the rust and stain set in further, to the point that removal will become more difficult, or impractical(for example, need to use strong acid)? Are there any interim steps we can take now to stop further corrosion, and wait until later to do the final restoration? We do not want to scratch the surface with any sort of abrasive materials. Also, will passivation be done again after the restoration process?

Chester Chu
- Los Angeles, California, USA

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