No registration or passwords; no pop-up ads -- just aloha, fun, & answers.
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate earns from qualifying purchases).
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Advertise
 
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
pub  Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989



-----

Cleaning brown stains on outdoor stainless sculpture




2002

I am a sculptor who installed a stainless steel piece two weeks ago, by the beach in Longport, NJ. The piece already has brown rust on it. It was made of #316 stainless - It had a ground surface which I produced using a zarcon wheel. I think the rust may have been caused by oxidation due to the surface disturbance.

I would like to know how to clean the surface.
Should I use one of the following cleaners?
a. nitrate acid, (need info re: where to buy this and what the dilution should be)
b. Oxalic Acid found in industrial cleaners (i.e. ReverWare stainless cleaner etc.)
Or is there another solution to this problem.

Also please advise me on maintenance for the future of the sculpture. Should I wax the surface, how to clean it etc.

Suzanne Reese Horvitz
Sue Horvitz and Robert Roesch H/R Studio


I believe you need to passivate the stainless. This is a common process for stainless steel. It involves both of the fluids you mention. It usually requires immersion.

Ed Pallanti
- New Haven, Connecticut
2002



I'd enjoy seeing it. Where is it? As Mr. Pallanti says, it requires passivation. This can be done with nitric acid (which is pretty nasty stuff) or with proprietary citric acid solutions. I suggest contacting Stellar Solutions [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] about the possibility of "washing" the sculpture with the citric acid passivating solution.

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2002



I just came across your post on the site asking where the sculpture was located. It is at 29th and the boardwalk in Longport, NJ.

15697

Regards,

Suzanne Reese Horvitz
Sue Horvitz and Robert Roesch H/R Studio
July 30, 2010



Hi, Sue. I see that you figured it out. It's beautiful!

Regards,

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 30, 2010




(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:

 
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g, Train'g
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2024 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"