As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases

Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"

"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."

Home /
T.O.C. Fun
FAQs Good
Books Ref.
Libr. Adver-
tise Help
Wanted Current
Q&A's Site 🔍
Search
finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry


  -----

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
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
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
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
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:

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

About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"