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Paint to cover rusted Stainless seam in tank

My name is Kip Koch, shop foreman. We build exhibits and interactive units for museums. I have a problem that I hope someone can help with. I have a stainless steel water tank with rust on the welds. This tank is topped with a dam and lock river interactive. We believe the rust is due to high heat during the welding. Is there a product that anyone can recommend to clean the current rust and then use a paint or coating over the seams to prevent re-occurrence? The water is in constant flow all day run thru a pool pump and bromide spa type cleaner. In the evening after hours it is shut down and static.
Thank you for any suggestions.

Kip Koch
Shop Foreman - Walton Kentucky
September 28, 2011

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There is more than one way to accomplish this, but I think that the easiest thing is to first mechanically remove the surface rust and then pickle the weld area with stainless steel pickling paste that you get from your local welding supply house. You won't need to paint it afterwards but the area will be a little bit shinier than the rest of the tank.

Jon Barrows, MSF, EHSSC
GOAD Company

Independence, Missouri

September 30, 2011