What’s the secret to cleaning stainless steel welds? Welders often ask themselves this question when they are finished with a project. While it may seem like an easy answer, there is more than one way to do it. Stainless steel fabrication in Griffith is one of the most common choices of welding services for many businesses and homeowners. This is because stainless steel is an incredibly durable metal resistant to the elements. Unfortunately, stainless steel welds are not impervious to rust!

This article will discuss some tips and tricks that can help you get your stainless steel welds looking new again!

1. Use a stainless steel wire brush

This is an effective way to clean away excess flux, slag, or spatter from the weld joint itself. By doing so, you are also removing any rust that has begun forming on your stainless steel product.

Be sure to use a brush specifically designed for stainless steel – if you try to use a brush that is not stainless steel-specific, it will likely damage the surface of your weld.

2. Use stainless steel metal polish 

Metal polish is another effective way to clean stainless steel welds. You can buy one at any home improvement store or automotive supply store, and it will work wonders on your stainless steel product! Apply the stainless steel metal polisher with a soft cloth and rub in small circles (similar to waxing a car).

Metal polish will remove any blemishes, rust spots, or corrosion from your stainless steel fabrications.

Be sure to use a stainless steel metal polish safe for stainless steel! Some products contain harmful chemicals which can damage the surface of stainless steel materials when used improperly.

3. Use stainless steel cleaner. 

If you don’t want to use a wire brush or metal polish, you can also opt for stainless steel cleaner. Steel cleaner is a liquid specifically designed to clean stainless steel materials – it can be found at any home improvement store. Spray the stainless steel cleaner onto a cloth and wipe down the welds.

This will remove any dirt, grease, or grime from the surface of your stainless steel welds.

4. Use a stainless steel degreaser. 

If your welds are particularly dirty or greasy, you may want to use a stainless steel degreaser. Degreasers can be found at any home improvement store – they come in both liquid and aerosol forms.

Spray the degreaser onto the welds and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, you can use your stainless steel wire brush to scrub off any excess grime and dirt from the surface of your welds.

This is an effective way to keep your stainless steel looking new! Be sure that you are using a degreaser that is safe for stainless steel – some degreasers contain harsh chemicals which can damage the surface of stainless steel materials.

5. Use a stainless steel sealant. 

If you want to keep your welds looking new for an extended period, you may want to use a stainless steel sealant. Stainless steel sealants can be found at any home improvement store – they come in both liquid and aerosol forms.

Spray the sealant onto the welds and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, you can use your stainless steel wire brush to scrub off any excess grime and dirt from the surface of your welds.

This will help protect your welds from rust, corrosion, and other forms of damage. Be sure that you are using a sealant that is safe for stainless steel – some sealants contain harsh chemicals which can damage the surface of stainless steel materials.

Other Tips And Tricks To Maintain Your Welds: 

• Be sure to clean your welds after every project thoroughly! This will help prevent dirt, debris, rust, and other forms of damage from accumulating on the surface. If you do not keep them clean, this may negatively affect the lifespan of your stainless steel product.
•  Keep your stainless steel welds out of the sun! Direct sunlight can cause the metal to fade and discolor over time. If you cannot avoid welding in direct sunlight, try to use a UV-resistant sealant to help protect the surface of your welds.

Conclusion

As you can see, using stainless steel for your welds is a great option. Stainless steel will last longer and require less maintenance than other metals, which means that it’s easier to keep the result looking good over time.

Aluminum is another great option for welding, and there are many aluminum fabrication services in Griffith, NSW, that can help you get the job done right. If you’re still not sure which metal is best for your project, be sure to contact a professional fabricator for help!