Senft Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 How necessary is it (outdoor sculpture)? how do you do it? Is there a good home brewed way? I see it mentioned here and there, need to know more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Passivation is a chemical process typically done to stainless with some blend of nitric and/or hydroflouric acid. It removes any surface contamination of free iron and actually converts the outermost layer to an oxide. If you did not passivate, there might be some staining if the contaminants start to rust - or the presence may be so slight as to not cause a problem. If you are bent on doing something, you could likely soak the whole thing in vinegar overnight and get a fairly clean surface without having to deal with the hazmat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senft Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Yes, no like hazmats! Briefly owned a plating shop. Vinegar sounds better for metal finishing, and eating. That clears things up some-thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnptc Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 what kind of SS ?? welded ?? are you near the ocean ?? also is it polished or rough ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 It is absolutely necessary or absolutely not necessary depending on information you did not include. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senft Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Grade would be mostly unknown scraps, guess 304 but could be other. welded yes with 309L or 316, or mystery stainless problem solver alloy. Finish most likely sanded or polished. Maybe some forging with 4140 tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senft Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 And I'm in Baltimore, but would need to know what else applies if near the ocean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Is it OK if some parts rust and others don't? Will it become a safety hazard if it rusts, can you expect the end owner to maintain it as needed. Possibly you may want it electropolished Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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