Will stainless steel products rust after a long time?
Stainless steel is known for its resistance to atmospheric oxidation or rust.
However, it is important to highlight that its resistance to corrosion can vary depending on several factors such as the chemical composition of the steel, the conditions in which it is used and the type of environmental environment to which it is exposed.
For example, 304 steel pipes have excellent corrosion resistance in a dry and clean atmosphere, but if they are located in a coastal area, they can rust quickly due to the presence of salt in sea fog. On the other hand, 316 steel pipes perform well in such environments.
It is crucial to understand that not all types of stainless steel can resist corrosion and rust in all environments. Stainless steel's ability to resist corrosion and rust is due to the presence of a firm, thin and stable film of chromium-rich oxide on its surface, which prevents continuous infiltration and oxidation of oxygen atoms.
However, if this protective film is damaged for any reason, oxygen atoms in the air or liquid will continually penetrate the metal, causing the iron atoms to separate and form loose iron oxide. This, in turn, will lead to continuous corrosion of the metal surface.
Will stainless steel color plate fade?
With the widespread use of colored stainless steel plates, those who own decorative stainless steel plates may have this concern: “Will the color of the stainless steel plate fade?
In reality, there are several processing techniques for colored stainless steel sheets.
Let's discuss the four steps involved in processing colored stainless steel plates and whether the color will actually fade.
Four Steps of Color Stainless Steel Plate Processing
1. Degreasing activation
In the first step, clean and prepare the stainless steel KTV door using a degreasing and activation solution formulated specifically for stainless steel, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
2. Passivation treatment
After cleaning the door, apply stainless steel passivation paste or passivation solution for a period ranging from 30 minutes to over 2 hours.
3. Washing with alkaline water
After passivation, rinse the door with alkaline water, then wipe and wash with water.
4. Spray liquid
After the previous steps are completed, a clear stainless steel hard film is applied to the door to prevent contamination from fingerprints and other sources.
Will stainless steel color plate fade?
1. Generally, any color coated stainless steel plate will not fade.
“Paint separation” is a transparent film that is applied to maintain the shiny and beautiful appearance of the product. It is a clear coating sprayed onto the surface to preserve its appearance as it leaves the factory. This process was previously known as “varnishing”.
2. Color stainless steel plate is stainless steel plate colored on stainless steel substrate by surface coloring treatment technology.
The colored stainless steel sheet has a beautiful color and is an excellent decorative material. The color and surface layer are able to withstand temperatures up to 200°C and have better resistance to salt spray corrosion compared to normal stainless steel. Furthermore, its wear and scratch resistance is comparable to that of a gold foil coating.
Under what circumstances will colored stainless steel fade?
1. Insufficient medium color coating time during processing
To reduce time and costs, some stainless steel processing plants will reduce the duration of electroplating.
In theory, a longer coating duration results in a harder coating.
The longer the color of colored stainless steel lasts, the longer its service life will be.
The color is expected to remain vibrant for up to 5 to 10 years of use without fading.
2. It is related to the application of stainless steel
We know that stainless steel has a level of acid-base imbalance.
For example, in coastal regions or during installation, some acidic adhesives may come into contact with the surface of colored stainless steel.
If left untreated or treated incorrectly, damage to the surface's colored coating can result, ranging from minor to severe. In the worst cases, it can even cause colored stainless steel to rust on the steel substrate.
3. External human factors
The surface of colored stainless steel is subject to damage or fading as a result of improper use. For example, scratches and exposure to corrosive liquids can cause color fading, as can prolonged use or prolonged exposure to sunlight and rain.
How to deal with stainless steel paint falling off?
To improve the appearance of stainless steel, some people may choose to spray paint its surface. However, the paint can peel off easily over time.
So, how can we solve the problem of peeling paint on stainless steel? Let's explore this together.
1. How to deal with stainless steel paint falling off?
First, remove all residue from the paint drop site to maintain a clean, polished surface on the stainless steel.
Secondly, clean the stainless steel surface from oil, dust and dirt using a solvent and apply a layer of epoxy primer.
Once the primer has dried, apply a coat of fluorocarbon paint to the stainless steel surface.
2. How to clean and maintain stainless steel products?
1. If the air is relatively humid, over time, dust and oil will accumulate on the surface of stainless steel products, which can also lead to an electrochemical reaction, accelerating the corrosion of products.
To avoid this, it is recommended to regularly clean the stainless steel surface with detergent, then dry it with a clean cloth and maintain a dry and cool environment for the products.
2. To extend the service life of stainless steel products, it is advisable to carry out a waxing treatment after cleaning the surface. This involves applying a layer of rust-inhibiting material to the surface.
Note that this rust-inhibiting effect usually lasts about three months, but the cost is low and the quantity required is minimal.
3. Despite stainless steel's resistance to corrosion, rust can still appear over time.
To effectively prevent rust, a layer of rust-inhibiting coating must be added to the surface of stainless steel through an electroplating process. This will create a layer of galvanized coating on the surface.