H AN DBOOK

D E S I G N E R
TH E CARE AN D
CLEAN I N G
OF STAI N LESS
STEEL
Stainless
Steel
The
Value
Option

71027 SS Care&Cleaning l/o 6/15/01 2:10 PM Page 2

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TABLE OF CON TEN TS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
WHAT IS STAINLESS STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
ALLOY TYPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
FORMS AND FINISHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CLEANING OF STAINLESS STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Types of surface contaminants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
TYPES OF CLEANERS AND METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
EFFECTIVE CLEANING METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
LISTING OF STAINLESS STEEL PIPE
AND TUBE MANUFACTURERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Acknowledgments
The Specialty Steel Industry
of N orth Am erica (SSIN A)
acknow ledges that this new
handbook contains inform ation
originally published by the
C om m ittee of Stainless Steel
Producers, Am erican Iron and
Steel Institute, w hich no longer
exists. C urrent SSIN A m em ber
com panies w ere represented
on that com m ittee.
The SSIN A w ishes to
acknow ledge the contributions
of the N ickel D evelopm ent
Institute and its consultant,
Technical M arketing Resources
(Pittsburgh, PA) for help in
preparing the contents of
this handbook.
The Specialty Steel Industry of the N orth
A m erica (SSIN A ) and the individual
com panies it represents have m ade every
effort to ensure that the inform ation
presented in this handbook is technically
correct. H ow ever, neither the SSIN A nor its
m em ber com panies w arrants the accuracy of
the inform ation contained in this handbook
or its suitability for any general and specific
use. The SSIN A assum es no liability or
responsibility of any kind in connection w ith
the use of this inform ation. The reader is
advised that the m aterial contained herein
should not be used or relied on for any
specific or general applications w ithout first
securing com petent advice.
71027 SS Care&Cleaning l/o 6/15/01 2:10 PM Page 3
W HAT I S STAI N LESS STEEL
Stainless steel is not a single alloy, but rather the nam e applies to a group of iron-based
alloys containing a m inim um 10.5% chrom ium . O ther elem ents are added and the
chrom ium content increased to im prove the corrosion resistance and heat resisting
properties, enhance m echanical properties, and/or im prove fabricating characteristics.
There are over 50 stainless steel grades that w ere originally recognized by the A m erican
Iron and Steel Institute (A ISI). Three general classifications are used to identify stainless
steel. They are:
1 ) M etallurgical structure.
2 ) The A ISI num bering system (200, 300 and 400 series num bers).
3 ) The U nified N um bering System , w hich w as developed by the A m erican Society
for Testing M aterials (A STM ) and the Society of A utom otive Engineers (SA E) to apply
to all com m ercial m etals and alloys.
The various types of stainless steel are detailed in a designer handbook, D esign
G uidelines for the Selection and U se of Stainless Steel,available from the Specialty
Steel Industry of N orth A m erica (SSIN A ). Several other publications are also available,
including: Stainless Steel Fabrication,Stainless Steel Fasteners,Stainless Steel
Finishes,Stainless Steel Specifications,and Stainless Steel A rchitectural Facts,
to m ention a few .
I N TRODUCTI ON
C leanliness and stainless steel are
closely related and, in m any applications,
each is dependent upon the other. In
the handling of food, chem icals,
pharm aceuticals and in the use of
stainless steel as a construction m aterial
(roofs, w all panels, entry w ays, signs, etc.),
stainless steel provides the degree
of corrosion resistance that is necessary
to prevent product contam ination or
surface rusting. H ow ever, stainless steel
perform s best w hen clean cleanliness
is essential for m axim um resistance
to corrosion.
This handbook describes various
practices for cleaning stainless steel
during m anufacture and in use. This
includes m ethods for rem oving free-iron
contam ination on stainless steel surfaces
that m ay have been picked up from
m etalw orking tools; and for rem oving
general accum ulation of dirt, grim e and
surface stains that occur during norm al
handling and exposure to the elem ents.
The reader should keep in m ind
that there are few specific rules for a
cleaning procedure. A ccordingly, the
m ethods discussed in this handbook
are suggestions. Each m anufacturer or
user, after obtaining com petent advice
w ith respect to their individual
requirem ents, should select m ethods
appropriate to those requirem ents.
ALLOY TYPES
3 0 4 is the basic chrom ium -nickel
austenitic stainless steel and has
been found suitable for a w ide range
of applications. It is the m ost readily
available in a variety of product form s.
This grade is easy to form and fabricate
w ith excellent resistance to corrosion.
3 0 4 L is the low carbon version of
304. It is som etim es specified w here
extensive w elding w ill be done.
3 1 6 offers m ore corrosion-resistance
through the addition of m olybdenum .
This grade is desirable w here the
possibility of severe corrosion exists,
such as heavy industrial atm ospheres
and m arine environm ents.
3 1 6 L is the low carbon version of 316.
4 3 0 is a straight chrom ium ferritic
stainless steel w ith low er corrosion
resistance than the 300 series. It is
principally em ployed for interior use.
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1
71027 SS Care&Cleaning l/o 6/15/01 2:10 PM Page 4
Tabl e 1 CLASSIFICATION OF STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCT FORMS
Item Description Dimensions
Thickness Width Diameter or Size
Sheet Coil and cut lengths:
Mill finishes Nos. 1, 2D & 2B under 3/16 (4.76mm) 24 (609.6mm) & over
Pol. finishes Nos. 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 under 3/16 (4.76mm) all widths
Strip Cold finished, coils or cut lengths under 3/16 (4.76mm) under 24 (609.6mm)
Pol. finishes Nos. 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 under 3/16 (4.76mm) all widths
Plate Flat rolled or forged 3/16 (4.76mm) & over over 10 (254mm)
Bar Hot finished rounds, squares,
octagons and hexagons 1/4 (6.35mm) & over
Hot finished flats 1/8 (3.18mm) to 1/4 (6.35mm) to
8 (203mm) incl. 10 (254mm) incl.
Cold finished rounds, squares,
octagons and hexagons over 1/8 (3.18mm)
Cold finished flats 1/8 (3.18mm) to 3/8 (9.53mm) to
4 1/2 (114mm) 4 1/2 (114mm)
Wire Cold finishes only: (in coil)
Round, square, octagon,
hexagon, and flat wire under 3/16 (4.76mm) under 3/8 (9.53mm)
Pipe & Several different classifications, with differing specifications, are available. For information on standard
Tubing sizes, consult your local Steel Service Center or the SSINA.
Extrusions Not considered standard shapes, but of potentially wide interest. Currently limited in size to
approximately 6 1/2 (165.1mm) diameter, or structurals.
FORM S AN D FI N I SHES
Sheet, strip, plate, and bar form s are show n in
Table 1. Sheet finishes are show n in Table 2.
B ar product conditions and finishes are
show n in Table 3; Plate is show n in Table 4.
In addition to the com m on m ill and polished
finishes, there are num erous special finishes
used for architectural applications. Som e of
the m ore delicate finishes require special
precautions w hen cleaning and the advice
of the supplier should be obtained.
The m ost com m on special finishes are
show n in Table 5.
Tabl e 2 STANDARD MECHANICAL SHEET FINISHES
Unpolished or Rolled Finishes:
No. 1 A rough, dul l surface whi ch resul ts from hot rol l i ng to the speci fi ed thi ckness fol l owed by anneal i ng
and descal i ng.
No. 2D A dul l fi ni sh whi ch resul ts from col d rol l i ng fol l owed by anneal i ng and descal i ng, and may perhaps get
a l i ght rol l pass through unpol i shed rol l s. A 2D fi ni sh i s used where appearance i s not of pri mary concern.
No. 2B A bri ght, col d- rol l ed fi ni sh resul ti ng i n the same manner as No. 2D fi ni sh, except that the anneal ed and
descal ed sheet recei ves a fi nal l i ght rol l pass through pol i shed rol l s. Thi s i s the general - purpose col d- rol l ed
fi ni sh that can be used as i s or as a prel i mi nary step to pol i shi ng.
Polished Finishes:
No. 3 An i ntermedi ate pol i sh surface obtai ned by fi ni shi ng wi th a 100- gri t abrasi ve. General l y used where a
semi fi ni shed pol i shed surface i s requi red. A No. 3 usual l y recei ves addi ti onal pol i shi ng duri ng fabri cati on.
No. 4 A pol i shed surface obtai ned by fi ni shi ng wi th a 120- 150 mesh abrasi ve, fol l owi ng i ni ti al gri ndi ng wi th coarser
abrasi ves. Thi s i s a general - purpose bri ght fi ni sh wi th a vi si bl e grai n whi ch prevents mi rror refl ecti on.
No. 6 A dul l sati n fi ni sh havi ng l ower refl ecti vi ty than No. 4 fi ni sh i n a medi um of abrasi ve and oi l . It i s used for
archi tectural appl i cati ons and ornamentati on where a hi gher l uster i s undesi rabl e, and to contrast wi th
bri ghter fi ni shes.
No. 7 A hi ghl y refl ecti ve fi ni sh that i s obtai ned by buffi ng fi nel y ground surfaces but not to the extent of compl etel y
removi ng the gri t l i nes. It i s used chi efl y for archi tectural and ornamental purposes.
No. 8 The most refl ecti ve surface obtai ned by pol i shi ng wi th successi vel y fi ner abrasi ves and buffi ng extensi vel y
unti l al l gri t l i nes from prel i mi nary gri ndi ng operati ons are removed. It i s used for appl i cati ons such as mi rrors
and refl ectors.
Tabl
Con
Hot
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* * *
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Tabl
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Sw
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Ang
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71027 SS Care&Cleaning l/o 6/15/01 2:10 PM Page 5
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Tabl e 3 CONDITIONS & FINISHES FOR BAR
Conditions Surface Finishes*
Hot worked onl y (a) Scal e not removed (excl udi ng spot condi ti oni ng)
(b) Rough turned* *
(c) Pi ckl ed or bl ast cl eaned and pi ckl ed
Anneal ed or otherwi se (a) Scal e not removed (excl udi ng spot condi ti oni ng)
heat treated (b) Rough turned
(c) Pi ckl ed or bl ast cl eaned and pi ckl ed
(d) Col d drawn or col d rol l ed
(e) Centerl ess ground
(f) Pol i shed
Anneal ed and col d worked (d) Col d drawn or col d rol l ed
to hi gh tensi l e strength* * * (e) Centerl ess ground
(f) Pol i shed
* Surface fi ni shes (b), (e) and (f) are appl i cabl e to round bars onl y.
* * Bars of the 4xx seri es stai nl ess steel s whi ch are hi ghl y hardenabl e, such as Types 414, 420, 420F, 431, 440A,
440B and 440C, are anneal ed before rough turni ng. Other hardenabl e grades, such as Types 403, 410, 416 and
416Se, may al so requi re anneal i ng dependi ng on thei r composi ti on and si ze.
* * * Produced i n Types 302, 303Se, 304 and 316.
Tabl e 4 CONDITIONS & FINISHES FOR PLATE
Condition and Finish Description and Remarks
Hot rol l ed Scal e not removed. Not heat treated.
Pl ates not recommended for fi nal use i n thi s condi ti on.*
Hot rol l ed, anneal ed Scal e not removed. Use of pl ates i n thi s condi ti on i s general l y confi ned
or heat treated to heat resi sti ng appl i cati ons. Scal e i mpai rs corrosi on resi stance.*
Hot rol l ed, anneal ed or Condi ti on and fi ni sh commonl y preferred for corrosi on resi sti ng and
heat treated, bl ast cl eaned most heat resi sti ng appl i cati ons.
or pi ckl ed
Hot rol l ed, anneal ed, descal ed Smoother fi ni sh for speci al i zed appl i cati ons.
and temper passed
Hot rol l ed, anneal ed, descal ed Smooth fi ni sh wi th greater freedom from surface i mperfecti ons
col d rol l ed, anneal ed, descal ed, than the above.
opti onal l y temper passed
Hot rol l ed, anneal ed or heat Pol i shed fi ni shes: refer to Tabl e 2.
treated, surface cl eaned
and pol i shed
* Surface i nspecti on i s not practi cabl e on pl ates whi ch have not been pi ckl ed or otherwi se descal ed.
CLEAN I N G OF
STAI N LESS STEEL
Stainless steels need to be cleaned for
aesthetic considerations and to preserve
corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is
protected from corroson by a thin layer of
chrom ium oxide. O xygen from the
atm osphere com bines w ith the chrom ium
in the stainless steel to form this passive
chrom ium oxide film that protects from
further corrosion. A ny contam ination of the
surface by dirt, or other m aterial, hinders
this passivation process and traps corrosive
agents, reducing corrosion protection. Thus,
som e form of routine cleaning is necessary
to preserve the appearance and integrity of
the surface. Stainless steels are easily
cleaned by m any different m ethods. They
actually thrive w ith frequent cleaning, and,
unlike som e other m aterials, it is im possible
to w ear outstainless steel by excessive
cleaning. The effect of surface/pattern
roughness, grain/pattern orientation, and
designs that allow for m axim um rain cleaning
(exterior applications) should be considered.
Types of surface contaminants
Dirt - Like any surface that is exposed to
the environm ent, stainless steel can get dirty.
D irt and soil can consist of accum ulated
dust and a variety of contam inates that
com e from m any sources, ranging from the
w ind to everyday use. These contam inates
w ill vary greatly in their effect on
appearance and corrosivity and ease of
rem oval. W hile som e m ay be easily
rem oved, others m ay require specific
cleaners for effective rem oval. It m ay be
necessary to identify the contam inate or
experim ent w ith various cleaners.
Frequently, w arm w ater w ith or w ithout a
gentle detergent is sufficient. N ext in order
are m ild non-scratching abrasive pow ders
such as typical household cleaners. These
can be used w ith w arm w ater, bristle
brushes, sponges, or clean cloths.
Tabl e 5 SPECIAL STAINLESS STEEL FINISHES
Finish Description
Sel ecti ve Pol i shi ng Sel ecti ve pol i shi ng of unprotected areas to produce patterns
Swi rl Swi rl patterns obtai ned wi th gri ndi ng wheel s or stai nl ess steel wi re brushes
Engi ne Turn Ri ngs, ci rcl es, or overl appi ng ci rcl es created wi th a CNC- operated machi ne
Di stressed Random scratch pattern coveri ng enti re surface
Angel Hai r Fi ner random scratch pattern
Abrasi ve Bl ast Matte, uni form, bl ast medi a choi ce determi nes appearance
Sel ecti ve Etchi ng Etchi ng of sel ected surface areas to obtai n a pattern
Embossi ng Rai sed patterns pressed i nto the stai nl ess by rol l i ng
El ectrochemi cal Appl i ed to cut sheets, numerous col ors (al so cal l ed INCO or l i ght i nterference col ori ng)
Epoxy Pai nt Appl i ed to coi l s, ful l range of col ors
Sputteri ng Thi n l ayer of a col ored materi al appl i ed to surface
Pl ati ng El ectropl ati ng wi th col ored and/ or preci ous metal s
Perforated Desi gns Si mpl e or el aborate patterns
3
71027 SS Care&Cleaning l/o 6/15/01 2:10 PM Page 6
EF
Job
Ro
Fin
Stu
and
Gre
Bu
Bak
Gre
*NO
Om
wi
Shop oil and Grease - Shop oils, w hich m ay
carry grease, grit and m etal chips,
com m only produce surface soiling after
m any shop operations. G reases and other
contam inates m ay also soil surfaces in food
preparation and m any other household and
com m ercial situations. These soils m ay be
corrosive in them selves or m ay not allow the
surface to m aintain passivity, and so
periodic rem oval is a necessity. Initially,
soap or detergent and w ater m ay be tried or
a com bination of detergent and w ater plus a
solvent. The rem oval of oil and grease from
stainless steel parts by im m ersion in
chem ical solvents is frequently used w ith
cold-form ed or m achined parts that are
laden w ith lubricants. This process, in its
sim plest form , consists of bringing liquid
solvent into contact w ith the surface to be
cleaned and allow ing dissolution to take
place; for exam ple, w ashing a surface w ith
trichloroethylene or sim ilar liquid or stirring a
batch of sm all parts in a container of
solvent. N on-halgenated solvents, such as
acetone, m ethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol,
m ethyl ethyl ketone, benzene, isopropyl
alcohol, toluene, m ineral spirits, and
turpentine w ork w ell.
M any of these solvents are w idely
used as individual cleaners, but there are
thousands of blended or com pound cleaners
on the m arket. U sers are advised to contact
suppliers of solvents for inform ation on their
applications on stainless steel.
TYPES OF CLEAN ERS
AN D M ETHODS
General Precautions
In selecting cleaning practices, consider the
possibility of scratching and the potential for
post-cleaning corrosion caused by
incom pletely rem oved cleaners. Scratching
can occur on a bright m irror finish by
cleaners that contain hard abrasives, or
even by gritin w ash w ater. This is usually
not a problem on dull finishes, or those
surfaces finished w ith a coarse polishing
grit. The best preventative m easure is to
avoid using abrasive cleaners unless
absolutely necessary. W hen abrasives are
needed, first experim ent on an
inconspicuous area. A soft abrasive,such
as pum ice, should be used. A brasives can
perm anently dam age som e colored and
highly polished finishes. A dvice should be
obtained from the finish supplier w hen
cleaning special finishes. M any cleaners
contain corrosive ingredients w hich require
thorough post-clean rinsing w ith clean
w ater; how ever, thorough rinsing is
recom m ended for all cleaning procedures.
Clean Water and Wipe - The sim plest, safest,
and least costly m ethod that w ill adequately
do the job is alw ays the best m ethod.
Stainless surfaces thrive w ith frequent
cleaning because there is no surface
coating to w ear off stainless steels. A soft
cloth and clean w arm w ater should alw ays
be the first choice for m ild stains and loose
dirt and soils. A final rinse w ith clean w ater
and a dry w ipe w ill com plete the process
and elim inate the possibility of w ater stains.
Solvent Cleaning - O rganic solvents can be
used to rem ove fresh fingerprints and oils
and greases that have not had tim e to
oxidize or decom pose. The preferred
solvent is one that does not contain chlorine,
such as acetone, m ethyl alcohol, and
m ineral spirits. There are m any
com pounded or blended organic cleaners
that are com m ercially available and attem pt
to optim ize both cleanability and safety
attributes. C leaning can be accom plished
by im m ersing sm aller articles directly into
the solvent, w iping w ith solvent-im pregnated
cloths, or by sophisticated vapor or spray
m ethods. The w iping technique som etim es
leaves a streaked surface.
Hou
into
and
m a
w el
abr
intro
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abr
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low
ass
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that
Ordinary carbon steel brushes or steel
wool should be avoided as they may leave
particles embedded on the surface which
can lead to RUSTING.
For m ore aggressive cleaning, a sm all
am ount of vinegar can be added to the
scouring pow der.
Cleaning should always be followed by
rinsing in clean hot water.
W hen w ater contains m ineral solids,
w hich leave w ater spots, it is advisable to
w ipe the surface com pletely w ith dry tow els.
Fingerprints and Stains - Fingerprints and m ild
stains resulting from norm al use in
consum er and architectural applications are
the m ost com m on surface contam inates.
Fortunately, these usually affect only
appearance and seldom have an effect on
corrosion resistance. They are easy to
rem ove by a variety of sim ple cleaning
m ethods. Fingerprints are probably the
m ost troublesom e m arks to rem ove from the
surface of sm ooth polished or bright
finished stainless steel. Fortunately, they
can be rem oved w ith a glass cleaner or by
gentle rubbing w ith a paste of soda ash
(sodium carbonate) and w ater applied w ith
a soft rag. O nce again, this should be
follow ed by a thorough w arm w ater rinse.
There are several special surface finishes
w here fingerprints present special problem s:
polished N o. 6, etched, som e abrasive
blasted finishes, and light electrochem ical
colors applied over satin or brushed finishes.
(N O TE: there are several special finishes
designed to w ithstand fingerprints:
em bossed, sw irl patterns, lined patterns, etc.).
4
71027 SS Care&Cleaning l/o 6/15/01 2:10 PM Page 7
EFFECTI VE CLEAN I N G M ETHODS
Job Cleaning Agents* Comments
Routine Cleaning Warm Water, Soap, Ammoni a, Detergent Appl y wi th sponge or soft cl oth.
Can be used on al l fi ni shes.
Fingerprints and Smears 3M Stai nl ess Steel Cl eaner and Pol i sh, Provi des barri er fi l m to mi ni mi ze
Arcal 20, Lac- O- Nu, Lumi n Wash, OCedar fi ngerpri nts. Can be used on al l fi ni shes.
Cream Pol i sh, Stai nl ess Shi ne
Stubborn Stains 3M Stai nl ess Steel Cl eaner and Pol i sh, Rub l i ghtl y, usi ng dry damp cl oth, i n
and Discoloration Al l chem Concentrated Cl eaner, Samae, the di recti on of pol i sh l i nes on the
Twi nkl e, Cameo Copper Cl eaner, Grade FFF stai nl ess steel .
or Grade F Ital i an Pumi ce, Whi ti ng or tal c,
Li qui d Nu Steel , Coppers or Revere Stai nl ess
Steel Cl eaner, Househol d Cl eaners, Lumi n
Cl eaner, Zud Restoro, Sta- Cl ean, Hi ghl i te,
Al l en Pol i sh, Penny- Bri te, Copper- Bri te
Grease and Blood Scotch- Bri te Power Pad 2001, Easy- Off, Excel l ent removal on aci ds, al l fi ni shes.
Burnt-on or De- Grease- It, 4% to 6% hot sol uti on Parti cul arl y useful where rubbi ng
Baked-on Foods of such agents as tri - sodi um pol yphosphate, i s not practi cal .
5% to 15% causti c soda sol uti on
Grease and Oil Any good commerci al detergent or Appl y wi th sponge or soft cl oth i n
causti c cl eanser. di recti on of pol i sh l i nes.
*NOTE: Use of proprietary names is intended only to indicate a type of cleaner and does not constitute an endorsement.
Omission of any proprietary cleanser does not imply its inadequacy. All products should be used in strict accordance
with instructions on package.
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Household Cleaners - H ousehold cleaners fall
into tw o categories: detergent (non-abrasive)
and abrasive cleaners. B oth are effective for
m any m ild dirt, stain, and soil deposits, as
w ell as light oils such as fingerprints. The
abrasive cleaners are m ore effective but
introduce the possibility of scratching the
surface. H ow ever, the degree of
abrasiveness w ill vary greatly w ith the
particular product, and som e brands w ill
produce noticeable scratching on only the
m ost highly polished and som e colored
surfaces. A ll of these cleaners vary w idely
w ith respect to their acidity and the am ount
of chloride they contain. A neutral cleaner
low in chloride is preferred unless the user is
assured that the surface can be thoroughly
rinsed after cleaning. The fact that the label
states for stainless steelis no guarantee
that the product is not abrasive, not acidic,
or low in chloride. The cleaning m ethod
generally em ployed w ith these cleaners is to
apply them to the stainless surface and
follow by cloth w iping, or to w ipe directly
w ith a cleaner-im pregnated soft cloth. In all
cases, the cleaned surface should be
thoroughly rinsed w ith clean w ater and
w iped dry w ith a soft cloth if w ater streaking
is a consideration.
Commercial Cleaners - M any com m ercial
cleaners com pounded from phosphates,
synthetic detergents, and alkalis are
available for the cleaning of severely soiled
or stained stainless surfaces. W hen used
w ith a variety of cleaning m ethods, these
cleaners can safely provide effective
cleaning. M anufacturers should be
consulted and their recom m endations
follow ed w henever using cleaners of this
kind. The general precautions stated above
also pertain to these cleaners.
CARE OF STAI N LESS STEEL
The cleaner stainless steel can be kept
w hile in storage, being processed or during
use, the greater the assurance of optim um
corrosion resistance. Som e tips on the care
of stainless steel are listed below :
1 ) U se paper or other protective
w rapping on the surface of the
stainless steel until processing
is com plete.*
2 ) H andle stainless steel w ith clean
gloves or cloths to guard against
stains or finger m arks.
3 ) Avoid the use of oily rags or greasy
cloths w hen w iping the surface.
4 ) D o routine cleaning of exposed
surfaces. B uildings w ith w indow
w ashing system s can utilize this
m ethod to clean exterior panels.
5 ) W here possible, after cleaning,
rinse thoroughly w ith w ater.
6 ) C leaning w ith chloride-containing
detergents must be avoided.
7 ) Even the finest cleaning pow ders
can scratch or burnish a m ill-rolled
finish. O n polished finishes,
rubbing or w iping should be done
in the direction of the polish lines,
NOT across them .
8 ) DO NOT USE SOLVENTS in closed
spaces or w hile sm oking.
* Many adhesive-backed papers and plastic
sheets or tape applied to stainless steel for
protection age in fairly short periods of time
and become extremely difficult to remove.
Manufacturers should be contacted
regarding information as to how long
protective films or paper can be left in place.
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