Stainless Steel Rust

Can stainless steel rust?
Yes! Stainless steel can rust. If you are experiencing rust on your 'stainless' steel, you are not alone as we often have customers call us looking for help with that very same issue; rust on their stainless steel. There are over 150 grades of stainless steel and some are more prone to...
Citrisurf Comparison Chart
The chart below is to help you select the right version of Citrisurf. Each of the products is for stainless steel passivation. Some formulations are for stainless steel rust removal as well. Select the Right Stainless Steel Passivation Product     Citrisurf...
What is stainless steel passivation?
Passivation is the process of treating or coating a metal in order to reduce the chemical reactivity of its surface. In stainless steel, passivation means removing the free iron from the surface of the metal using an acid solution to prevent rust. When the surface iron is removed, the other...
If Stainless Steel is Stainless, Why Does it Rust?
Iron and Chromium Stainless steel is an alloy made up of iron and at least 10.5% chromium as well as lesser amounts of other elements such as carbon, silicon or manganese. It is the chromium that resists corrosion, making the steel “stainless.” There are over 150 recognized grades of stainless...
Do I Really Need to Rinse CirtiSurf?
I am using CitriSurf. How important is it to rinse after use? The rinse step is an important part of the passivation process when using Citrisurf and should not be skipped. As you probably already know, CitriSurf is used to passivate stainless steel. Unlike other surface treatments to...
My stainless steel is tea stained, is it rust?
Yes, tea staining is very common first stage of stainless steel rusting. This give you a early clue that your stainless steel should be passivated. This is the ideal time to treat your stainless steel. While stainless steel rusts less than carbon steel alloys, if left untreated in a...
Abrasives and Stainless Steel Passivation
Yes, abrasives will remove the passivation layer on stainless steel. When you passivate stainless steel you are removing the free iron from the surface so the chromium in the steel can form a protective barrier of chrome oxide. If you abrade stainless steel you will remove the barrier and...
Removing Rust From Kitchen Stainless Steel
Removing Rust on Kitchen Stainless Steel While stainless steel itself rarely rusts, it is susceptible to rust staining by other objects found in the kitchen. We found a rust stain in a stainless steel sink that had a cast iron pan left in it. While removing the rust stain was more difficult...