Stainless steel maintenance and protection

Maintenance and Protection

• Off the machine condition
• Surface treatments
• Tea Staining
• Maintenance
• Cleaning guide

Stainless Steel
Material that is supplied from Metal Mesh is in an “off the machine” condition meaning it will have residual oil and steel fragments from the process of weaving, perforation or fabrication.

In order to gain the quality outcome required for Stainless Steel, Sefar recommends the material is Pickled and Passivated after manufacture in order to clean all residual oil and steel fragments from the surface.

When the material is installed externally a maintenance program should be implemented to clean airborne particles from the surface the method of cleaning will be dependent on where the material is installed, therefore, Sefar recommend sourcing such information from the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) or a reputable surface finishing company.

Stainless steel may suffer from ‘tea stains’ over time. Factors that accelerate this brown discolouration are wind exposure, pollution and elevated temperatures. This is a visual impairment only and will  not affect the life or strength of the product.

Washing your stainless steel will reduce tea staining and should be an important project design consideration. Dependent on the location of the installation: warm soapy water washed off with cold water afterwards will be sufficient or an industrial cleaning product supplied by a reputable surface finisher may be suited in more harsh environments.

Important:

• Do not use harsh scrubbing tools, scourers or chemicals
• Do not rub with steel wool or scrape with steel tools
• Do not use scourers or cleaning cloths that have been used on ordinary steel
• Do not use concentrated bleach or hydrochloric acid based cleaning products
• Stainless steel may discolour if left in contact with salts or acids for extended periods

Guide to the selection of Stainless Steel and the recommended cleaning intervals:

Rainwater is an effective natural cleaner.
Stainless steel not exposed to the elements will require more frequent cleaning intervals.

Please contact one of our qualified and trained sales specialists in Australia and New Zealand for any assistance required!