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CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL
About Stainless Steel
Gunderlin offers a wide variety of products in stainless
steel, including door panel covers, return panels, entrance
frames, handrails, bases, shell walls and wall panels. It is
well known as an extremely hardy metal that requires little
upkeep. No other material compares to the life cycle costing
of stainless steel, which takes into account not only the
initial cost but subsequent maintenance, repair and
replacement.
In addition to the enduring quality, environmental
friendliness and easy maintenance of stainless steel there is,
of course, its classic beauty. Stainless steel adds a clean,
modern, upscale design to any installation.
Types Of Stainless Steel Used by
Gunderlin
We are specialists in the fabrication and handling of
stainless steel. There are many different kinds of stainless
steel, with varying metallurgical structures. Our
standard, as well as the industry standard, is Type
302/304 stainless, an austenitic stainless steel which
contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and is therefore often
referred to as 18-8 stainless. For more information on the
composition of stainless steel and its uses, contact the
Specialty Steel Industry of the United States, 3050 K Street,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, phone 202/342-8630, fax
202/338-5534.
How To Care For Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, luster,
strength and durability. However, it is not stain or rust
proof. Regular maintenance is required to keep stainless steel
clean and free of contaminants.
In most applications, stainless will not rust or stain even
after many years of service. However, stressful environments
such as hospitals and laboratories, parking garages or other
situations where stainless may be exposed to corrosive
elements require proper care and maintenance.
Do's & Don'ts:
- Do clean stainless frequently with soap and water. Any
cleaner safe for glass is usually safe for stainless; apply
with a cotton cloth.
- Do use a coating to help safeguard stainless, such as a
good car wax, for added beauty and protection.
- Do remove discoloration or rust spots as soon as
possible with a brass, silver or chrome cleaner.
Irreversible pitting will develop under rust
that remains on stainless for any period of
time. Apply a mild abrasive cleaner such as
Bon Ami, Ajax or their equivalent with a wet cotton cloth in
the direction of the grain of the finish. Rinse thoroughly
and wipe dry. Stains which resist the above treatment may
require scouring in the direction of the grain with
stainless steel wool and a mild abrasive cleaner in creamy
paste form. If scraping is required, use stainless steel
pads, sponges, wood or plastic tools.
- Don't use coarse abrasives like sandpaper or steel wool
on stainless. These may actually cause rusting.
- Don't clean with mineral acids or bleaches.
- Don't leave stainless in contact with iron, steel or
other metals which cause contamination leading to rust or
corrosion.
- Don't store near any corrosive products, such as
chlorine.
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