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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
GLI is a specialist in the fabrication and handling of
stainless steel. There are many different kinds of stainless
steel, with varying metallurgical structures. The GLI 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, tel 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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