How to Protect Stainless Steel from Rust & Fingerprints
Stainless Steel so Clean It Can Double as a Mirror
Do you love your stainless steel but hate the smudges, fingerprints and rust?
We all have stainless steel in and around our homes, but it can be frustrating when its constantly covered in fingerprints, or worse, when outdoor stainless steel starts to rust due to the elements. Stop corrosion on all outdoor stainless steel, including salt corrosion near the beach, with ProtectaClear. Our coating will keep stainless steel inside and outside of your home looking like the first day you bought it.
ProtectaClear coating is easy to apply, self-leveling and will blend itself so touch-ups are easy and last for years to come. If your stainless steel is new, simply order the coating alone. For rusted or corroded steel, we have kit with cleaners and coating available to restore your surfaces.
For surfaces that get a lot of use, use CrobialCoat with Microban technology for metal protection with added antimicrobial protection as well. CrobialCoat contains anti-microbial silver to help prevent buildup of bacteria and microbes. Great for stopping the annoying smudges and fingerprints on appliances.
Our coatings can be used for many stainless-steel applications, including appliances, architectural metal, elevators, monuments, building exteriors, restaurant equipment, sinks, barbeques and much more.
Problems
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Rust
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Corrosion
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Staining
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Fingerprints
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Smudges
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Tea-staining
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Degradation
Causes
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Salt Water
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Salt Air
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Chlorine
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Acids
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Atmosphere
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Bleach
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Improper Cleaning
Solutions
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Cleaning over & over
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ProtectaClear or CrobialCoat to keep your stainless looking pristine.
How to Restore Rusty or Tea-Stained Stainless Steel
Unfortunately, Stainless Steel is Stain “less” – Not Stain “Free”.
Cleaning Tea Staining (brown discoloration looking like tea stains) or Rust off Stainless Steel is not enough. The surface must be protected or the metal will rust again in just days.
It is a misconception that stainless steel is stainless. Stainless steel will degrade like all other architectural metals. The term “stainless” implies a resistance to staining, rusting and pitting. Stainless steel generally has a higher resistance to the effects of exposure but will still be affected by the elements.
ProtectaClear® will seal and protect Architectural metal, building exteriors, restaurant equipment, stainless steel refrigerators, Stainless Steel sinks, Stainless Steel Barbeques and much more. Like all Everbrite™ coatings, ProtectaClear® is food safe once it is cured and will help kitchen equipment easier to keep clean.
1. First, Clean Off the Rust
This can be done chemically. Brushed stainless steel can be cleaned manually with synthetic steel wool pads or very fine sand paper. (Do not use real steel wool or it can cause even more rust.) A no-scratch cleanser like BonAmi can also be used but it is more messy. If you use an abrasive, make sure to clean WITH the grain. Do not use abrasives or cleansers on stainless steel that is not brush finished.
2. Neutralize
If an acid-based cleaner is used, the surface must be neutralized. Many stainless steel cleaners are acid-based. Pickling is also an acid process. Passivation or neutralizing is a very important step. Neutralizing can be done with a neutralizer or with baking soda and water. Rinse afterward.
3. Solvent Wipe
The final step to preparing stainless steel before application of ProtectaClear® is to wipe it down with a clean solvent like xylene or denatured alcohol.
4. Seal and Protect
ProtectaClear® is a tough, clear protective coating that has excellent adhesion on stainless steel. It is highly resistant to salts and chlorines to protect stainless steel from rust, corrosion and tea-staining. It is very natural looking and practically invisible on stainless steel. Wipe ProtectaClear® on with a lint-free cloth, a clear coat applicator pad, solvent rated paint brush, foam brush, high density foam roller or ProtectaClear® can be sprayed on.