Stainless steel profiles are real all-rounders in the home - robust, versatile and give every room that certain something. But even the best material can be affected by rust. Let's explore together why this happens, how you can recognize it and, above all, how you can best care for your stainless steel profiles.
Stainless steel – an overview
Stainless steel is more than just a material - it is a promise of quality and versatility. As an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel, stainless steel is known for its outstanding durability and attractive appearance. But what makes stainless steel so special? The outstanding feature of stainless steel is that it does not rust. Thanks to the protective oxide layer that forms on its surface, stainless steel resists the effects of water, air and other environmental factors. This corrosion resistance makes it a preferred choice in humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. Its ability to adapt to a wide range of conditions makes it a long-lasting companion. Whether indoors or outdoors, stainless steel profiles withstand the stresses of everyday life while maintaining their integrity.
Do you see brown spots on the stainless steel surface? Rust? How can that be? We have just listed the valuable properties of stainless steel for you. Don't worry, the brown spots don't necessarily have to be rust. If there are no bulges or other deformations on the material, it is most likely rust.
Rust film: The little brother of rust
Flash rust is a tricky thing. It is caused by tiny metal particles that stick to the surface. The problem can arise when stainless steel is stored improperly, for example near black steel. There is also a risk of flying sparks when working with grinders on the construction site. In such cases, metal particles can be transferred by air or water and settle in recesses, edges and notches. This causes these metal particles to start to rust, but not the stainless steel itself. If the removal of flash rust is neglected, the formation of the protective passive layer can be prevented and the stainless steel is exposed to the rusting process. Therefore, basic and regular cleaning of the tile profile is essential. Unlike real rust, it only affects the outer layer and does not penetrate the material. This makes it less dramatic, but prevention is still important.
Despite its robustness, stainless steel can sometimes develop rust.
Here are the most common reasons:
- Contamination of stainless steel with normal steel (black steel) should be avoided, as dust particles can reach the surface and cause so-called rust film.
- When processing and laying tile profiles, it is important to use dust-free tools, especially when using steel. A wide range of flexible discs is now available for this purpose. Extra thin discs for stainless steel rails can prevent the rail from glowing when cutting (flexing).
- It is common for flex wheels that were previously used for cutting mild steel or unalloyed steel to be used for machining stainless steel rails. This can damage the surface and cause pitting or later surface corrosion due to flying sparks.
- Immediately after installation, cleaning the rails with a clean linen cloth to remove any residue from glue, silicone, etc. is crucial to prevent rust formation.
- Condensation due to inadequate ventilation can also lead to rust formation on the tile profiles.
remove rust film
Keep your stainless steel profiles in good condition! In most cases, the rust can be removed. Use special cleaners or pastes. A clean cloth or fine sandpaper can work wonders. In stubborn cases, a buffing attachment on your drill might even help.
Please test on a small area first to see if the desired result is achieved.
Preventing rust
The best defense is good care, because rust doesn't just appear. Clean stainless steel profiles thoroughly and regularly after installation. Keep tools and work environments free of iron. For particularly demanding situations, V4A stainless steel is the more resilient choice, e.g. our Dural angle profile V4A stainless steel .
