Pickling stainless steel

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is only guaranteed if the surface is free of annealing colors (e.g. after welding processes), residues of drilling emulsions, flash rust or ferritic injections after shaping processes. Acidic and alkaline degreasers/cleaners are recommended for cleaning.

Pickling stainless steels is a chemical process that thoroughly removes impurities and enables a uniform passive layer to be rebuilt.

Depending on the task, construction and surface size, different stain products are used in practice.

Worth knowing

  • Staining pastes
    For the treatment of surfaces in the weld seam area – removes tarnish, scale and corrosion products.
  • Immersion pickling
    For efficient pickling of submersible constructions, assembly and small series parts, containers and apparatus.
  • Spray staining
    Suitable for large surfaces (e.g. façade panels, containers), structures that cannot be dismantled or are difficult to access, such as bridge elements. When spray staining, an indicator can be added for better application control.

Before pickling

Edelstahl beizen

During pickling

Edelstahl beizen

After pickling

Edelstahl beizen

Regardless of the process/product used, the stained surface must be thoroughly rinsed, preferably using a high-pressure cleaner. In addition, the application of a passivation solution is recommended for faster formation of a new passive layer.