Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the ideal solution to furnish modern homes. Thanks to its composition and characteristics, stainless steel guarantees functionality, hygiene, durability and - last but not least - beauty and elegance.
Why choose stainless steel?
In 1913 an English metal scientist Harry Brearly was working on the project of improvement in performance of gun pipes, accidentally discovered that by adding chromium to low-carbonated steel, makes the steel resistant to rusting.
With the addition of carbon and chromium, today’s stainless steel can contain nickel, molybdenum, and titanium. Nickel, molybdenum and titanium additionally increase steel’s resistance to rusting.
Minimum of 12% of chromium added to steel increases its resistance. Chromium synthesizes with oxygen from atmosphere in steel and forms an invisible layer called “passive film”.
The sizes of atom in chromium and oxygen are similar so they adjust one to other on surface of metal forming a solid layer of a few atoms. If the metal surface is scratched or damaged in any way, more oxygen will in that place very promptly form protective layer keeping it from corrosion. It has to be stated that stainless steel has low or no resistance to corrosion in the places where the circulation of air is low or if there is no circulation at all.
The basic composition of the austenitic steel is between 18-20% of Cr and 8-11% of Ni, coded 18/10(AISI 304).
Stainless steel INOX, because of its chemical composition, has increased resistance to corrosion. Despite all that, depending on the environment it is in, for example coastal areas or polluted atmosphere with traces of iron or chlorine, steel acts differently and sometimes the environment can lead to some rusting. To avoid this minimal rusting of stainless steel, the process of chemical washing is performed. In that way all free traces of iron, which cause rusting, and dust left after welding are removed.
Some reasons choose stainless steel products:
excellent corrosion resistance;
resistance to humidity and heat;
easy cleaning with an excellent hygiene coefficient;
toughness that makes it non-deformable and resistant over time;
indeed, the appearance of these furnishings remains unchanged over the years even after frequent use.
Maintenance and cleaning of stainless steel
Stainless steel is for its very thin layer on surface very resistant to rust and does not need any organic or metal protectors to improve its look or resistance. Despite these great qualities stainless steel still needs some maintenance of its products as railings so it stays nice and shiny. To remove any dust or dirt from this material it is enough to use, for example, glass cleaners.
Thorough cleaning
After mounting elements of stainless steel , stainless steel railings or any other products, surfaces need to be cleaned of all dust, dirt, concrete, and eventually a thin layer of protection could be brought on in order to protect further precipitation of dirt and grease.
Maintenance
It is strongly forbidden to
- file with metal objects,
- use agents which contain acids, bleach, abrasives and similar
On outdoor railings and elements rain already does cleaning and part of maintenance. Soft cloth or sponge and dish-washing liquid are more than enough for cleaning. Also glass cleaners which contain no chloride can be used for polishing stainless steel. With very filthy surfaces mini-wash with the temperature of 60-80 degrees Celsius can be used or car-polish. Also agents which contain alcohol are good with taking of grease stains. Indoor stainless steel railing are usually cleaned of finger marks and in general only soft cloth, warm water and some dish washing liquid are enough to keep stainless steel shiny.
How frequently clean
If cleaned on regular basis surfaces made of stainless steel keep their attractive look. How frequently to clean depend on the position of elements and railings and how dirty they get. Inside lobbies, glass and window frames made of stainless steel have to be cleaned as frequently as other glass surfaces. Railings of polished stainless steel are more resistant to dirt and corrosion than the ones made of abraded stainless steel.
Agents for cleaning
- vinegar acid (80% water, 20% vinegar) – lemon juice with salt in warm water
- tooth paste with small scratches
- home glass cleaners
- cleaners for fine metals
- on mated surfaces milk can be used