This document aims to provide a basic understanding of stainless steel, focusing on its use as a construction material.

For more specialized information or further assistance, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to help.

○ Processing and Construction Considerations

Stainless steel is processed through cutting, drilling, machining, drawing, welding, and other methods to refine it into building components, which are then attached and installed on-site.

Even during these processing and construction stages, factors can lead to rusting, which can be prevented with the following precautions.

1) Use tools specifically designed for stainless steel (especially for cutting processes).

- Processing tools accumulate fine metal particles from the materials they process.

Using tools that have been used for processing iron plates on stainless steel can result in iron particles transferring from the tool to the stainless steel surface or cut edges, potentially causing rust through contamination.

- If it is unavoidable to use shared tools, ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned before processing stainless steel.

2) Remove any welding scale or slag thoroughly.

- Areas with welding scale can obstruct oxygen from reaching the metal surface, preventing the regeneration of the passive oxide layer.

This also decreases the chromium concentration on the surface, degrading corrosion resistance, making the metal more susceptible to rust compared to other areas.

- Welding scale should be removed using mechanical (grinding, sanding, blasting, etc.) or electrochemical (acid cleaning, washing, etc.) methods for safety.

3) Carefully consider the timing of removing protective films.

- Stainless steel used for construction is shipped with a protective film to prevent defects during processing.

Typically, this film is used until the product is delivered to prevent damage.

4) Ensure cleaning agents for tiles or stones do not adhere to stainless steel surfaces.

- Many cleaning agents contain corrosive acids that can damage stainless steel surfaces.

Ensure these agents do not come into contact with the metal, and if they do, rinse them off quickly with water.

5) Perform cleaning after construction is completed.

- Wash with water or, in some cases, use a neutral detergent and then rinse with water to remove dust, dirt, iron particles, and other debris accumulated during the construction process.

6) Special treatments such as coloration, painting, or plating require extra care.

- Colored or plated stainless steel cannot be regenerated if the surface is damaged.

Painted stainless steel, especially transparent-colored finishes, is very difficult to repair.

When handling such materials, extra care must be taken to avoid surface contamination.

○ Cleaning

- Stainless steel building materials are often considered easy to maintain.

However, unlike gold or platinum, stainless steel is not a completely rust-proof metal, and maintaining it in perfect condition is not simple.

Instead, with proper care, including the design, processing, and construction considerations mentioned above, along with appropriate cleaning and maintenance, its beauty can be preserved for a long time.

- The frequency of cleaning depends on the environment in which the building is located. For rural areas, cleaning 1 to 2 times per year is recommended, while in other regions, cleaning 2 to 3 times a year is typically sufficient.

Regular cleaning at this frequency can mostly prevent rust from occurring with simple washing or cleaning with a neutral detergent followed by rinsing with water.

○ Maintenance of Stainless Steel Building Materials

- The condition of rust or dirt on stainless steel can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Therefore, the most suitable cleaning method should be chosen based on each situation.

- When performing maintenance, start by testing the cleaning method on an inconspicuous area.

Begin with less aggressive methods and gradually increase the intensity, testing each method’s effectiveness.

Once a satisfactory cleaning result is achieved, proceed with cleaning the entire surface.