discoloration cleaning

[mv_tig]

What do you use for cleaning discoloration on the SS welds ??

 

[scott0031]

I use a pickling gel available from all good welding suppliers Paint it on and wash off. Jobs a good un. Had mine for years so did a quick search for you.

http://www.toolnweld.com/Products/Welding_Consumables/Stainless_Pickling_Paste/



Kind regards,


Scott (ward eng)

 

[Hitch]

A picklinmg paste, such as Pelox isd the way. Apply with a brush, leave for an hour and wash off, any slight reminants can be removed with a little scothbrite.

Nasty stuff though, PPE is a must.


You could just use mechanical means, scotchbrite wheels in a polisher/grinder etc.

 

[Welderpaul]

I've tend to do it the hard way - a finishing pad and lots of elbow grease.
Is pickling paste the quicker way!!

 

[Paul.]

Antox 71E, is the one i use, Its evil stuff though, full face shield and long rubber gloves when using it, then finish with soapy water and scotchbrite, and or garryson blocks

 

[Hitch]

Yeah, especailly in tight corners. Also has the advantage of being able to pickle the surfaces, to give an even colour/polish. Providing they are almost the same anyway.

 

[Paul.]

If you've got a lot of long seams to clean, an electrolytic cleaner can be useful, but I find them awkward in corners,and the pads soon wear out, they do have the advantage of having different fluids for different types of polish which is handy to reduce tide marks and smearing.

 

[runnach]

I used pickling paste years ago and, as stated wicked stuff to use. Point is, I thought this stuff was going to be banned, especially where remnants mixed with water go directly to a drain?

 

[Shox Dr]

Antox 71E, is the one i use, Its evil stuff though, full face shield and long rubber gloves when using it, then finish with soapy water and scotchbrite, and or garryson blocks

Antox is what we use, very good stuff, but very nasty as well.

 

[rodofgod]

Hi All!

Use of a 'pickling paste' to clean a stainless weld is generally good practice as it will passivate the weld and return all the anti corrosive elements back to the welded area. However, these pastes are quite toxic and need to be handled with care, I have seen quite bad chemical burns because of miss-use! Also, as has been mentioned, disposal of the paste needs to be considered. Years ago, we just washed it down the drains, I doubt that would be acceptable now a days!

Regards

 

[hotrodder]

For cosmetic removal of the heat tint a soft bristled stainless brush- brush the weld before it's cooled down (you can feel the brush 'bite') and next to no effort or time is required unless the weld is burnt.

If pickling paste is required then make sure there's some calcium glucanate to hand as well as all the correct PPE

 

[runnach]

Also, as has been mentioned, disposal of the paste needs to be considered. Years ago, we just washed it down the drains, I doubt that would be acceptable now a days!

Regards

Has this trend changed, or is it still washed down the drains?

Cheers............