Stainless steels (or inox steels) are metal alloys that are naturally resistant to corrosion: in fact, their constituent elements form a thin, transparent layer on the surface consisting of just a few atoms which, if damaged, is able to self-regenerate immediately in the presence of oxygen contained in water or air, continuing to protect them from corrosion. This explains why stainless steels are able to maintain their bright appearance for many years without requiring any coating or protective treatment. Despite this extraordinary capability, like other construction materials with similar long-term surface durability characteristics (such as glass, for example), they are not exempt from simple cleaning and periodic maintenance operations, which allow their characteristic shine to be maintained.

Our components for the construction of railings and balustrades, including tubes and bars, are produced with two types of stainless steel: AISI 304 stainless steel and AISI 316 stainless steel. Aesthetically identical, they differ in chemical composition: AISI 316 stainless steel, compared to AISI 304, contains molybdenum and a higher percentage of nickel, which makes it particularly resistant to corrosion in aggressive environments (marine areas, city centers, or where there is heavy industrial pollution, in chlorine-rich atmospheres, and in areas affected by the spreading of de-icing salt).

While for indoor installations there are no special precautions to follow regarding the routine maintenance of our stainless steel elements (we still recommend the periodic use of the practical Wera Inox protector spray, also available in our online shop, which eliminates streaks and dullness), for outdoor use, simple precautions must be followed.

Both AISI 304 and AISI 316 stainless steel are weather-resistant materials, but when applied outdoors, they require periodic cleaning: generally speaking, you should provide for washing with soap and water, a generous rinse, and thorough drying with absorbent paper or a cloth (this must be done well to avoid stains caused by limescale in the water) with the same frequency as cleaning windows: this is enough to maintain the steel’s brilliance. Alternatively, as suggested earlier for indoor installations, the practical Wera Inox protector spray can be used. Warning: there are cleaning products that MUST NOT be used on stainless steel: those containing chlorides, especially hydrochloric acid, hypochlorous acid-based bleaches, or strong acids (such as those for removing cement mortar), silver cleaning products, and abrasive pads or scrapers.

If this simple maintenance is not carried out, pitting may occur—unsightly rust spots that can nevertheless be removed with specific degreasing products that we can provide. Precisely because a “rougher” finish can trap impurities that accelerate this phenomenon, we recommend the use of AISI 304 stainless steel with a satin finish only for indoor assembly. In highly aggressive atmospheres, even the use of AISI 316 stainless steel may not be sufficient to avoid these rust spots: in these cases, it would be better to opt for AISI 316 stainless steel with a polished finish.

Great care must be taken during the assembly phase: specific tools must be used that do not leave ferrous residues which could subsequently undergo oxidation, and great care must be taken not to perform welding or grinding on iron near the stainless steel: sparks could scratch the surface of the stainless components and thus cause rust spots. It is important to perform thorough cleaning at the end of the assembly operations.