Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is generally tougher and more vandal resistant than steel and has an exceptionally high corrosion resistance. This is due to the presence of a chromium-rich oxide film on the surface. This film will self-repair if damaged.

Furnitubes generally supply in either Grade 304 and Grade 316. Grade 304 preferred for general applications, whereas grade 316 has a higher content of chromium in its composition, providing greater resistance to corrosion and ideal for items that may be exposed to salt-spray.

Finishes
Furnitubes offer two finishes for stainless steel:
1. Satin finish - A gritted polishing disc is used to linish the surface, producing a series of parallel concentric finely grooved lines.
2. Bright polish - a highly "buffed" finish free of grit lines. Reflections are blurred, and only partly visible. Other Stainless steel finishes include:
3. Mirror polish - A completely reflective surface that is not recommended for items of street furniture formed of large flat areas.
4. Glass Bead Blast - Small glass particles bombard the surface of the stainless steel, creating a uniform pitted texture. This process is particularly recommended for awkward and hard to polish shapes.
5. Electro-polish - A specialised process where electrically charged items are stripped of their outer layer during electrolysis. The result is a shiny, granular finish akin to that of galvanised steel. Not recommended for large heavy items due to voltage and tank size restrictions.

Maintenance
a. Although dirt, oxide and salt will inevitably build-up on the surface of all grades of Stainless Steel, in most cases it could be at least 100 years before physical deterioration of the base material thickness of over 1mm.
b. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is due to the presence of a chromium-rich oxide film on the surface. This film will self-repair if damaged. It may also be possible to remove minor scratches by re-polishing with iron-free abrasives (such as impregnated nylon pads). DO NOT use ordinary steel wool.
c. Impurities and particles of other metals that find their way onto the surface of the stainless steel could eventually rust, unless cleaned or physically removed by re-polishing. Washing of surfaces will help to reduce contamination and visual surface deterioration. The use of Grade 316 Stainless Steel plus a more regular washing regime is recommended for items exposed to salt-spray.
d. Stainless steel can be painted and this will considerably increase the product's life.

TO HELP TO KEEP YOUR STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCT LOOKING AS GOOD AS NEW WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU WASH IT DOWN AT REGULAR INTERVALS WITH SOAPY WATER