Welding Stainless Steel Rust. Welding has burned off a layer of chromium oxide the element that prevents stainless steel from rusting. These fluxes tend to be easy-to-remove or self-peeling and although the weld surface may look clean there is a thin residual layer of iron-rich material on the surface.
Welding precautions for the SS include aligning the gaps in a precise manner so that the empty spaces are plugged properly. Carbon brush stainless brush used on carbon file etc. By mechan Date 10-24-2013 0222.
Here is the answer.
Although stainless is known for its anti-corrosion properties it can still rust when exposed to extreme conditions. We have since learned that abrasives should never be used on stainless steel let alone abrasives which have been previously used on ferrous metals. This occurs when the chromium oxide layer the very element that protects stainless from rusting is destroyed or removed. Stainless steel is an attractive material that can make for beautiful welded projects.