[TheForge] Stainless contamination

[Pwwhitley at aol.com]

Bruce...I have to contradict you.  I have several stainless pieces  
(sculptures) that have never been chemically passivated and have been outside  for 
years with no rust.  The only treatment was to grind or sand the  surface exposing 
new metal and keeping it exposed to air.  Uncontaminated  SS (no iron 
particles on surface) will not rust as long as oxygen is  present.  
 
A plastic covering, if left in place where moisture can get under it, might  
actually cause rust by depriving the metal of the oxygen needed to maintain 
its  oxide protection.  
 
Philip
SC