I know it is a huge no no to use stainless steel as the "sacrificial electrode" but can you clean a stainless steel part without the negative side effects that come along with using stainless steel as the sacrificial electrode? Does it weaken the stainless steel in anyway?
I don't know if there's a need. Stainless steel doesn't rust, and the electrolysiss method is a rust-removal process. What are you trying to remove? Maybe just use a cleaning solution and a brush? Maybe some buffing depending on the part?
You shouldn't ever try to clean stainless with electrolysis. It will pull the chromium out of the stainless, leaving you with poisonous hexavalent chromium tinted water, and no change to the stainless!
Electropolishing Stainless is common. Most solutions are phosphoric acid based. It will clean, polish, stress relieve & sanitize.
As a metal polisher of many years ,I suggest ,not .You can go the electro polish route with phosphoric acid , but it only shines the metal and scratch.dent and divots are still there .OK on marine stuff like ladders and fittings that need bling and a degree of protection from the chlorides in salt . BUT as an easy out for rodders , forget it .Find a good metal polisher and get it done professionally .And remember this .Price is forgotten ,but quality endures .Just pay the man .
has anyone tried to do electropolishing at home?, i just picked up a big inverter for free yesterday and would like to try and do some stainless, thanks for any help.
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