Do I Really Need to Rinse CirtiSurf?

Do I Really need to rinse CitriSurf®?

I am using CitriSurf. How important is it to rinse after use?

The rinse step is an important part of the passivation process when using Citrisurf and should not be skipped.

As you probably already know, CitriSurf is used to passivate stainless steel. Unlike other surface treatments to prevent rust, passivation isn't adding a layer of protection but rather chemically changing the surface layer to allow it to prevent rust.

Stainless steel contains both free iron and chromium, and is passivated by removing the free iron from its surface. CitriSurf reacts with and removes the free iron from the surface, leaving only chromium. Once the free iron is gone, the CitriSurf needs to be removed with water to stop the chemical process.

After the CitriSurf is rinsed off with water and the stainless steel is allowed to dry, the exposed chromium layer converts to chromium oxide. This oxide layer is what protects the steel from rusting.

By following the simple CitriSurf instructions in full, stainless steel can be properly passivated to significantly prolong its life.

See our full selection of CitriSurf Stainless Steel Passivation Products.