Extra attention should be given to corten steel within a 2-kilometer distance from the coast. The reason for this is that some sources suggest that the salt and chloride content from sea winds can damage the material. This is not to say that the sea salt will corrode your water feature instantly. Far from it. The copper, chromium, and nickel compounds will still give the Corten protective qualities but just not as much as if the products were located more inland. To combat this salty environment, it is important to periodically clean the corten on a monthly basis. We don't recommend installing corten products in contact with other metals. When corten steel comes into contact with precious metals or other base metals this can cause contact corrosion on either material. Therefore, avoid using high-alloyed stainless steel, copper, tin, zinc or aluminium in conjunction with corten steel.
Care instructions:
As mentioned above, corten steel is very low maintenance. However, we do recommend regular checks and cleaning to make up part of a periodic maintenance schedule.
- Do not use any cleaning products on the steel. Using a stiff brush to remove any debris / build up / soil on the surface of the steel is sufficient
- Remove any packaging from the product as soon as the delivery is received. Shrink wrap or other packaging materials may cause an uneven patina.
- Dissolve scale and grout spots with phosphoric acid and rinse with clear water. Never use cement film remover or diluted hydrochloric acid. Ensuring appropriate PPE is worn at all times.
- Avoid extreme heat to the material e.g. from working tools etc. Heat may warp the material.
- Ferrous particles must be removed immediately, as they can penetrate the passive layer of the corten steel and cause corrosion. Ferrite-free cleaning sponges or similar can be used for this purpose. If corrosion has already occurred, a pickling treatment may be necessary.
- Avoid prolonged contact with salt, or ensure a cleaning regime is followed in salty environments.
- Oil and grease can be removed with organic cleaning agents. All cleaning agent residues must be hosed down after cleaning.
- Residual paint can be removed with an alkaline or solvent-based cleaning agent. All cleaning agent residues must be hosed down after cleaning.
Company profile
Founded in 2008, Gnee (Tianjin) Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd. specializes in the global trade and processing of Corten steel products.
• We handle all kinds of Corten engineering projects, such as bridges, gardens, hotels, and facade systems.
• Compliant with ASTM, EN, and other international standards; third-party inspection supported.
• Exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide.
• 8 subsidiaries across China and overseas, ensuring global service coverage.
Application Fields: Architecture, landscaping, gardening, cladding, and urban infrastructure.
