Autosol Pickling Agent is a post-weld treatment for stainless steel that removes the heat tint, discolouration, and oxidation produced by the welding process, and restores the passive chromium oxide layer that gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance. Welding destroys this passive layer in the heat-affected zone around the weld — leaving the steel in that area significantly more vulnerable to rust and corrosion than the surrounding unaffected material. Pickling chemically restores it.

Without pickling, weld areas on stainless steel balustrades will discolour, rust, and corrode at a rate that is completely inconsistent with the rest of the installation — particularly in outdoor and coastal environments. A correctly pickled and passivated weld is corrosion-resistant across its full area and blends far more cleanly with the surrounding material, both visually and in terms of long-term performance.

Autosol Pickling Agent is applied to the weld area after grinding and initial finishing, allowed to dwell, and then neutralised and rinsed off. The result is a clean, passive surface that can then be polished to the desired finish with standard polishing compounds and belts.

This is an essential product for any installer welding stainless steel balustrade components — skipping the pickling step leaves every weld area as a long-term corrosion risk regardless of the steel grade used.

Specifications

  • Brand: Autosol
  • Product: Pickling Agent
  • Volume: 500ml
  • Type: Chemical Post-Weld Pickling and Passivation Treatment
  • Application: Removes heat tint and weld discolouration — restores passive corrosion-resistant layer on stainless steel after welding
  • Use: Apply to weld area after grinding, allow to dwell, neutralise and rinse
  • Suitable For: All grades of stainless steel
  • Category: Abrasives & Maintenance

Installation Note

Pickling agents are chemical products — follow all safety instructions on the product label. Use appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and eye protection. Neutralise and rinse thoroughly after the recommended dwell time. Do not allow pickling agent to contact non-stainless surfaces or adjacent materials.

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