How electrolytic weld cleaning works
Remove heat tint from stainless steel TIG welds and help passivate the surface, without acid pickling paste. Explained by the UK’s first manufacturer of electrolytic weld cleaners.
The process
Welding stainless steel leaves heat tint: a blue, brown or black oxide where the chromium-rich surface layer has been disturbed. Until it is treated, that area is more vulnerable to corrosion.
An electrolytic weld cleaner passes a low-voltage current through a brush or pad soaked in cleaning fluid. Where the head touches the weld, the current and fluid remove the heat tint and oxide, and help rebuild the passive layer that keeps stainless steel stainless.
Three steps
Connect and wet
Clamp the earth lead to the workpiece. Fit a carbon brush or cotton pad and wet it with cleaning fluid.
Clean the weld
Set the power to suit the job and run the head along the weld. The current and fluid lift heat tint and oxide, and help passivate the surface.
Neutralise and wipe
Spray neutraliser to turn fluid residue into a harmless salt solution, then wipe or rinse.
Electrolytic cleaning vs pickling paste
| Pickling paste | Electrolytic weld cleaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Hazardous acid paste that needs careful handling and ventilation | Mild cleaning fluid, less hazardous than acid baths and pickling paste |
| Speed | Brush on, wait, then wash off | Clean as you go along the weld |
| Finish | Removes heat tint | Removes heat tint and helps passivate the surface |
| Clean-up | Acid residue and rinse water need careful disposal | Neutraliser reduces residue to a salt solution |
Typical applications
Food and drink processing
Tanks, pipework and equipment in food, dairy and brewing, where hygienic, corrosion-free welds matter.
Pharmaceutical and biotech
Process vessels and hygienic pipework where heat tint must be removed from product-contact welds.
Medical devices
Stainless components where welds need to be fully clean and look immaculate.
Hygienic pipework and tanks
Sanitary and high-purity water systems, where passivated welds resist corrosion in service.
Architectural metalwork
Visible stainless work such as balustrades, handrails and signage, where the finish is on show.
General fabrication and maintenance
Everyday TIG work in the workshop and on site, cleaned without pickling paste.
Talk to us about your welds
Send us details of your work and we will reply within one working day.