Corten Steel Sheet Resurfacing / Rusting

Hello! Looking for recommendations as to how I might resurface these corten steel plates to remove some of the larger scratches. Also, curious as to why a couple of these aren't rusting at all really. Ordered from the same place at the same time. I assume there is some kind of oil or residue on them. I've wiped with acetone and scrubbed with heavy duty degreaser, but not sure it's making any difference. Thanks!

 

I remember when you were asking about the steel panels a few months ago. The project turned out beautiful at least so far.

It appears to be a water feature. Do all four sections have water pouring over or in front of them? Are they all using the same water or do they have different reservoirs?

Your four pieces almost certainly were not cut from the same sheet of material so there is the possibility they are not the same alloy. The most common stock size for sheet steel is 48" x 120". Other sizes are available but when in doubt I'd assume they ordered standard sized sheets so it's a safe guess that your four panels did not come from the same sheet.

Have the metal shop where you ordered your steel contact the supplier to some in with their alloy scanner. It's a handheld device that can quickly determine the alloy. It's an expensive tool so your steel shop/fabricator probably does not have one but somewhere up the supplier chain they are certain to have one. Keep pushing the issue until they come and check your metal.



As for the scratches I'm not sure I would attempt it. It would be quite a job to grind them out and get the entire surface back to a uniform finish. With them installed working up to the edge of the panels will be extremely difficult. Keep pushing to have your metal tested. They may end up replacing it which would offer you the opportunity of starting over with fresh sheets though there is no guarantee that they will not also have scratches from handling.

I would not lead with or even mention the scratches. The supplier or your fab shop should cover getting you new material if what they provided is incorrect. They will not replace it if they think you just want material without scratches. But, keep in mind your buying a raw industrial material. It's very heavy and awkward and is roughly handled by heavy machinery. Scratches are to be expected unless you are willing to pay a lot more. If you do then you can order polished sheets where you can specify the surface finish and measures are taken to insure that the face stays relatively free of scratches... but you pay for it.

 

Thanks for all the great info! Yes, this is a water feature and the water all comes from the same reservoir. These were all pieces cut from larger 48"x120" sheets at Industrial Metal Supply.

The scratches I'm not quite as concerned about. The final look is supposed to be "industrial", so it might be OK as is. Was curious if it would be worth trying to go over the surface with a grinding disc or sanding disc though.

Also, if it is determined that they provided material of different alloy, is their any argument to be made that they are responsible for labor costs or stone material that needs to be replaced as well?

 

If you just bought sheets of steel cut to a certain size the most they will probably do is replace the material with no allowance for any labor or cost you did with the steel.