Stainless steel: Often considered as the “white gold” of the balustrade and staircase industry, this material continuously holds a status unlike anything else because of the acclaim that surrounds it. 

Today, this common material is highly sought after by many homeowners and professional builders alike because of how well it combines practicality with an unmistakable appeal. Commonly available in different grades that feature mixes of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, the durability and applicability of stainless steel are what make it an optimal option for many properties. This is essentially why it’s a modern marvel in the materials industry. 

Over the years, the demand for this material in balustrading systems has grown significantly among Australian homeowners. At Aussie Balustrading, the number of orders we’ve received for our stainless steel balustrading systems continues to grow beyond expectations every year!

It may be clear that the material in question is in high demand because of the difference it easily makes in the look and feel of a home. Yet, there’s just one problem with these systems that occur more often than anything else: Tea staining. 

What is it?

Generally, tea staining is defined as a “discolouration of stainless steel surfaces caused by a chloride attack.”

Over time, many stainless steel balustrading systems experience this problem because outdoor elements easily cause chemical reactions that are responsible for the effect. As a result, the surface of a balustrade becomes blotched in a certain way similar to what’s achieved by spilling a bit of tea on cloth or wood. 

How does it happen?

When it comes to knowing exactly what causes tea staining, it’s crucial to understand that there is little-to-no research on its root cause. However, the best way to explain why this phenomenon may happen to your stainless steel balustrade is by checking the pattern of the corrosion itself and the various factors that can be used to counter the effect. 

Typically, surfaces with grooves and troughs are far more susceptible to experienced increased staining. This is a factor that can aggravate the presence of such a stain, especially if the balustrade is situated near bodies of saltwater.

At the end of the day, the primary cause of tea staining in stainless steel balustrades is the proximity of a property to salt water as it contains chloride molecules that will initiate the attack. Taking this into consideration, it’s easy to see why many homes in Australia are most prone to this type of staining because of their proximity to coastlines packed with bodies of saltwater!

How can you prevent tea staining from happening and protect your balustrade from it?

If you’re keen on protecting your property’s stainless steel balustrades so that every inch of their surfaces remain spotless and clean all-year-round, the best way is a thorough regular wash. 

For stainless steel balustrades from Aussie Balustrading, the high-quality material that the standard assembly is made of only requires low-maintenance effort with a quick and easy routine. Every other week or so, it’s recommended that you soap your balustrade or lightly lather or scrub it with mild detergent and warm water to remove the stains. Once everything is soaped up, rinse everything off with a clean cold wash and wipe it all down so that your surface is as good as new!

Conclusion

Although it may not seem like much at first, tea staining is a common problem that can affect the overall look of your home’s stainless steel balustrades, especially if you live in a seaside location. With the help of this concise yet insightful guide, you can understand the ins-and-outs of this home problem well enough to ensure that your balustrades remain attractive and safe from stains all-year-round!

We’re a custom staircase manufacturer in Perth that specialises in building stainless steel balustrades for residential and commercial properties. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and get right to building in no time!