What type of stainless steel tends to tarnish?

   The type of stainless steel we use is also important for loss of luster. There are more than 150 types of stainless steel, and the difference in the performance of different types of steel on the loss of luster is also huge. Stainless steel discoloration is mainly influenced by the minerals manganese, chromium, carbon, and iron. Products made of 316L stainless steel contain high levels of iron, chromium, nickel, manganese, and carbon. This steel may discolor more quickly than the 304L stainless steel type, which has a relatively high nickel mineral content. But because of the higher chromium content at 316L, it is more resistant to corrosion.
From the differences, you can choose the suitable steel for your environment.

Authentic stainless steel

   This stainless steel has two main characteristics. First, austenitic stainless steel contains a high amount of chromium in the production process. Stainless steels made with chromium are more resistant to corrosion, stains, and loss of luster. Secondly, these items tend to be non-magnetic, although they can become magnetic through cold forming. These are the most common types of stainless steel alloys. A famous example of the use of this stainless steel is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Ferritic Stainless Steel

   This stainless steel is the second most common type of alloy and is also magnetic. Items produced from this alloy can be hardened by cold forming and tend to be cheaper than other types due to their lower nickel content.

Martensite stainless steel

   Martensitic stainless steels are used for applications that require high tensile strength or impact resistance. In many cases, this material is also combined with a protective polymer coating to improve corrosion resistance. This material is the least common type of stainless steel alloy. And it has a high nickel content to improve the material’s formality, weldability, and ductility.