Premade Post Premium Square 2" x 1.6mm Intermediate suits Flat Handrail Black Powdercoated Matte Finish AISI 316 with 8mm Hole

Currently we are not recommending powdercoated stainless to be used in corrosive environments such as beachside applications or areas subject to sea spray and salt. It is also strongly advised to avoid harsh cleaners as these can strip down the coating.

Although the posts are made from Stainless Steel 316 as the underlying material this is only providing structural material composition, not the corrosion resistance typically associated with Marine Grade Stainless Steel AISI 316.

The corrosion resistance properties of SS 316 are driven from the surface of the stainless, which is modified when it gets powdercoated. This passivation layer would typically form of chromium oxide on the surface when the steel is exposed to oxygen and this helps product the metal. The added Molybdenum in 316 also typically plays an important factor in the higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments.

Powdercoating instead modifies the surface layer to apply the coloured coating, stripping the material of its SS 316 corrosion resistance properties in place of new properties. Additionally, it is unknown how corrosive environments affect the colour, wear and tear and durability of the coating although it can be assumed to be more damaging the more corrosive the environment.

Although powdercoating may add its own layer of resistance (and is often used for this purpose), the type of resistance the specific powdercoat (make and model) offers is different for its application on stainless than on other materials such as T606 Aluminium or Mild Steel. So resistance properties you may see on other materials with the same coat may not be applicable on the stainless.

As such we are not recommending powdercoated stainless for use in corrosive environments.

Please note this advice may change in the future as products develop.