Why do stainless steel bollards rust? What can you do about it?

Jul 8, 2025 Reading time: 5 minutes

Stainless steel bollards They're known for their neat appearance and longevity. But what if you notice rust spots after a while? Don't panic, that doesn't necessarily say anything about the quality. In this blog post, we explain why rust can form on stainless steel, how to prevent it, and how to easily fix it.

How can stainless steel rust?

Many people think stainless steel means "rust-free," but that's not entirely accurate. Stainless steel is rustproof, meaning it's resistant to rust, but not 100% immune. Especially if bollards are left outside for extended periods or aren't cleaned often, rust spots can develop. How does that work?

Many obstacles

Flash rust: metal particles from the air stick to the surface and start to rust
Acid rain or sea air attack: damage the protective chrome layer, especially if the poles remain wet.
Dirt and moisture: that accumulates in seams or under the cap
Aggressive cleaning agents: such as chlorine or abrasive sponges damage the protective layer. Please note: this is not a production error, but a natural process with valuable surfaces.

How do you get rust formation on stainless steel bollards?

Are you using the posts outdoors, for example, for an event, festival, or entrance? Here are our recommendations for maintaining your stainless steel barrier posts.

Clean the poles occasionally with water and a soft cloth
Use our special Forflows Cleankit
If possible, bring them indoors during prolonged rain or bad weather.
Do not use chlorine or abrasive sponges, as these will damage the protective layer.

Stainless steel posts without ForFlows Cleankit

When stainless steel bollards are exposed to the outside air for an import period and the Forflows Cleankit is not used, similar rust stains can occur.