Framebuilders - remove TIG welding halos

I'm about to have a custom stainless steel frame build w/ columbus xcr tubing. I'd like to leave the bare metal w/o painting nor buffing/polishing/filing the welds. My only concern is to remove those helos that are created during the welding process. This question may be trivial for some but L'm a n00b. Is there a simple/effective way to "wash away" those welding halos? TIA

"Pickling Paste" will remove the discoloration, but it still won't look the same as the area's that were not in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). I would have the entire frame Glass Bead Blasted, that will give it a consistent matte finish and then clear coat it.

Jeff

thanks for your reply. But why clear coat it? Being stainless it shouldn't be necessary. Or is it?

I know it's all a matter of personal taste, but I think the "halo's" look cool. I would rock them with pride! YMMV.

thanks for your reply. But why clear coat it? Being stainless it shouldn't be necessary. Or is it?

Polished stainless is very rust resistant- stainless burnished from blasting isn't.

Stainless welds aren't always that rust resistant, it depends on the SS filler used. Marine stuff lasts fine but it depends what type of wire and tubes are used in your weld. It also depends on whether the welds were back-purged. That's just general welding tech info. Ask your builder, he can tell you what his expectation is.

With enough inert gas, there won't be any oxydization spectrum on the tubes.

Mother's Metal Polish. You can pick it up at most automotive parts stores.

Stainless, after welding, is generally NOT rust resistent in the weld zone. As for what I believe you are calling the halo, they make a product that looks like a large ink eraser that 'erases' the 'halo' and leaves the metal shiny. It is frequently used in the manufacture of stainless tables/cookware to clean up around welds.

To effectively return the welded area to a rust-resistent condition requires the workpiece to be passivated. Google 'stainless welding' to learn more.