Is Stainless Steel Waterproof?

Waterproof refers to a material's ability to prevent water from penetrating or passing through it. When working with products, it is important to ensure they are in excellent condition and free of any rust or corrosion. If a product is not waterproof, the water from rain, snow or other weather conditions can seep into the metal, making it susceptible to corrosion and potentially affecting the inside contents.

Fortunately for companies that rely on stainless steel, the durable material is known to be waterproof.

Stainless steel as a material is made of iron, carbon and chromium. It will also be made with nickel on some occasions for its corrosion resistance. At its core, stainless steel is known for its unmatched strength, reusability and versatility when working with products as well as its ability to handle elevated temperatures in cleaning and storage.

The waterproof material is used for a wide variety of products across industries, including beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and dry goods. It is also known as a non-pourous material, meaning it does not have pores or small openings that can absorb or allow the passage of water.

A container being classified as waterproof depends on whether or not water leaks through, soaks into, or damages the material on the inside or outside. Waterproof containers do not absorb water or allow the passage of water.

Whether you are working with a stainless steel drum, IBC tote or pump, it will be inherently waterproof because of how the stainless steel is built.

Stainless steel is waterproof due to a natural reaction in its build.

When the element chromium comes into contact with oxygen (primarily found in air), a layer forms in the stainless steel that protects the durable material from corrosion and rust in most cases. It is that protective layer that can make the stainless steel material waterproof.

It is important to keep in mind the distinction between corrosion-resistant and waterproof. Corrosion is the result of three particles coming into contact with one another: water, iron and oxygen.

In simple terms, corrosion resistance is the ability of the stainless steel container to continue to hold the product inside even with water or certain chemicals on the surface that may cause damage.

When something is described as waterproof, it means it does not allow water to pass through the material.

As is common with most scenarios, stainless steel being waterproof will not mean it is waterproof one hundred percent of the time. Certain factors can lead to stainless steel letting water into the container and affecting the product inside.

If exposed to certain chemicals, a prominent level of moisture, heat or extreme weather conditions for an extended period of time, it is possible that the layer that makes stainless steel waterproof (chromium and oxygen) can slowly come apart, leading to water passing through.

So, to keep stainless steel waterproof, it is important to keep products away from these extreme weather conditions as long as possible before water can get into the container or tool.

Additionally, there are ways in which stainless steel can be further protected from rust and corrosion.

There are coatings available that will limit future corrosion. The most popular coatings or sealants for stainless steel products are made of polyurethane or as an epoxy phenolic finish. This will need to be reapplied over time.

If you are looking for a durable and waterproof container for your dry or liquid product, shop our wide collection of stainless steel drums and IBC Totes as well as stainless steel tools (pumps, gaskets, mixers and more).

Just give us a call at 630.629.6600 or email us at sales@thecarycompany.com!