Frequently Asked Questions

316 Marine grade stainless is a stainless steel preferred for use in marine environments to avoid pitting corrosion. The AISI number grade is 316 and refers to the chromium content. 316 grade contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The "moly" is added to help resist corrosion to chlorides (like sea water and pool chlorine).

The salts in sea and pool water acts as a catalyst to the rusting process, therefore a higher quality stainless steel should be used in areas that will be repeatedly exposed to such conditions.

While 316 marine grade stainless steel is not completely rust-proof, the alloy is more resistant than household stainless steels, and therefore more durable.

Due to the highly corrosive environment found around pools and wet areas, all Marathon Fittings products are made of the highest quality 316 marine grade stainless steel to ensure years of maintenance free performance.

In coastal regions around Australia, sea salt carried in the air and harsh chlorine salts in pool water can damage inferior steel or plastic fittings. Marathon Fittings use only 316 marine grade stainless steel which is extremely durable and hard wearing and resistant to salt and mineral damage as well being impervious to UV. If maintained correctly, it will last a lifetime.

Every Marathon branded product is engineered to meet or exceed tough and exacting Australian standards for design and safety. Tough, robust and maintenance free, all Marathon Fittings' products come with a limited lifetime warranty so they will provide a beautiful and practical finish to your glass fencing for many years.

Electro-polishing is an electrochemical process similar to, but the reverse of, electroplating. The process smooths and streamlines the microscopic surface of a metal object. As a result, the surface of the metal is microscopically featureless and is left completely free from imperfections producing a deep lustre and shine not possible with mechanically polished metals.

People are often surprised to discover that although stainless steel can in fact be stained. Although sometimes tricky, stains can however be removed. When stains occur, our best advice is to start with the basics to clean the surfaces.

Baking soda mixed with a little liquid dishwashing liquid mixed to make a paste may then be used to gently rub on stains. Be sure to rinse the stainless steel surface thoroughly with water when finished.

If the stains still persist you can try vinegar. Remember to rinse the whole area thoroughly again.

If stains still remain we recommend trying a stainless steel cleaner and polisher which may be purchased from your supermarket or hardware store. Be sure to follow the directions the manufacturers directions.

Tea staining is discolouration of the surface of stainless steel due to corrosion. It is purely a cosmetic issue that has no affect on the structural integrity or the lifetime of the material. Tea staining occurs most commonly within about five kilometres of the surf and becomes progressively worse closer to the marine source.

However, wind exposure, pollution levels, local sheltering and higher temperatures can create environments where tea staining might occur 20 kilometres or more from the surf. The effect is much less severe around sheltered bays. These same factors also increase corrosion rates of alternative materials.

Lower grade stainless steel is far more susceptible to the issue of tea staining when used in harsh Australian conditions. To minimise problems, always ensure that stainless steel used in and around swimming pools and wet areas are no less than 316 marine grade.

Marathon Fittings' stainless steel fixtures and fittings for glass fencing are the highest quality 316 marine grade stainless steel and are guaranteed to give you years of trouble free performance.

All steel is susceptible to corrosion and salt and chlorine in particular can damage stainless steel. Therefore we recommend only marine grade stainless steel be used in areas where exposure to salts and the atmosphere is likely to occur regularly.

All Marathon Fittings branded products are manufactured from the highest quality 316 marine grade stainless steel and are certified to meet or exceed exacting Australian design standards. Our quality stainless steel fittings require no maintenance other than the occasional wipe over with a damp soft cloth to remove salt deposits that may build up on the surface over time. This will keep them looking and their beautiful best ensuring years of trouble free performance. Make sure you don't ever use a cleaning product on stainless steel that contains bleach as this will most certainly damage the surface.

All Marathon Fittings' products are made with the highest quality 316 marine grade stainless steel and carry a lifetime limited warranty. In general, maintenance requires nothing more than a wipe with a damp soft cloth to remove any corrosive build up from the surface such as salts and pollution. Never use an abrasive cleaner or any cleaner that contains chlorine or bleach.