Welding to Stainless Steel: A Complete Guide

Stainless steel welding demands finesse, the right consumables and post‑weld treatment to deliver strong, corrosion‑resistant and visually appealing joints. Whether you’re working in fabrication, repair, or on-site installation, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Choosing the Right Welding Process for Stainless Steel

• TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)
  Ideal for stainless steel, TIG welding offers perfect precision, minimal spatter and excellent control - especially for thin sections and cosmetic welds.
• MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
  Suitable for stainless steel with the right wire and shielding gas. Delivers faster results, though with slightly less finesse.
• Stick Welding (SMAW)
  Used in outdoor or field conditions. Stainless steel stick electrodes (like ER308L, ER309L, ER316L) can weld various grades (even dissimilar steels) but require post‑weld clean-up.
• Flux‑Cored
  Occasionally used for thicker stainless sections - not often first choice due to slag and aesthetics.

Key Filler Materials for Stainless Steel (TIG Rods & MIG Wire)

• Stainless Steel (316L) TIG Rods (5kg packs, 1m rods, 1.6 mm & 2.4 mm) - low‑carbon grade perfect for applications demanding exceptional corrosion resistance (e.g. food, marine, chemical).
• Mixed TIG Rod Packs - Ideal for general-use fabricators needing flexibility across multiple grades.
• Stick Electrodes for Stainless Grades like 308L/309L/316L - these grades are widely recommended for outdoor or field TIG alternatives. Email us for a quote on these.

Welding Machines for Stainless Steel

For precision work, TIG machines paired with 316L rods are a top choice. Welding Superstore supplies machines from reputable brands like Telwin and Parweld, suitable for steel and stainless applications.

View our range of TIG machines here.

Our Top Choice TIG Welder for Stainless Steel

The Parweld XTT 212DI AC/DC is a high-performance TIG welder designed for professionals who demand versatility and precision. With the ability to weld stainless steel, aluminium and mild steel up to 6 mm thick, this inverter-based unit offers HF TIG, Lift TIG, and MMA modes - all in a compact, dual-voltage package.

Key Features

• Dual voltage operation (110V and 230V) for maximum flexibility
• AC/DC TIG, HF TIG, Lift TIG, and MMA welding capabilities
• Pulse TIG function with adjustable pulse frequency (0.5–200Hz)
• Synergic TIG control simplifies setup
• Square wave AC for optimised aluminium welding
• Memory function stores up to 6 welding programs
• Lightweight and portable (12 kg) with robust design

Technical Data

• Input Voltage: 110V / 230V, Single Phase
• Output Current (230V): 5–200A DC, 10–200A AC
• Output Current (110V): 5–140A DC, 10–140A AC
• Duty Cycle: 200A @ 30% (230V), 140A @ 40% (110V)
• Weight: 12 kg
• Pulse Frequency: 0.5–200Hz | AC Frequency: 50–250Hz
• Supplied With: Pro-Grip Max TIG Torch, Regulator, Gas Hose, Earth Lead, Power Cable

Entry Level TIG Welder for Stainless Steel

The Telwin Infinity TIG 225 DC is a reliable, entry-level option ideal for those starting out with TIG welding on stainless steel. Offering HF and LIFT arc striking, pulse TIG functionality, and MMA capability, this single-phase inverter delivers solid performance for a wide range of tasks.

Key Features

• HF and LIFT TIG arc striking for precise control
• Pulse TIG modes including EASY PULSE for thin materials
• MMA function supports electrodes up to 4 mm
• 2/4 stroke torch trigger modes for operator preference
• Energy-efficient inverter with low power consumption
• Built-in VRD (Voltage Reduction Device) for MMA safety

Technical Data

• Input Voltage: 230 V, Single Phase
• Output Current: 10–200 A
• Duty Cycle: 200A @ 25%
• Weight: 6 kg
• Power Consumption (60%): 3.2 kW | Efficiency: 89%
• Power Factor: 0.7
• Supplied With: ST26 TIG Torch (4m), Earth Lead, Gas Hose, Power Cable with 13A Plug

Post‑Weld Cleaning & Finish for Stainless Steel

Heat tint and oxidation on stainless welds compromise appearance and corrosion resistance. For this, Welding Superstore offers:

Telwin Cleantech 200 Kit - a compact electrochemical system designed to remove weld discolouration and restore stainless steel’s polished finish quickly and safely. Supplied with brushes, cleaning liquids, and optional marking accessories for branding or identification work.

Best Practices for Welding Stainless

Preparation

• Clean thoroughly - remove oil, grease, oxide and mill scale to avoid contamination or porosity.
• Use the right shielding gas - pure argon or argon‑helium mixes for TIG; 98/2 argon‑oxygen or argon‑CO₂ blends for MIG.

Heat Control

• Lower heat input reduces risk of warping and oxidation. Use proper welding instructions for stainless to avoid carbide precipitation.

Technique

• TIG welding offers superb control: tack weld at intervals, stitch weld, and pause to avoid overheating.
• For MIG, maintain steady travel speed and short arc length.

Post‑Processing

• After welding, use the Telwin Cleantech 200 or cleaning kits to remove heat tint effectively and restore stainless’s clean, polished finish.

Why Choose Welding Superstore for Stainless Work?

• Wide range of consumables - including dedicated stainless TIG rods and cleaning products
• Fast UK delivery - free next-day delivery on consumable orders over £75.
• Expert support - help selecting the ideal welding machine, filler material, or cleaning system.

Successfully welding stainless steel requires choosing the right equipment, consumables, and cleaning process. TIG welding with low-carbon 316L filler delivers top-notch durability and aesthetics, while MIG or stick offer practical alternatives. And finishing tools like the Telwin Cleantech 200 ensure your project isn’t just strong, but spotless.