Abstract: A process for preparing a stainless steel surface for bonding to an adhes is described. First, the surface is wiped with a solvent and then soaked in an alkaline bath at an elevated temperature to remove dirt and grease. The surface is then rinsed with water and immersed in a 135-.degree.F. to 145-.degree.F. solution containing from 25 to 35 volume-percent sulfuric acid in water for a period of time equal to the length of time it takes for a reaction on the surface to commence plus about 4 to 8 minutes. Next, the surface is immersed in a solution at ambient temperature containing from 28 to 35 volume-percent nitric acid and from 2 to 3 volume-percent hydrofluoric acid in water for about 4 to 8 minutes, and then rinsed with water and dried.

Abstract: A coating composition for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion having ntrolled proportions of an alkyl ammonium alkyl phosphate and a high molecular weight petroleum sulfonate to inhibit corrosion, silicone and silicone alkyd resins to provide a physical barrier, trichlorotrifluoroethane and an aromatic hydrocarbon as solvents, and isopropyl alcohol as a coupling agent. An ethyl cellulose thickener may be added to the composition to increase its viscosity and reduce vertical run-off of the coating. The composition displaces water and moisture on the surface to be coated and deposits a clear, flexible, non-tacky film particularly resistant to abrasion.