Electropolishing may improve the surface finish. Since they remove the surface layer by controlled corrosion, chemicals will also selectively remove the least corrosion-resistant areas such as the chromium-depleted zones.

Pickling is the most common chemical procedure used to remove oxides and iron contamination. Thorough rinsing with clean tap water must follow pickling. The water quality requirements, including acceptable chloride content, increase with the surface requirements. Pickling normally involves using an acid mixture containing 8-20 vol% nitric acid (HNO3) and 0.5-5 vol% hydrofluoric acid (HF). Chloridecontaining agents such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) should be avoided, since there is an obvious risk of pitting corrosion.