Still thinking about how to remedy the actual damage. What we're worried about is that the scratch will lead to water accumulation - rust - and eventually a hole (a few years down the line). Is there any paste or similar that can fill the scratch, or maybe one could use clear epoxy or something similar on the scratch? All suggestions and recommendations are welcome! 
Firstly, real acid-resistant/stainless steel does not rust under normal conditions, hence the name, sounds like you've been deceived if the bench rusts from a little ordinary water.
Secondly, give us some clear pictures from different angles. If the "scratch" as you say is so deep that it forms a lake, it might be better to knock it up from the underside, just like a dented car bodywork.
Secondly, give us some clear pictures from different angles. If the "scratch" as you say is so deep that it forms a lake, it might be better to knock it up from the underside, just like a dented car bodywork.
It will not rust, stainless steel is an alloy, meaning it is rust-free throughout. Rust on the surface is either because something has been on the surface and rusted, leaving a stain, or because the surface has been worked on with regular steel tools, allowing steel particles to stick to the surface and rust.
There are, admittedly, different qualities/alloys of stainless steel sheet, which have varying levels of resistance, but if there’s only a rust spot in one place, it’s probably because something has been resting against it there.
Stainless steel should normally not rust.
(Yes, stainless doesn't exist, the correct term is corrosion-resistant, but most grades can corrode quite well at very high chloride ion concentrations (a lot of table salt in water solution) and under certain conditions that limit the turnover of what surrounds the steel, e.g., leaves lying on stainless steel pipes can cause significant problems, especially if there are also traces of bird droppings.)
But these are not normal conditions in kitchens on countertops.
(Yes, stainless doesn't exist, the correct term is corrosion-resistant, but most grades can corrode quite well at very high chloride ion concentrations (a lot of table salt in water solution) and under certain conditions that limit the turnover of what surrounds the steel, e.g., leaves lying on stainless steel pipes can cause significant problems, especially if there are also traces of bird droppings.)
But these are not normal conditions in kitchens on countertops.
The damage is a small "nick". Looks like a knife blade has fallen with the tip down. Or, more likely, a screwdriver or similar during the renovation. Alternatively, damage from factory/transport. The scratch isn't much bigger than a corresponding nail hole. If you feel with your finger, you can feel that it dips slightly at the damage. In other words, not a major damage in terms of spread.
Looks black right now rather than rusty. However, I'm worried about rust, uncertain about how solid Ikea's stainless steel is.
I'll post a picture later this evening, grateful for any help!
Looks black right now rather than rusty. However, I'm worried about rust, uncertain about how solid Ikea's stainless steel is.
I'll post a picture later this evening, grateful for any help!
You don't think a small dab of transparent epoxy over the scratch could be an option? (though unsure if it's available in small quantities?)
It would be such a bummer if it turns into a rusty scratch that starts eating through the metal in a few years.
It would be such a bummer if it turns into a rusty scratch that starts eating through the metal in a few years.
The first scratch is always the worst but it will feel better
I know that! But have you never seen how scratches and damage on stainless steel collect rust? Damage allows various strong agents and juices, etc., to accumulate and stress it in a completely different way.mexitegel said:
There's a difference if it's stainless steel with corrosion resistance class C1 or C5 too. In the case of the IKEA sink, I haven't managed to find information on this.
I usually use Autosol.