I have found using a Schantz Reagent to verify arc strike removal in stainless steels a useful tool. First, lightly blend the arc strike area and then spiff up the area with a fine emery cloth. The better the surface condition, the better the results of the local etch. If the acid is allowed to pool on the removal site (do not swab etch) with a minimal amount of material removed, a color difference will be seen between the affected and non-affected areas in the arc strike region. This is your tell. Continue blending and polishing and etching until all evidence of the arc strike are eradicated. The locally hardened material caused by the arc strike will vary in depth, depending on the severity of the damage. But it must be removed as it has an elevated risk of cracking.
Regards,
DJ Kallhof
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