Electropolishing is a surface treatment, not a surface coating. Thus, an electropolished surface can be physically damaged or degraded in the same way as its base material can be damaged or degraded. An electropolished 316 stainless steel surface has the same strength and hardness properties as those published for 316 material. Note however, because electropolishing may produce such a lustrous finish, even the finest surface scratch may be visible. Electropolished surfaces possess increased corrosion resistance and thus are more resilient in many corrosive environments.