A Natural Part of the Ember Steel Journey
From time to time, HandPan players notice the appearance of small, light-coloured spots or subtle stains on their instruments – most often around the high notes or the central tone field.
If you’ve spotted this on your PanStream HandPan, please don’t worry: it’s normal, and your instrument is not defective.
What Are These Spots?
These marks are a natural feature of Ember steel, the high-quality material used in our HandPans.
- They are not rust.
- They do not affect the sound, tuning, or durability of your instrument.
- They are part of the chrome-oxide layer that forms naturally during the annealing (heat treatment) process.
This oxide layer is beneficial: it helps protect against rust and corrosion. Even if it gets scratched, it self-repairs almost instantly.
As our shell maker Ayasa explains:
“The patina on most Ember steel handpans is not stable and the instruments are likely to change colour. This does not affect the sound or tuning, it just creates a vintage look.”
In other words, these spots are cosmetic only, and each HandPan develops a unique, living aesthetic over time-just like a well-played acoustic guitar or violin.
Why Do These Spots Appear?
There are several natural reasons why these visual marks may occur:
- Heat treatment behaviour – At high temperatures (above ~390°C), the oxide layer reacts in different ways, creating variations in colour.
- Pre-treatment residues – Oils, fingerprints, or other residues on the steel before heat treatment can leave behind visual marks.
- Less frequently played areas – Spots often appear in places that aren’t touched often, such as higher notes. Regular playing and handling seem to keep other areas more visually stable.
Is This Rust?
❌ No – it’s not rust.
Ember steel is highly resistant to corrosion, and these spots are simply part of the material’s natural patina. They do not compromise the integrity, protection, or acoustics of your HandPan.
Caring for Your HandPan
To keep your instrument looking and sounding its best:
- Apply a light layer of HandPan oil using a clean microfiber cloth.
- Avoid over-oiling or using abrasive cleaners.
- Store your HandPan in a dry, stable environment at room temperature.
- Handle it with clean, dry hands to reduce surface residues.
These subtle spots are part of the natural story of Ember steel. They add to the uniqueness of each instrument without affecting its sound or longevity. Over time, your HandPan develops its own individual character—a mark of its journey with you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Full article here.
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