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Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of post-annealing and post-tempering processes on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the AISI 304 stainless steel gas metal arc weldment. Design/methodology/approach Gas metal arc welding of AISI 304 stainless steel was carried out at an optimized processing condition. Thereafter, post-annealing and post-tempering processes were performed on the weldment. The microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical corrosion properties of the post-weld heat treated samples, as compared with the as-welded, were investigated. Findings The as-welded joint was characterized with sub-granular grain structure, martensite formation and Cr-rich carbides precipitates. This made it harder than the post-annealed and post-tempered joints. Because of slower cooling in the furnace, the post-annealed joint contained Cr-rich carbides precipitates. However, the microstructure of the post-tempered joint is more refined and significantly devoid of the carbide precipitates. Post-tempering process improved the elongation (∼23%), tensile (∼10%) and impact (∼31%) strengths of the gas metal arc AISI 304 stainless steel weldment, while post-annealing process improved the elongation (∼20%) and impact strength (∼72%). Owing to the refined grain structure and significant elimination of the Cr-rich carbide precipitates at the joint, the post-tempered joint exhibited better corrosion resistance in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution than the post-annealed and the as-welded joints. Originality/value The appropriate post-weld heat treatment that enhances microstructural homogeneity and quality of the AISI 304 gas metal arc welded joint was determined.