A scanning laser beam was used to melt and normalize the surface layer of sensitized 304 stainless steel. Subsequent Strauss tests indicated a complete resistance to intergranular corrosion. Mechanical testing at strains less than 15&percent; also showed laser surface melting to indefinitely extend specimen life in a stress corrosion environment. At strains greater than 15&percent;, the laser‐scanned protective layer was breached by cracks. A maximum critical laser‐scanning velocity compatible with normalization of the surface layer is calculated. Similarly, a minimum critical laser‐scanning velocity required to avoid resensitization is determined. The stress distribution in a 304 stainless‐steel specimen with a laser‐melted and self‐quenched surface layer is estimated and shown to be compatible with the observed appearance of martensite in the melted surface layer.