Application of colored stainless steel has stimulated impressive concern following present development in decoration industry since its reusability, easy processing and high corrosion resistance. However, the current technologies are not acceptable to chromium-free, antipollution and self-cleaning scenario. Here, we exploit a triangular potential scan process combined with subsequent spraying modification by submicron SiO2 particles and fluorosilane, to fabricate colored superhydrophobic surfaces on stainless steel substrates. Comprehensive characterizations of the surface were performed in terms of color, morphology, composition, structure, wettability, fretting contact durability and corrosion resistance by chromaticity coordinates, scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle, micro-friction experiment, potentiodynamic scanning and immersion corrosion test. By changing cycling numbers of the triangular wave potential in a simple NaOH solution, a series of different colors was successfully obtained. After spraying treatment, these colorful surfaces exhibited long-term stable superhydrophobic, self-cleaning properties, excellent fretting contact durability and satisfied corrosion resistance. The successful preparation of superhydrophobic colored surfaces offers the possibility of providing stainless steel with both decoration value and self-cleaning function simultaneously by our proposed chromium-free fabrication process.