Frequently Asked Questions

DOES BLACK OXIDE COME IN OTHER COLORS?

No. Black oxide is a natural reaction of the metal with the Black Oxide Bath. This finish can vary from shiny parts with a tight smooth and/or hardened surface to matte part with a porous non-hardened surface. An oil post-treatment will help give a shiny finish.

CAN STAINLESS STEEL BE BLACK OXIDE?

Yes. Stainless steel can be blackened. We provide a Stainless Steel option for smaller components as the different solution is in a smaller bath and a slightly different process.

WILL THE BLACK OXIDE COATING CRACK OR FRACTURE IF THE PART IS BENT OR TWISTED AFTER BLACK OXIDE?

No. Black Oxide is an integral formed finish that allows for deforming of the part.

CAN ZINC OR CHROME PLATED PARTS BE BLACK OXIDE?

No. Black Oxide will not blacken over Zinc or Chrome or any other plating finishes. If part of a piece is Chromed, this can go into the Black Oxide bath and is not affected by our process, giving a half chrome, half black finish. We also have capabilities to strip Zinc in small quantities before applying a Black Oxide finish.

CAN BLACKENED PARTS BE REPLATED?

Yes. This can be achieved by stripping the plating first and then reapplying the Black Oxide Finish.

WHAT IS A COLD BLACK FINISH?

Room temperature Blackening in not a true Black Oxide process; rather it is the application of a Copper Selenium compound. This compound is cheaper and less functional substitute for a true Black Oxide finish. It does not look as good and has a tendency to have a very greasy and smutty finish, and it will rub off on your hands and clothing. Black Oxide Metal Finishers do not justify using cold black, as it nowhere near the same standards that are achieved by a hot Black Oxide finish.