Summary for black chrome information Discussion
Black chrome information is discussed as a plating question from William Hannigan, who asked whether black chrome ("Black Pearl") emblems and trim require stripping existing chrome, special tanks and solutions, and clear coating, and whether that is the only practical route. Viney Chaddha replied that he understood the goal as plating the emblem with black chrome and described a trial bath using Cr2O3 at 250 g/L with acetic acid at 15 mL/L. He said the solution can produce varying shades from black to brown depending on current density and temperature. For 300-series stainless steel, he warned that the surface must be activated well or the coating may peel off. The thread does not discuss alternative commercial processes in detail, but it does suggest that proper activation and process control are critical if plating stainless or similar parts.
I have seen systems offered by the gold emblem plating manufacturers, which involve tanks, solution, etc. Additionally, I believe the chromium has to be chemically stripped from the emblems before the black can be applied. Then, the parts have to be clear-coated for durability.
Is this my only option? I’d like to explore all processes to achieve this finish, then decide if it makes sense to invest the capital, or find a job shop.
William Hannigan
– Providence, Rhode Island
A. Hi William,
I guess from your question that you intend to plate the emblem with Black Chrome. I tried the following: Cr2O3 250 gms/ltr and acetic acid
⇦ on
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Amazon [affil link] 15 ml/ltr this solution gives varying shades of black to brown depending on current density and temperature. In case you need to plate 300 series SS you need to activate it well else you land up having peel off problem.
Viney Chaddha
– Gurgaon, Haryana, India