Where the world gathers for
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989

"Glossy black finish on carbon steel"

-----

2005

Hello,
I currently have some carbon steel tubes that have been heat-treated and welded.
Traditional coating for them has been black-oxide, however some customers would like to see a glossy black finish on them. I have tried polishing the surface before plating(black-oxide), the results weren't glossy enough. Of course I'm looking for something cost competitive with the black-oxide. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Gene Degre
Metal Stamper - Worcester, Massachusetts

---

2005

You may have tried polishing, Gene, but you didn't try hard enough :-)

Don't give up. A high quality black oxide on a highly polished surface can give you a finish that looks like a jewel.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

---

2005

Black oxide is traditionally oiled or waxed for better corrosion resistance. Look at a black wax.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

---

2005

Oil it sparingly with any edible oil ( Linseed Oil [affil link] is best)or 20% shellac solution,then heat it slowly to 4oo C.Repeat if need,and then lacquer it.

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia