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Black hardware solutions?

I restore automobiles that have hardware in need of refurbishment. I have done much reading on your site and am in need of some advice. I need a coating that is corrosion resistant and black in color. Black oxide seems to be the obvious choice but am concerned about the post treament "oil" rinsing off during the cleaning process that these cars often are subjected to. Black Nickel doesn't seem apropriate as a wrench could scratch the finish and you would see silver under the black. Is there an option that meet my criteria? All of the hardware I am dealing with is steel that sometimes is hardened to 10.9/ Grade 8 specs. Thank you for any help you can provide.

Peter Emhoff
Owner of restoration shop - Carantion, Washington, USA
April 3, 2008

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Hi, Peter.

"Black zinc" is what you are looking for, i.e., zinc plating followed by black chromating. Actually, though, a stable black color is most easily achieved on zinc-iron alloy rather than pure zinc, and it will be somewhat more corrosion resistant too. Yes, it will scratch from too much wrench work, but a black magic marker will cover any scratches.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 4, 2008