Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Black Finish for Stainless Steel 304 Sink

October 13, 2011

Hi,

I am currently developing a black stainless steel sink and I am trying to find a finish that could be applied to stainless steel 304 with a brushed #4 finish with good durability and corrosion resistance. I have looked into black oxide coating and had a few parts coated, but the wear is sub-standard for what we need and I have found it doesn't coat the welds very well. Please could someone lend me some advice on a good finishing process that will be wear resistant enough for a sink?

We are not after a jet black finish or one that is very chromed. More of a satin finish black.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Dave Lovegrove
Design Engineer - Brooklyn, New York, USA

---

Hi, Dave.

A sink sees terrific wear and abuse, so I doubt that any coating other than porcelain ceramic will do the job. But I have heard that solid black metal actually exists now; you might want to see letter 44070 and follow up with the inventors.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 13, 2011

---

First of two simultaneous responses -- October 14, 2011

Hi Ted,

Thanks for the lead, the chain of comments on that letter is interesting to read. I actually started looking down that route but couldn't find much so I will get in contact with the University of Rochester Office of Technology and take it from there.

Kind regards,

Dave

Dave Lovegrove
- Brooklyn, New York, USA

---

Second of two simultaneous responses -- October 14, 2011

Dave,

Look at my posting at 57826. The photo shows our initial testing (without masking) of matte black finish. Bright black can be done also if the initial surface is polished. The finishing is quite durable, and the process is chrome-fee.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania