
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Stainless steel coating/colouring
January 9, 2012
Q. Hi
I am designing a stainless (3CR12) part that needs to be coloured in various colours (for aesthetics). The part will be bashed around a lot. I do not know whether chemically colouring, or coating the part would be best. Chemical treating would be better for dimensional accuracy so it would be preferred if it is possible. The part must be stainless because it will be used in a saline environment.
Thank you for your help.
- Pretoria, South Africa
A. Stainless parts can be perfectly colored or blackened in bright durable colors. In fact we use coloring to mark surgical instruments.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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