Summary for black finish for stainless steel Discussion
Black finish for stainless steel is the main concern in this thread, along with a bronze option for a food-safe, durable household fruit bowl that will see rubbing at the base. Angela Haley asks whether 201 stainless is suitable, or whether a different metal or higher grade would be better for a low-cost but quality product. The excerpt provided does not include the actual technical replies, so no specific coating or alloy recommendation can be confirmed from the source text alone. The question itself makes clear that any solution must be FDA-compliant, scratch-resistant, and able to withstand wear from moving parts. Because the answer text is missing, the safest takeaway is that the thread is about selecting a finish and substrate that can survive contact, abrasion, and food-use requirements, rather than a decorative finish alone.
Q. Hello,
Can someone provide their expert opinion ⇦ huh? on which methods should be used on a stainless steel kitchen/household product to achieve a black finish as well as a bronze finish? It must be food safe and durable. To be more specific, the item is a fruit bowl with spokes/rods attached to a base that expands/rotates open as a bowl when placed on a flat surface. The parts will likely rub against each other at the base when opening so the finish must be resistant to scratches and wear, in addition to being FDA-compliant.
Is 201 SS acceptable in this application or would you recommend something higher quality? A different metal entirely? Looking for a low-cost option balanced with good quality.
Thanks in advance for any responses. I’m new to the industry so specifics are most welcome and appreciated.
Angela Haley
Product designer – Dallas, Texas, USA
November 23, 2017
A. Angela,
We recommend ss anodizing in black, see attached image. Black anodizing is scratch resistant and bio-acceptable. SS anodizing is used for color coding of surgical instrument. Bronze color can also be achieved, however it will not be as durable as black.
Only certain Stainless alloy types can be anodized. We recommend 420 stainless steel.
Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(ed. update July, 2025: sorry, Anna has retired)
November 28, 2017