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How can I make steel threaded rod black?

I am interested in developing some audio shelf units to support stereo equipment. The shelfs will be plywood with hardwood edges. The supports (verticals) are to be 1/2" or 5/8" threaded rod. Above and below the shelf will be neoprene washers (for vibration damping), steel washers, and hex nuts. I would like the threaded rod to be steel (not aluminum or brass) for strength, durability, and weight. (more weight = more vibration resistance). How can I finish the rods so they will be black. I know that if I use paint it will chip off when I attempt to install the nuts and shelves over th rod. Is there some other way to finish the metal black. Bonus points: if the same technique will work on the nuts and washers that would be great! But I can paint those by hand separately if necessary.

I will not be dis/re/assembling the unit, so the finish only needs to be good enough to withstand initial assembly and normal use.

Thanks in advance!

Andrew P. Bajorinas
- Stamford, Connecticut, USA
2003

The finish you are thinking of is called black oxide. Check your local industrial supply house (grainger, fastenall, etc.) for off the shelf hardware. Check your yellow pages under plating or the sponsors of this website to get the all-thread black oxide coated.

Karl Ostermann
- Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
2003