Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Glossy black finish on carbon steel
2005
Hello,
I currently have some carbon steel tubes that have been heat-treated and welded.
Traditional coating for them has been black-oxide, however some customers would like to see a glossy black finish on them. I have tried polishing the surface before plating(black-oxide), the results weren't glossy enough. Of course I'm looking for something cost competitive with the black-oxide. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Metal Stamper - Worcester, Massachusetts
You may have tried polishing, Gene, but you didn't try hard enough :-)
Don't give up. A high quality black oxide on a highly polished surface can give you a finish that looks like a jewel.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005
Black oxide is traditionally oiled or waxed for better corrosion resistance. Look at a black wax.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
2005
Oil it sparingly with any edible oil ( boiled linseed oil ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] is best)or 20% shellac solution,then heat it slowly to 4oo C.Repeat if need,and then lacquer it.
Good luck!
Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2005
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