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Coloring zinc plated stainless steel red with dyes

Hello experts. I'm having a large order of custom forged stainless steel screws produced. The spec calls for a red coloring which is decorative only. We attempted a trivalent red chromate with no success--only a slight pink tint or even a gold color. Because the entire screw needs to be covered, painting through a dip process isn't an option. We are trying red dyes now, but the samples from the finisher are "splochy"--many surfaces areas either didn't take the dye, or it was rubbed off in the process. I'm looking for recommendations on the best way to color these screws red. Is it better to color the unplated SS or does the zinc plating provide a better surface. I'm after a red metallic look and the dyeing looks great if it were consistently applied. I have seen successfully dyed steel--I'm thinking of the green grounding screws that are common in electrical applications. I'm after that look but in red. Any direction you can point me in for approaches, products or suppliers is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Jeff Johnson
Product Designer, Business Owner - Farmington, Utah, USA
July 19, 2011

Try old Fishlock's book on metal colouring,there you can find small chapter on that subject.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
August 31, 2011

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It is possible to color anodize stainless steel without use of the chromate. See picture of possible colors. Contact us for more information.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

September 1, 2011