Black Zinc Plating

When we talk about “Black Zinc Plating”, we are actually referring to Normal Zinc Plating… followed by Black Chromating or Black Passivation.

So you want a black color but the corrosion resistance of zinc plating? This is the way to go.

What do you need to know?

First of all, you need to understand the following…

1) There is no such thing as “Black Zinc Plating”…

2) There is Zinc Plating followed by Black Chromate or Black Passivate.

Black Chromates…

Black Chromates were (and still are) a very common Chromate Conversion Process Solution that can be used to Protect and Color Zinc Plating Deposits / Coatings.

Differences Between Black Chromates and Black Passivates…

There are a lot of differences between these two technologies…

1) Black Chromates give Corrosion Protection to your Parts / Components (and to the Zinc Deposit / Coating). The Black Chromate Layer protects the Zinc Coating against the Formation of White Rust. Black Chromates also have some limited “Self-Healing” Properties which are useful in protecting your Parts against future “scratches” etc…

2) The Black Passivates available on the Market DO NOT currently give any Corrosion Protection to your Parts! Therefore… (outside of Perma Pass 7030) Black Passivates are simply a “Color” Finish. To get similar Corrosion Protection as the Black Chromates… your Parts will need to be processed through a Sealant. Also, a Sealant can be useful in “deepening” the Black Color and removing Iridescence from the Black Finish.