Black Stainless Steel Oxide Gel

Stainless Steel Chemical Blackening With Verzinkshop Black Stainless Steel Oxide Gel

Black Stainless Steel Gel is the gel variant of our Black Stainless Steel Concentrate, ideal for chemically blackening stainless steel and especially large or vertical objects. The slower operation gives more control over the process. The product does not drip, works at room temperature and gives a durable dark gray to black result. A sealer is optional for additional corrosion protection.

Available in:

• 250 ml
• 500 ml
• 1000 ml

Features of Black Stainless Steel Oxide Gel

• Black Stainless Steel Gel is the same product as Black Stainless Steel Concentrate, but in gel form.
• Ideal for large and vertical stainless steel objects such as decorative panels, easy to apply with a sponge or brush.
• Stainless steel chemical blackening with a slower action than the concentrate for better process control.
• Creates a durable dark gray to black finish, sealer optional for additional corrosion protection.
• Works at room temperature with a process time of approximately 1 to 10 minutes.
• Not suitable for steel or iron, use Verzinkshop Black Oxide Gel.
• Clear manual for easy use.

Black Stainless Steel Oxide Gel Product information

Blackening stainless steel is a process in which a chemical conversion takes place without changing the dimensions of the object. The layer thickness is negligible, which makes it suitable for precision parts.

The gel works slower than the liquid or concentrate for better control. The gel is applied with a brush and worked in until the desired result is achieved. Different types of stainless steel react differently. If necessary, an additional layer can be applied. This gel is not suitable for other metals such as steel, use Verzinkshop Black Oxide Gel.

Black stainless steel yourself with Verzinkshop Black Stainless Steel Gel

1. Cleaning: thoroughly degrease the stainless steel object with alcohol, acetone or an industrial degreaser, no oily products. Leave on for 1–3 minutes.
2. Sanding: for large areas, use a Scotch Brite sanding sheet or steel wool scouring sponge. For smaller items, you can use Verzinkshop Activator or an acid bath, 30% to 50% hydrochloric acid. Rinse well after treatment.
3. Blackening: Apply the Black Oxide Gel with a sponge or brush and rub in for 1–10 minutes, until the desired result is achieved. Repeat as needed for a deeper color.
4. Rinse: remove the gel with a damp sponge or cloth or rinse the object in a container, not under the tap.
5. Sealing, optional: for extra protection, you can seal the surface with Verzinkshop Acrylic Sealer or Galvanizing DeepSeal Metal Sealer.
   • Verzinkshop DeepSeal for a light oily finish.
   • Electrolyte Acrylic for a hard, transparent finish.
   • 2K paint for heavy outdoor applications.

Advantages of chemically blackened stainless steel

• Protection against corrosion: the black oxide coating acts as a barrier against corrosion.
• Improved appearance: provides a professional-looking finish.
• Easy to apply: can be easily applied with a brush or sponge.
• Cost-effective: increases the durability and lifespan of stainless steel.

Frequently asked questions about black oxide on stainless steel

• Can I use the gel again? No, the gel is a one-time product. After use, it must be removed. What remains in the jar can be stored for about a year.
• Is the black layer rust resistant? Stainless steel is naturally rust-resistant due to the chromium-containing layer. After applying black oxide, this protective layer will return on its own within 24–48 hours. A sealer is not necessary, but it is recommended for extra corrosion protection.
• Why doesn’t my stainless steel turn black properly? Stainless steel naturally has a rust-resistant layer that must first be removed before you can chemically blacken the stainless steel. If this layer is not completely and properly removed, the stainless steel can get a gray finish. Please note that stainless steel has a shiny, gray-black iridescent finish due to the chrome in the stainless steel.

Activating stainless steel for a good result

Stainless steel naturally forms a dense chromium oxide layer that prevents further oxidation. This passive layer also blocks the reaction with black oxide products. Activate removes that layer, allowing the surface to react evenly and giving you an even gray to gray-black finish, especially important with 300 series stainless steel.

Activation can be done in different ways:

• Chemically with the Verzinkshop Metal Activator, good for stainless steel from the 400 series.

• With hydrochloric acid: use 30% hydrochloric acid, HCl, diluted 1:1 to 1:3 with water for 2–5 minutes, then rinse well, good for stainless steel from the 300 series.

• Mild alternative: warm citric acid for light activation or derusting, less powerful on strong passive stainless steel.

• Mechanical for large and flat surfaces that are easy to sand.

After activation, immediately blacken the object without letting it dry. The rust-resistant chromium oxide layer forms itself again as soon as stainless steel comes into contact with oxygen and moisture, often within seconds to minutes. This process can be accelerated by passivating with citric acid. During blackening, you want to prevent that repassivation between steps, so work wet in wet and continue treatment immediately after activation.