Midnight Black

Description

Our Midnight Black solution darkens steel and non-stainless steel alloys at room temperature without the need for any special equipment. This unique formula can be applied by immersion, spray or by brush for detailed areas. The color of the blackened surface may be burnished to lighten the intense darkness before sealing. After plating and/or coloring, finished parts may be quick dried and sealed, or allowed to oxidize. Oxidation will alter the colors and textures, creating an additional palate of finish effects.

Primary use

Application Method

For best results, steel being plated must be completely clean and free from all oils, mil plate, rust and any other contaminants. Wear latex gloves if handling part by hand as finger oils will effect the plate quality. Prep steel by sandblasting, pickling, grinding, wire brushing or sanding. Midnight Black will work on uncleaned steel, but uneven plating may occur. Remove residual oils and dirt particles with mild detergent in solution. Rinse with water to remove soap residue. Midnight Black may be applied either by spray or immersion, but immersion is recommended for an even plating. Immersion time is normally 1-2 seconds resulting in a dark black layer. The longer the solution is applied the darker the steel will become. After plating, immediately rinse in water to remove excess plating solution. Apply Rust Arrest to neutralize the chemical residue, allow Rust Arrest to remain for 20 seconds then rinse again. At this point the finished part should be quick dried with compressed air and sealed to avoid oxidation. An alternate technique is to allow part to dry naturally and allow a slight amount of oxidization to form, altering the appearance and texture. The part must be sealed with an appropriate topcoat such as acrylic sealer, wax, or clear powder coat, otherwise oxidation will eventually result.

Basic Instructions

View Video Demonstration  

What If?
• Plating peels off---------------Plating is too thick, immersion or spray time is too long.
• Part will not plate-------------Metal being used is not a compatible alloy, or is not steel.
• White spots or lines appear--Salt residue is present. Rinse part better or use Rust Arrest.

Technical Data

As with all chemicals, wear protective clothing, latex gloves, eye protection and avoid breathing mist. Use adequate ventilation with a chemical respirator when spraying. No known shelf life.
VOC is under 250

• Blacken steel and non-stainless steel alloys
• Clean the metal. (e.g..Sandblast or grind)
• Immerse or spray the metal with the Midnight Black.
• The more solution applied to steel the darker the finish.
• Rinse steel w/ water.
• While steel is wet, spray on Rust Arrest and let it work for at least 15 seconds.
• Rinse steel with water.
• Immediately, dry steel COMPLETELY with compressed air.
• Seal with Metal Finishes PLUS? Matte or Gloss Acrylic Sealer.