Black chrome plating
Black chrome gives metal parts a dark finish where appearance or reflected light matters. It is usually plated over a nickel underplate, which carries the corrosion protection. Olymco, Inc. publishes it among the finishes at its Canton, Ohio plant. Send the target appearance with your part details.
Where is black chrome used?
Black chrome is used on visible hardware, trim, and instrument components. Describe how the part will be handled and whether it will be exposed to weather, chemicals, or abrasion. Those conditions help define what the finish must do.
Black chrome plates from a different bath chemistry than bright chrome. Its deposit is microscopically rough, so it reads dark because it scatters and absorbs light. That is also why a black finish needs more than a color name. Identify the surfaces that will be visible, the desired gloss, and whether acceptance depends on an appearance reference or a measured reflectance requirement.
The condition of the base metal and the specified coating system matter to the result. Include any nickel underplate requirement, corrosion test, or existing finish. For absorber surfaces with optical performance targets, see solar black chrome.
Describe the incoming surface, and mark masking areas and acceptable rack contact locations. Note any packaging requirements that protect visible surfaces. Call (330) 452-2300 to arrange how to share drawings or samples.
Six details to specify for a quote
- Material and substrate
- Confirm the alloy and the incoming surface condition.
- Finish variant
- Specify the appearance and the coating system, including any underplate and corrosion requirement.
- Part size limits
- Send overall dimensions and weight. Racking and clearance still govern fit.
- Tolerances
- Identify coating thickness and any critical fits.
- Volume range
- State the quantity per lot.
- Minimum order
- Ask about the minimum order for the job.
Questions buyers ask about this process
Is black chrome the same as black oxide?
No. They are different surface treatments. Use the process and specification on your print when requesting a quote; a similar color does not make the finishes interchangeable.
Can I specify black chrome by color name alone?
A color name leaves gloss and acceptable variation undefined. Provide the appearance reference or measurable target that matters, and ask Olymco to confirm whether it can be met.
Does black chrome provide corrosion protection?
Corrosion performance depends on the complete coating system, including any underplate. Send the required corrosion test and acceptance criteria instead of relying on the black appearance as evidence of protection.
Can an already plated part be refinished in black chrome?
Existing coatings and base metal condition need review first. Identify the current finish and any wear, pitting, or damage. Confirm whether stripping and refinishing are feasible before shipping parts.
Can Olymco match parts made from different alloys?
A match needs confirmation across the actual materials and surface conditions. Identify the parts that must look alike and the reference used to judge them before ordering a mixed-material set.
How should black chrome parts be packaged?
Specify which surfaces must be protected from rubbing or contact. Discuss separators, contact materials, and return packaging with Olymco; see assembly, packaging, and shipping for available services.
Related finishes
Get a quote for your part
Have the six details above ready when you request a quote.