Materials

Blackening stainless steel isn’t as straightforward as working with mild steel—it’s a bit more stubborn. Stainless doesn’t want to be black, but that doesn’t stop us. We make it happen.

Because stainless steel comes in a wide variety of alloys and surface finishes straight from the mill, it’s essential to plan carefully for the best results. Some stainless might have pits, while others arrive polished to a shine. Each type presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, we can achieve a beautiful, durable black finish.

Before starting your project, we recommend reaching out to discuss your specific stainless steel material and goals. The more we know upfront, the better the outcome. Below, you’ll find some of the more typical finishes we work with.

Grained (#4)

Let’s be honest, this is the stainless steel finish you see everywhere. Your kitchen sink? #4. Your fridge? Probably #4. Bathroom fixtures? You guessed it – #4.

It’s popular for a reason. This workhorse finish resists fingerprints like a champ and it’s a breeze to produce in a factory setting. They just run a massive sheet of stainless through a giant sander and voila – instant #4 finish.

But here’s the catch: replicating that factory magic on smaller, fabricated parts? That’s where things get hairy. It’s time-consuming, labor-intensive, and frankly, a bit of a pain in the neck.

Do we do it? Yep. Are we thrilled about it? Not exactly. But hey, that’s the price you pay.

Satin

This finish is all about understated elegance. Instead of a high-gloss shine, it offers a smooth, satin sheen that’s perfect for those who prefer a more subtle look.

This finish requires a clean and smooth starting point to truly shine. Think of it as the “no-makeup makeup” of the stainless steel world – it enhances the natural beauty without being too flashy.

When the base material is in good condition, this finish looks fantastic and can be quite cost-effective. It’s relatively quick to achieve, making it a great choice for projects where time is a factor.

However, it’s important to note that this finish requires a decent starting point. If your material has significant imperfections or scratches, they might still be noticeable. So, this particular finish is best suited for those in good condition.

Blackened

Stainless steel, like other materials, can be patinated to achieve a wide range of tones. From soft grays with depth to deep matte black, each finish brings unique depth and character.

Mild steel comes in many flavors. At its core, it’s all steel, but the differences in surface characteristics are where things get interesting. While all types of mild steel can be blackened, each produces a unique finish that sets it apart.

Hot Rolled Steel

This is the classic steel you probably imagine when you think of structural metal. It’s available in various forms like structural shapes, pipe, sheet, and plate. Hot rolled steel starts with a bluish or blackish surface that often looks a bit rough or dirty. However, with proper cleaning and finishing, it can transform into something sleek and visually appealing.

Pickled and Oiled Steel

Think of this as a more refined version of hot rolled steel. During processing, the mill scale is removed through pickling, leaving a cleaner surface. The result is a more uniform finish compared to hot rolled steel, with less texture and fewer color variations. If you’re looking for those unique color shifts, though, we can work with you to bring that character back.

Cold Rolled Steel

As the name suggests, this steel is processed without heat, which means no mill scale to deal with. Its smooth, uniform surface makes it an excellent choice for precise fabrication projects. Plus, it produces a beautifully consistent dark finish when blackened, perfect for a clean and modern look.