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Burnishing & Blackening of Metal Surfaces

Function, advantages and use

Emil Otto's solutions

Burnishing and black coloring are tried and tested processes for the surface treatment of metals. They increase durability, improve function and optimize appearance. With our Nigrit product range, we offer users high-performance solutions for efficient, reliable and economical surface treatment.

Quality products for burnishing a wide range of metals

Versatile application possibilities

Applications in many technical sectors

With Emil Otto products, high-quality, durable and visually appealing metal surfaces can be achieved without complicated additional processes:

Machine and tool construction

Burnished surfaces are often used in mechanical engineering and toolmaking to make components more robust, corrosion-resistant and visually uniform.

Metal refinement and surface finish

Burnishing is a proven metal finishing process for a thin, uniform black tone. Ideal as a technical finish without painting or galvanic coatings.

Architecture and design components

Black dyeing also enhances metal surfaces in architecture and design. Burnished components can be found in decorative metal parts, handles, fittings and decorative design elements.

Restoration and repair

When replacing, repairing or refurbishing metal parts, black oxidation offers a quick way to restore the appearance of surfaces and protect them.

Furniture construction and interior design

Black dyeing is used in furniture construction and high-quality interior design to visually enhance metal components and integrate them harmoniously into modern design concepts.

Weapon care and metal preservation

In gun care, burnishing ensures an even, dark surface. It visually refreshes metal and protects components in combination with suitable after-treatment.

What does burnishing & black dyeing mean?

Corrosion-resistant surface on metal parts

Burnishing is a chemical surface treatment for the targeted creation of a deep black, corrosion-resistant surface on metal parts. Unlike thick paint or coatings, a thin conversion layer is created in which the metal surface is chemically transformed, e.g. to form black oxides. This process is often referred to as black dyeing and is particularly common in machine, tool and metal construction.

In classic black oxidation, a magnetite oxide film (Fe₃O₄) of only around 1-2 µm thickness is formed on iron components, for example, which protects the metal and at the same time permanently colors the optical surface black.

Burnishing agent

Product overview

Our burnishing agents are characterized by easy handling, immediate readiness for use and a wide range of applications, both in industrial production and in workshops.

Advantages of burnishing & black coloring

Corrosion protection, appearance & dimensional accuracy

Emil Otto products offer a range of added values for burnished and black-colored metal surfaces:

Protection against corrosion and environmental influences

The oxide layer created by black oxidation minimizes the surface area for rust and chemical reactions, especially if it is subsequently preserved or oiled.

Dimensional accuracy of the components is maintained

As no additional layer is applied during burnishing, but the surface is chemically transformed, the dimensions and tolerances remain unchanged.

Resistant to abrasion and bending

Burnished surfaces are characterized by good abrasion resistance and are suitable for further processing steps.

Visually appealing, uniform blackening, reflection-inhibiting

The black finish not only improves the function, but also the visual quality of components, especially visible components in machines, devices or tools. At the same time, it reduces the reflection of light, e.g. on weapons.

Versatile material compatibility

With the right chemicals, not only iron and steel, but also stainless steel, aluminum, copper and other alloys can be selectively dyed black.

For craft businesses and small volume customers

If you only need small quantities of our burnishing agents, you can also conveniently purchase them directly from our Amazon store.

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